Camp Water Contamination Attorney

Who Is Eligible to File a Camp Lejeune Claim?

The Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act, passed by the United States Congress in 2012, provides a pathway for veterans and their families who were exposed to toxic substances from the Hadnot Point water supply to receive benefits. Meeting the eligibility criteria under this legislation requires:

• Proof of active duty during the specified period (1953–1987).
• Evidence of being stationed at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days.
• A qualifying health condition linked to toxic exposure.

If you’ve lived or worked at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and later developed health issues linked to toxic exposure, you might be eligible for compensation.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me?

If your health has been impacted by the contaminated water supply at Camp Lejeune, an experienced attorney can assist you in several ways:

1. Gathering and Presenting Evidence: Your lawyer can collect and organize the necessary documentation to prove your presence at Camp Lejeune and the resulting health conditions.
2. Navigating VA Benefits: An attorney can guide you through the VA benefits application process, ensuring that you meet all the requirements for a successful claim.
3. Advocating for Your Rights: If your initial claim is denied, your lawyer can appeal the decision and fight for your right to receive healthcare benefits and compensation.
4. Offering Robust Legal Representation: In cases where litigation is necessary, your attorney will provide effective legal representation in and out of the courtroom.

It’s essential to work with a qualified attorney to make sure your voice is heard and your rights are protected.

How Much Can I Recover in a Camp Lejeune Claim?

Victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination may be eligible for various forms of compensation, including:

1. Monthly Disability Compensation: Your monthly compensation will be based on the severity of your disability.
2. Special Monthly Compensation: Additional financial support may be available for those with the most severe disabilities.
3. Healthcare Benefits: Healthcare benefits can help cover medical expenses related to the qualifying health conditions.
4. Compensation for Emotional Distress: These non-economic damages acknowledge the psychological impact of the exposure.
5. Reimbursement for Past Medical Expenses: Specific damages cover costs incurred for treatment of related health conditions.

Consult an experienced mass tort lawyer to learn more about your options for compensation.

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Camp Lejeune Justice Act Claim?

All claims under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) must be filed by August 10, 2024. This deadline applies to anyone who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987, including family members of deceased victims.

It’s advisable to take early action due to the possibility of delays and extensive paperwork.

Is There a Deadline for Adjudication?

The Department of Defense and the Marine Corps have a mandatory six-month adjudication deadline to investigate and report on claims. While this deadline doesn’t directly apply to individuals filing lawsuits, it’s nonetheless crucial to understand its implications. LevelUp Law can provide insightful guidance on how the established timeline affects your case.

Camp Lejeune’s Water Contamination Explained

Camp Lejeune, a major Marine Corps base in North Carolina, became the center of a shocking environmental crisis when its water supply was found to be contaminated with toxic chemicals. Though not discovered until the 1980s, this contamination is believed to have been affecting the base's residents, including military personnel, their families, and civilian workers, since 1953.

The toxic water at Camp Lejeune has led to a myriad of health issues, legal battles, and legislative actions, culminating in the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which seeks to make those affected financially whole.

Health Complications Linked to Camp Lejeune’s Water Contamination

The water contamination at Camp Lejeune has given rise to a wide range of serious health issues. These include:

• Cancers:
• >Lung Cancer
• >Brain Cancer
• >Thyroid Cancer
• >Esophageal Cancer
• >Leukemia (Blood Cancer)
• >Multiple Myeloma (Cancer of Plasma Cells)
• >Bladder Cancer
• >Liver Cancer
• >Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (Lymphatic System Cancer)
• >Kidney Cancer
• Other Serious Illnesses:
• >Cardiac Defects
• >Neurobehavioral Disorders
• >Hepatic Steatosis (Fatty Liver Syndrome)
• >Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS - Blood Cell Production Abnormalities)
• >Aplastic Anemia (Insufficient Blood Cell Production)
• >Scleroderma
• >Nephrotoxicity (Kidney Damage)
• >Parkinson’s Disease
• Reproductive and Developmental Issues:
• >Miscarriages
• >Fertility Problems
• >High Rates of Childhood Cancer
• >Various Birth Defects

These health complications are a direct result of exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. Their tragic impact extends to both military personnel and their families, including unborn children, highlighting the severity and far-reaching consequences of the incident.