Camp Lejeune was built at the onset of World War II when the US realized that conflict with Japan and Germany wouldn’t simmer down any time soon. At the time, Camp Lejeune was the perfect site to build a military base because the vast coastline facilitated amphibious training. The Camp was close to Morehead City, and Wilmington and the pine forest were excellent training grounds. Unfortunately, veterans and families living within the Camp between 1953 and 1987 were also exposed to toxic water contaminated by benzene and harmful industrial solvents and are now eligible for compensation. If you or your loved one was affected by the contamination, then you should know that you are eligible for disability benefits. You can also join a class-action lawsuit to get compensation against the government. Let’s delve in and expound more on what you need to know about the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act
In the past, the Government was more or less immune to lawsuits filed by veterans injured in the line of duty due to a provision in the North Carolina Law. Fortunately, a new act will take effect that will undo this injustice. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is a new legislation that allows veterans and former inhabitants of the military base to take legal action for the adverse effects of exposure to water contamination.
How to file a claim
The first step to filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim is to find out if you are eligible for compensation. You should speak to an attorney filing the claim on behalf of victims of the contamination. You ought to meet the specific conditions to be eligible to file a claim. If you or your loved one were present or worked at the Camp for at least 30 days between 1st August and 31st December 1987, you are eligible to file a claim.
You can also file a claim if you were in the womb at the time and your mother resided in the military base during the specified dates. However, you are not eligible if you or your loved one didn’t develop any physical harm due to your stay at the Camp. Once you meet the criteria, your attorney will help you formulate a complaint explaining how your stay at Camp Lejeune has affected your life.
What happens if you have already gone to the VA?
Have you gone for VA disability benefits? Fortunately, you are still eligible to get compensation for toxic water lawsuit even though you have received benefits from Veterans Affairs. You are faced with two potential scenarios. If the state denied you VA benefits, justice would prevail, and you will receive help. We are also pleased to let you know that a previous denial will not prevent you from filing a lawsuit in the present. If you were fortunate to receive your VA benefits, the law would compile the total harm you have suffered and deduct the amount you have received through VA benefits.
How to find a Camp Lejeune lawyer
Some effective ways to find a lawyer to handle your contamination lawsuit case include conducting ample research online and asking your trusted friends and family members for a referral. Ensure the individual you choose to represent you has experience handling wrongful death, personal injury and mass tort cases.
What to do if you are not a veteran
As long as you resided, worked and lived in the Camp within the specified dates for at least 30 days, you are eligible to file a lawsuit. The new bill is not limited to veterans who were in the area at the time of exposure to contaminated water. Examples of groups who can file a suit include contractors, veterans, civil workers and the families of veterans.
Diseases covered in the lawsuit
Here is a list of diseases and conditions the state associates with exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. However, there may be other conditions that are not on our list.
- Liver cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Parkinson’s disease
- Adult leukaemia
- Cardiac congenital disabilities
- Multiple myeloma
- Kidney cancer
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Attorneys and other experts are also working on getting victims compensated for the following diseases:
- Lung cancer
- Miscarriage
- Oesophagal cancer
- Renal toxicity
- Infertility
- Breast cancer
- Hepatic steatosis
- Scleroderma
How much is the settlement
Your compensation will depend on the type and severity of your condition and how well your lawyer can link your suffering or condition to the water contamination. However, we can assure you that settlements will cover past and future medical bills, funeral expenses, pain and suffering and any loss of enjoyment from life.
What to do if your loved one is dead
According to The Camp Lejeune Justice Act, you can bring a lawsuit for your deceased loved one if you are their legal representative and receive compensation. We also believe that the death of your loved one need not be linked to exposure to contaminated water for you to get compensated.
Wrap up
It is unfortunate that veterans had to endure suffering for such a long time before they got justice. However, even though the effects are irreversible, we are glad that the law is doing the right thing by compensating the victims and their families. Speak to a Camp Lejeune lawyer to help fight for the compensation you deserve for the pain and suffering caused by the contamination.
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