Toxic chemical contamination occurred at Camp Lejeune, a U.S. Marine Corps in North Carolina, from August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987. The chemicals included trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), vinyl chloride (VC), and benzene.
Over the past 34 years, dangerous chemicals have contaminated the water, affecting more than one million people. A new law, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) of 2022, was signed by President Biden on August 10, 2022, allowing victims of the contamination to seek compensation.
Camp Lejeune was a second home to hundreds of Marines, their families, and an array of civilians who have served their country for years. Whether you, your family, children, parents, or someone you care about has been injured or ill due to the contamination of the water at Camp Lejeune, you may hire water contamination cancer lawyers to plead your case.
Benefits Of Hiring Camp Lejuene Water Contamination Cancer Lawyers For Your Lawsuit
To ensure you receive adequate compensation under the CLJA, qualified Camp Lejeune water contamination cancer lawyers can assist you with putting together your case. The lawyer you hire will interview you to gain insights about your time at Camp Lejeune, including how much exposure you have had to the water and how it has impacted your life. They will then determine the impact of the toxic water on your life and how it impacted your exposure, diagnosis, and treatment.
The goal of a water contamination cancer attorney is to create accountability and remove the financial burden imposed by toxic drinking water exposure, even though no amount of money can compensate for the harm you have experienced. The following are the benefits of hiring Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyers for your lawsuit:
- Prove that the cause of your or your loved one’s illness is exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. They will speak with doctors and other specialists to gather medical records and any evidence
- Ensure you get the maximum amount for your loss. They will analyze the factors that should be considered when seeking compensation, such as the income you lost, the pain and suffering you had to endure, and the medical expenses you incurred
- Assure deadlines are met. They will accurately complete and file paperwork and answer questions, such as how the claim might affect VA or Social Security Disability benefits
- File it in the Eastern District of North Carolina’s U.S. District Court if your claim falls within the statute of limitations
- Present the case to government attorneys and advocate on your behalf for maximum compensation to negotiate a settlement
- Represent your interests at trial if you or your family members do not receive a fair settlement
Appealing Denied Claims
Camp Lejuene water contamination cancer attorneys can help you appeal a VA denial of disability benefits or health insurance coverage. Appeals can be made in three ways, according to the VA:
- Supplemental Claim – It may be possible to investigate why the VA initially denied your application. You can obtain additional evidence and submit it if you choose this route for your appeal.
- Higher-Level Review – A more experienced claims adjudicator can review your application if you believe the denial was an error.
- Appeal to the Board – If you wish, you can submit additional evidence to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) for direct review. The BVA can also be contacted for a hearing. If you would like to be represented during this process, lawyers can help.
Establishing The Validity Of Your Claim
Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 differs from most personal injury claims in that it does not require proof of negligence to succeed. Applicants must demonstrate that their health conditions are associated with exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune to prove a claim under the Act. Their health conditions should satisfy one of the following:
- A causal relationship can be concluded if the evidence is sufficient
- There is at least a chance that there is a causal relationship present
If you need medical care due to drinking the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, your claim should be filed in federal court, and you should present medical evidence of your injuries.
You might be eligible for compensation for your serious health concerns for your hospitalization, doctor’s visit, prescription drug, and surgical expenses. Also, if you missed work due to health issues, you may be eligible for recoupment of lost earnings. Furthermore, toxic water exposure can cause physical pain and emotional trauma, resulting in compensation for pain and suffering. Your loved one might be eligible for burial, funeral, and medical expenses if they died due to toxic chemical exposure.
Next Steps
The VOC exposure that caused your health conditions may be covered if you were stationed at Camp Lejeune during the validity period of over 30 days. We recommend contacting experienced water contamination cancer lawyers for a free evaluation of your case.
Their goal is to identify your eligibility based on what you tell them. They will answer all your questions as they guide you through the process. As part of their legal services, they will make sure that your Camp Lejeune lawsuit is filed within the two-year window the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 provides if you want to proceed with your claim.
Getting started on a Camp Lejeune contamination lawsuit requires understanding your legal options. Those who wish to sue will have two years from when the law became effective or 180 days after receiving a denial notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the frequently asked questions about hiring qualified Camp Lejeune water contamination cancer lawyers:
How long will my case take?
The amount of evidence you have, the validity of your claim, and your health conditions will influence the duration it takes to be resolved.
What are my chances of success?
Evidence and government acceptance of responsibility will increase your chances of success. An initial consultation with your lawyer can give you a good idea of the strength of your claim.
Who can file a compensation claim?
People living, working, or unborn children exposed to the water at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.
What illnesses are connected to the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
Multiple types of cancer have been linked to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune. Veterans and their families who have suffered any of the 15 injuries/illnesses listed by the VA at Camp Lejeune might be eligible for compensation.
What benefits am I eligible for under CLJA?
You may be able to receive healthcare, disability benefits, and lawsuit compensation under the CLJA if your illness or injury is related to contaminated water.
Healthcare: All healthcare related to qualified illnesses will be paid for by the VA.
Disability Benefits: It is possible to receive VA disability benefits if a service member served for over 30 days from August 1953 to December 1987 and was diagnosed with one or more presumptive conditions. It is impossible to receive disability benefits for veterans who received a dishonorable discharge.
Compensation from claims/lawsuits: If you have been sickened by the toxic chemicals in Camp Lejeune’s water, you may receive compensation. These claimants include marines, former marines, surviving family members, military families, and civilians who lived or worked on the base.
How is compensation determined?
It will depend on how we can link the injury or illness to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated drinking water and whether compensation should be awarded. Among the factors that will determine how much is settled at Camp Lejeune are:
- Medical condition your doctor has diagnosed you with
- Extent to which you were exposed to the contaminated water
- Symptoms that cause your life to be negatively affected
Conclusion
Camp Lejuene victims have been battling for their rights and just compensation settlements for decades. With great progress on the legislative front and the passing of a few fundamental laws, people can now file a claim and sue the government for damages and compensation. For more information about filing a claim at Camp Lejeune and submitting evidence, contact an experienced water contamination cancer lawyer today.
Seek advice and representation from a qualified attorney if you are considering filing a Camp Lejeune claim. Are you interested in learning more? Check out our article on how to find the best lawyers for Camp Lejeune legal assistance.
