Military personnel and their families who spent time at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina were for many years denied access to legal remedies for illnesses caused by contaminated water. Relief might be on the way, though, thanks to the passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) and other legislative initiatives. You might be eligible to get financial compensation for your losses if you worked, lived, or served at the base at any point between 1953 and 1987. Many victims think they are powerless to seek compensation from the federal government, yet the CLJA opens the door to millions of cash that are meant to help victims. The effects of contaminated Camp Lejeune water are extremely serious and require legal action to recover from the financial losses.
Despite common knowledge, many affected are still searching for answers to some common questions related to the lawsuit. Have a look at the following information to get some much-needed answers;
Why Do People File Lawsuits Against Camp Lejeune?
On August 10, 2022, President Biden issued the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022. It is a component of the larger PACT Act. For veterans who were exposed to burn pits and other harmful compounds while serving, the PACT Act increases their access to VA healthcare and compensation. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act enables people to sue the US government in civil court for adverse water exposure at Camp Lejeune. In addition to waiving government immunity, it also suspends the civil claims statute of limitations in North Carolina. Lawsuits are being brought by individuals against the US government for harm resulting from exposure to tainted water at Camp Lejeune.
Who is Eligible for Payment Under the CLJA?
The statute attempts to protect anyone who became ill after spending at least 30 continuous days at Camp Lejeune as a result of exposure to contaminated water. Hazardous compounds have been present there since the early 1950s, and authorities only became aware of the pollution in 1982. For many victims, though, the harm had already been done. If you were exposed to contaminated water while working at Camp Lejeune as contractor or civilian military personnel, you are entitled to compensation under the CLJA.
Will CLJA Pay For My Medical Condition?
Because the toxins in the Camp Lejeune water were exceedingly dangerous, the diseases caused by them are many. Cancers on the liver, bladder, kidneys, lungs, breasts, and esophagus are just a few examples. Leukemia and lymphoma, infertility and miscarriage, birth deformities, Parkinson’s disease, and many more are also included. As a result, if you can prove that you stayed at the camp for 30 days and are now experiencing a medical condition, the CLJA will pay for the past, present, and future medical expenses.
What Would Happen if Someone Passed Away Before Filing a Claim for Camp Lejeune Toxic Water?
Victims of the poisonous water at Camp Lejeune may submit a claim on behalf of a departed family member. This claim covers prior medical expenses, funeral expenses, and lost income due to a loved one’s passing.
How Should I Proceed if I Believe I Am Entitled to a Camp Lejeune Claim?
Do you believe the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune caused you harm? If so, your best course of action is to speak with an accomplished mass tort lawyer about your prospective claim. An attorney can examine the circumstances of your case, respond to your legal inquiries, and assist you in determining your best legal alternatives.
What Losses Am I able to recover?
To assist those affected by Camp Lejeune water poisoning, the Department of Veterans Affairs has established a fund. The fund is meant to pay for prescription drugs, medical care, and other associated expenses. Keep in mind that receiving benefits won’t have any impact on your present VA benefits. You can also be eligible for lost wages, pain, suffering, and disability payments depending on your specific circumstances.
Do I Require Legal Representation for a Camp Lejeune Claim?
Working with a lawyer, even if it is not legally needed, assures you get the money you are due. If you don’t have legal counsel on your side, you run the danger of receiving a low compensation amount. The lawyer can compile all the necessary data essential for winning the right financial compensation.
These are some of the frequently asked questions by the victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination. However, there are a lot more questions that might be specific to your medical condition and circumstances. Therefore, it’s best to consult an experienced lawyer, as they are most suited to answer all your questions.
