If you are the victim of water contamination at Camp Lejeune, there is help available. A water contamination lawsuit can provide financial compensation and help to ensure that the military environment is clean. Here’s everything you need to know about filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit:
Who Is Eligible To File A Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?
The VA estimates that about 1 million veterans were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune when they were serving in the Marine Corps between the 1950s and the 1980s. These individuals and their families may be eligible for compensation through a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit. However, you must meet the following criteria to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit:
- You must be a veteran who has lived in North Carolina at any time between 1953 and 1987. This includes veterans who served at Camp Lejeune and those who lived nearby and attended school there.
- You must have a diagnosed condition linked to exposure to contaminated water at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune or in the waters of Onslow County, NC. Examples of these conditions include kidney cancer, bladder cancer, peripheral neuropathy, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and colorectal cancer.
- You must provide documentation from your doctor verifying that your condition is linked to your military service at Camp Lejeune. You must also show that you sustained the illness before August 31, 2015, the deadline for filing for compensation under the VA’s Camp Lejeune settlement program.
What Types Of Compensation Can I Receive Through A Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?
If you file a claim for a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, you may be eligible to receive compensation for a variety of medical expenses related to your medical condition. You may also be entitled to receive damages for pain and suffering associated with your illness or disability. In some cases, you may be able to receive compensation for funeral expenses related to your loved one’s death from an illness linked to the contamination of Camp Lejeune’s water supply. If you’ve lost a loved one due to this exposure, you may also be able to file a wrongful death claim against the government to receive compensation for your final expenses and other damages.
Do I Have To Hire An Attorney To File A Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?
It’s not required to hire an attorney in order to file a lawsuit. However, you may have certain rights to compensation that are only available to you under the laws of North Carolina and federal laws. An experienced attorney can examine your case and help you determine whether you have a valid claim.
Your attorney can also help you collect all the necessary documentation and medical documentation you need to prove your claim to the courts and provide updates regarding the water contamination litigation. Hiring an attorney is not required but may be beneficial in maximizing your recovery.
What are the key legal elements of a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit?
One of the key legal elements of a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit is establishing a link between your illness and exposure to contaminated drinking water at the military base. You will need to provide medical records and other documentation to support your claims, as well as testimony from any medical professionals who can attest to the link between your illness and your exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
You will also need to prove that your symptoms developed after the period of peak contamination of the military base. Finally, you will need to prove that the symptoms you suffered were a direct result of your exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and not the result of another illness or injury.
The attorneys for the defense will not settle cases unless they believe that there is a valid claim that can be proven in court. If your case is rejected during the initial review process, you may consider hiring an attorney to help strengthen it before filing it in civil court.
Conclusion
You are also free to consult a lawyer for assistance with filing a lawsuit or claim for compensation related to water contamination at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. Hiring an attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Contact our firm today to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case.
