At the edge of Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, nearly 40 years after the leukemia-related death of his daughter Janey, Jerry Ensminger returns often. Since Congress last year agreed to compensate veterans, workers, or their relatives who contracted diseases such as cancer or Parkinson’s from toxic water exposure at the base, more than 129,000 claims have been submitted with many more expected before the August deadline. However, disputes concerning legal fees and jury trials may slow the process. Read More
For decades, Ensminger, a former Marine drill instructor, has been a vocal advocate on the issue of Camp Lejeune’s toxic water, with testimonials at Capitol Hill and meetings with presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden. The case against the Navy, which oversees the Marine Corps, bears the potential to rival the largest-ever mass torts, but with the exception that the government has already agreed to compensate the victims. Lawyers and judges are currently in negotiations to tackle what could be tens of thousands of suits around disputed claims.
Nevertheless, unresolved issues persist. Among these are whether veterans whose compensation claims are rejected by the government can opt for jury trials, a provision limiting the fees charged by plaintiffs’ lawyers, and dealing with the infiltration of bogus claims.
The last four decades have indeed thrown light on the severe health effects experienced by many veterans due to the water contamination at the base, with diseases ranging from kidney cancer, liver cancer, leukemia to bladder cancer. With a new finish line in sight and the issue attracting national attention, the resolution of the toxic water scandal at Camp Lejeune hinges upon finding just and efficient solutions to these remaining roadblocks.