(843) 380-8350
U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy veterans, reservists, guardsmen, and civilians who resided at or worked in Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between August 1953 and December 1987 are eligible to pursue a settlement. In addition, families can also seek compensation if they lived in base housing during that time or have lost a loved one who worked on the base.
People looking for compensation must follow certain rules and steps, so it is best to talk to a qualified personal injury lawyer who is familiar with this area of law. Contact our law firm for a free case evaluation, or continue reading to learn more.
U.S. Marine Basecamp Camp Lejeune
Camp Lejeune is a Marine Corps base in Onslow County, North Carolina. In 1982, the Marines discovered specific carcinogenic chemicals in the drinking water. These chemicals were found in samples from two of the eight water treatment plants on the base.
The water was contaminated with industrial solvents, benzene, and other toxic chemicals. The contamination is believed to have started in the 1950s and continued until at least 1985.
These harmful chemicals have been linked to various health problems, including several types of cancer, birth defects, and other serious illnesses.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022
Fortunately, water contamination victims and their families have legal recourse. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA), also known as the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT), is a federal law enacted on August 10, 2022, to provide assistance and compensation to individuals harmed by water contamination in the area.
The Act requires the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide medical care to veterans and their family members who were exposed to contaminated water and subsequently developed certain types of cancer and other illnesses.
Water Contamination Settlements
The U.S. government recognizes the health problems experienced by veterans and civilians exposed to toxins in Camp Lejeune’s water supply. As a result, funds have been set aside to compensate those who suffered from health issues caused by the base’s drinking water. These funds are available to those who can prove they were affected.
While submitting a claim may slightly differ based on individual circumstances, all military applicants must be prepared to provide proof of their service record during a specific period. They must also obtain an official diagnosis or symptoms of an illness linked to the contaminated military base water.
By filing a claim, affected individuals can seek compensation for medical treatments due to their exposure to toxins while stationed at Camp Lejeune. Enlisting the help of an attorney could improve your chances of obtaining a fair settlement.
VA Healthcare and Disability Benefits Available to Water Contamination Victims
According to VA, filing a lawsuit under the CLJA won’t affect your eligibility for VA disability or health care benefits.
If you file a claim under the CLJA, not only could you be compensated through this bill, but you will also keep receiving the compensation you are getting from your VA benefits claim. However, compensation is subject to offsets for VA benefits.
Presumptive Conditions
Presumptive conditions are health conditions presumed to be related to exposure to the affected water supply. The VA has established a list of presumptive health issues that are likely related to exposure to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water.
The list includes 15 covered conditions:
- Bladder cancer
- Leukemia
- Kidney cancer
- Hepatic steatosis
- Female infertility
- Breast cancer
- Miscarriage
- Esophageal cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Lung cancer
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Scleroderma
- Renal toxicity
- Neurobehavioral effects
Issues Not Listed by the VA That Camp Lejeune Drinking Water May Have Caused
The absence of a health condition from the current ATSDR report or the VA’s list of presumptive diseases does not automatically mean that the polluted water was not the cause of the condition.
Other conditions that may be associated with the contamination include but are not limited to the following:
- Liver cancer
- Brain cancer
- Lou Gehrig’s disease
- Aplastic anemia
- Cervical cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Bone marrow conditions
How To Proceed With a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit or Settlement
The CLJA permits military veterans, family members, and civilians who worked or lived there to file a legal claim. This claim for financial compensation could be based on health problems or losing a loved one due to exposure to dangerous chemicals.
Our Attorneys Are Here To Help
If you have been affected by the contamination at the base, our lawyers may be able to help. Our legal team has the expertise to pursue a settlement for our clients and provide them with the compensation they deserve.
We know your health should be your top priority, so we work hard to ensure that seeking compensation doesn’t add to your stress.
What We Can Do for You
When working with our team, we will help you understand your legal rights and handle the legal process.
We will collect evidence, such as medical records and military service documents. We will also document witness testimony, file claims, and negotiate settlement amounts to obtain the most compensation possible in your case.
Our experienced lawyers are committed to getting you the best outcome for your issue while you relax and recover from health problems or grieve the loss of a loved one.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney About Your Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Injury
You might be eligible for compensation if Camp Lejeune’s contamination issue has affected you or someone in your family. A Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit is the only way to get fair compensation in many cases.
While every case is unique, victims of water contamination often receive settlements in excess of $1 million in some cases. The attorneys at Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward will protect your rights. We can assist you with your claim for your injuries, sickness, or the wrongful death of a loved one.
Contact the Thumbs Up Guys today or fill out the online form to find out if you have grounds for a lawsuit.
