Between the years of 1953 and 1987, the water supply at Camp Lejeune military base in Jacksonville, North Carolina was contaminated by a host of toxic chemicals. As a result, over one million service members, contractors, civilians, and their family members were exposed to these toxins through their drinking water. These chemicals have been identified as:
- Tetrachloroethylene (PCE or PERC)
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Vinyl Chloride
- Benzene
Various sources are to blame for the release of these chemicals. Improper disposal of industrial waste, leaking fuel tanks, and a nearby dry cleaner’s usage of PCE and PERC are the main causes of toxins seeping into the groundwater at Camp Lejeune. Those who suffered from the toxic water supply were ignored for many years by the U.S. military, but that’s no longer the case with the signing of the PACT Act (Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act) on August 10, 2022.
This critical legislation will allow Camp Lejeune victims and their family members the chance to seek monetary damages from the federal government. If you are one of these individuals, you likely to have many questions on your mind, including:
“How much can I receive from a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit?”
That’s the topic we will explore in this article, along with other important information regarding your rights and legal options. Before we discuss potential settlement amounts for these cases, let’s go over the illnesses you or a loved one may be suffering from due to chemical exposure at Camp Lejeune.
Health Conditions Resulting from Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune
According to the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs, there are many health conditions that can be attributed to the water supply at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period. These illnesses include:
- Aplastic anemia (and related syndromes)
- Hepatic steatosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Neurobehavioral effects
- Bladder cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Female infertility
- Miscarriage
- Breast cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Renal toxicity
- Scleroderma
Throughout the years, patients and family members of deceased victims tried to sue the U.S. military for negligence, as they had full knowledge of the dangerous conditions at Camp Lejeune. Though they were unsuccessful, their unrelenting efforts paved the way for the PACT Act. Finally, all Camp Lejeune toxic water supply victims will have their day in court, but it’s undeniably challenging to win a case against a federal agency. Our lawyers have the skill and experience you need to succeed in a Camp Lejeune lawsuit for personal injury or wrongful death. To discuss your rights and legal options, contact our law firm and schedule a free consultation.
What is the Value of my Camp Lejeune Case?
Frankly, there are many variables that will affect the value of a Camp Lejeune lawsuit, and these factors are different for each injury victim. Some settlements will be in the 5-figure range, perhaps $25,000 and up, while others are expected to exceed $1 million. We do know that $6 billion have been set aside to compensate eligible claimants. With growing public outrage on behalf of the victims, it’s quite possible that Congress will vote to increase this amount.
One thing we feel confident about is the high value of cases involving Parkinson’s disease and cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, liver cancer, and kidney cancer. Due to the debilitating nature of these diseases, settlements are likely to range from $150,000 to $350,000 and up. The same can be said for cases involving deceased victims, who were robbed of the care and benefits they were entitled to. Cases involving premature death as a result of water contamination at Camp Lejeune may bring in settlements between $250,000 to $1 million or more.
While we can make projections based on similar lawsuits, your settlement value will depend on circumstances that are unique to your own case. To learn more about what you can receive from a camp Lejeune lawsuit, please take some time to speak with one of our attorneys.
Monetary Damages from a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit
Your lawsuit for a case of water contamination at Camp Lejeune will include various financial and emotional damages. These damages include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Disability benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Cost of mental health services
The combination of all these losses can be significant, especially for victims who are suffering from, or have passed away from complications due to cancer or Parkinson’s disease. Another significant development is the ability to sue for pain and suffering and mental health treatment. Most Camp Lejeune victims struggled with mental health issues due to their diagnosis, or from a traumatic event like miscarriage or becoming infertile. Regardless of your circumstances, we can help you recover the full range of damages you are entitled to from a Camp Lejeune compensation claim.
Can I Pursue a Compensation Claim if my Family Member has Died?
Yes, you are allowed to pursue a claim as the family member of a deceased Camp Lejeune victim. To qualify for a lawsuit, you must prove that your loved one lived, worked, or was stationed at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days during the years of 1953 to 1987. Then, you must show evidence that they died prematurely from one of the health issues identified by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs. Finally, the decedent must not have been dishonorably discharged from the military.
Family members have two options when it comes to filing a claim on behalf of a decedent: a survivorship claim and a wrongful death lawsuit. There are specific rules on who can initiate the claim or lawsuit, though funds from the settlement can be paid out to family members. One of our lawyers can go over these options with you and help you decide on the best course of action.
How do I File a Camp Lejeune Claim for Compensation?
Before you can pursue a Camp Lejeune lawsuit, you will need to submit a claim to the Judge Advocate General’s Corps, or JAG, of the U.S. Navy. This federal agency has 6 months to review your claim. If your claim is denied or they fail to respond by the 6-month deadline, you can then proceed with a lawsuit, which must be filed with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
There are strict timelines regarding how long you have to pursue a Camp Lejeune lawsuit, so you must get started on a claim right away. Our lawyers are waiting to assist you, so contact our office and schedule a free case evaluation.
How long do I have to File a Lawsuit?
If you have been diagnosed with a qualifying health condition, you have two years from the signing date of the PACT Act to bring a lawsuit for monetary damages. Or, if you were at Camp Lejeune during the period of contamination but have yet to receive a diagnosis, you have two years from a future date when you are officially diagnosed. On the other hand, if you are seeking damages on behalf of a deceased victim, you have two years from the signing date of August 10, 2022 to file a claim for wrongful death and/or survivorship benefits.
You should discuss these timelines with an attorney to ensure that you meet the correct statute of limitations for your claim. To ensure that your lawsuit is filed in a timely manner, make sure to speak with one of our wrongful death attorneys.
Contact Normandie Law Firm
Justice for Camp Lejeune victims and their loved ones is long overdue, but it will no longer be denied thanks to the passage of the PACT Act. While these individuals will finally have their day in court, there’s no denying the challenges of navigating a lawsuit against the federal government.
Our law firm is offering representation for those that were injured, developed a serious illness, or lost a family member due to their exposure to contaminants in the water at Camp Lejeune. We are proud to do this at no cost to you under the terms of our Zero fee guarantee. We ask for our fees along with your settlement request, so the only way we get paid is if you get paid.
A Camp Lejeune lawsuit attorney is standing by to advise you, so please give us a call right away. We look forward to bringing you the compensation you deserve.
Other Pages on Our Website Related to This Topic
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Wrongful Death Lawsuits
What is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Camp Lejeune Case
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