Our Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawyers Can Help You Get the Justice You Deserve
Nobody ever wants to hear that they have cancer. You wonder how this disease could happen to you, especially after you have dedicated so much of your life to service in the United States military and kept in reasonably decent shape. Then you remember that you served at Camp Lejeune many years ago and recall toxic chemicals had contaminated the water supply. Could that be the source of your cancer?
Unfortunately, up to one million military members, staff, family members, and other individuals are also asking themselves this question right now. While the attorneys at Westmoreland Injury Lawyers can’t make your cancer or other health conditions disappear, we can help you get the benefits and compensation you deserve if your disease is linked to exposure at Camp Lejeune.
President Joe Biden signed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 on August 10, 2022. This legislation allows military veterans and their families exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune to receive the long overdue compensation they ought to have. Get in touch with our Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyers today to receive a legal evaluation and see if you have an injury claim under this act.
What Is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is a bill signed into law in August 2022 by the federal government as part of the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. Because of this law, those exposed to toxic water at Marine Corp Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC, between 1953 and 1987 can bring claims for personal injury and wrongful death caused by toxic exposure.
The history of this act dates back to 1982, when the U.S. Marine Corp found dangerous chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune. They also discovered that the exposure started in 1953, and the most contaminated wells were removed from service in February 1985. However, that didn’t stop the toxic exposure faced by many military service men, women, and families.
The Chemicals Found in the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
The contaminated water at Camp Lejeune included the following harmful chemicals:
- Trichloroethylene, which is used as a metal cleaner
- Tetrachloroethylene, also known as perchloroethylene or PCE, is a dry-cleaning agent and metal degreaser
- Benzene, a chemical often found in gasoline
- Methylene chloride, a chemical solvent often used to remove paint
- Vinyl chloride, colorless gas used to make some plastic products
The personal injury attorneys at Westmoreland Injury Lawyers are outraged that our nation’s heroes and their families were exposed to such harmful chemicals. That’s why we are on a mission to give back to those who fought for our country and bring our expertise to serving Westmoreland County citizens with these injury claims. Contact our Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyers today if you think you were affected.
Who Qualifies for a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?
Any individual, including U.S. Military veterans and their families who served, worked, or resided at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, for at least 30 days, were exposed to the toxic water, and suffered harm as a result qualifies for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit. The claims must be brought to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Suppose you have already received health and disability benefits through Veterans Affairs for conditions related to Camp Lejeune water contamination. In that case, your compensation will likely be reduced in proportion to any prior award or payments received.
In short, if you were on active duty, stationed at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987, and developed a qualifying condition, you may be able to sue for damages.
What Diseases Are Associated with the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
The following diseases are associated with the water contamination at Camp LeJeune:
- Esophageal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Lung cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Liver cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Renal toxicity
- Multiple myeloma
- Female infertility
- Miscarriage
- Scleroderma
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Cardiac defects
- Early onset dementia
- Aplastic anemia
- Neurobehavioral effects
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Leukemia
- Myelodysplastic syndrome
- Hepatic steatosis
- Fetal death
- Birth defects
- Cervical cancer
Before the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, military veterans and their families who suffered from these conditions due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune had limited legal recourse. But when the Senate passed the Honoring Our PACT Act in June of 2022, the government vowed to improve health care and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act sets a new statute of limitations, removes traditional government immunity defense, and allows affected individuals to sue and recover damages due to exposure. Get in touch with the best legal representation near you at our law firm in Westmoreland County. Our Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyers want to help you get the justice you deserve.
How Much Are the Water Contamination Settlement Amounts?
You may receive two types of compensation for your exposure to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune and the associated condition. The first is a monthly compensation that can be as high as $3,000 per month with a 100% disability rating. The second is special monthly compensation, which may be available in more serious cases.
Your specific compensation will depend on numerous factors, including your disability rating. Contact our injury lawyers today to see what compensation you may receive.
You may be entitled to compensation for any of the following situations:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability
- Loss of society and companionship
How Do I File a Claim?
When you work with the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyers at Westmoreland Injury Lawyers, we strive to make filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit as painless as possible. Suppose you have a personal injury case related to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune. In that case, our injury lawyers will be with you every step of the way to file a claim to get the health benefits and compensation you deserve.
- First, we will determine your eligibility to file a claim during your legal evaluation
- Then, we will work on building a strong case for you by examining your medical records, obtaining testimony, and any necessary evidence needed
- We will file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit on your behalf
- Next, we will negotiate with the defendant to get the settlement amount you deserve
- If needed, we will present your case in court with all the evidence and testimony we have gathered
A settlement will allow you to receive compensation sooner and avoid going to court, but if a case needs to go to court, a judge and jury may hear your case. They will decide on an amount of compensation for your injuries in a verdict, and there is no guarantee of the amount of payment. You need to trust the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyers at Westmoreland Injury Lawyers to fight for the settlement you deserve.
Think You Have a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Case? Call Our Personal Injury Lawyers Right Now!
Being diagnosed with cancer or other serious health conditions is scary, and if it’s a result of being exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune, it’s downright infuriating. Even though we cannot reverse time and prevent your exposure to harmful chemicals, our Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyers can see to it that you get the benefits you deserve.
With more than 18 years of experience fighting to protect the rights of individuals who were harmed by others, our personal injury lawyers are ready to represent you. Get in touch with us today for your legal evaluation, so you can be on your way to healing your past and present pains.
