Congress passed the Honoring Our PACT Act on August 2, 2022. This law allows veterans and their families to file lawsuits for injuries they suffered due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The new law includes the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 (CJLA). This law removes barriers for Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water victims to pursue compensation for their injuries.
The volatile organic compounds in the water at Camp Lejeune have been linked to many types of cancers and other serious conditions. If you were stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1953 to 1987 and you have developed cancer or another chronic condition, you may be able to recover compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. The amount of compensation to which you may be entitled will depend on the unique facts and circumstances of your case.
Who is Eligible to Recover Compensation in a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?If you were present at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and became ill due to the contaminated water, you likely qualify to pursue a lawsuit. You do not have to be a veteran to pursue compensation. Staff members who worked at the base and relatives of veterans who were at the camp between those dates can pursue compensation.
However, service members who were dishonorably discharged and their family members are not qualified, even if they were victims. You may qualify for compensation if you worked at or resided at Camp Lejeune when toxins were present in the water, and if you have been diagnosed with one of the following diseases:
These are just a small sample of the health risks and cancers associated with toxic water at Camp Lejeune. Even if your health condition is not included on this list, we recommend contacting an attorney to discuss your case. Many other medical conditions have been linked to exposure to volatile organic compounds.
Average Settlement Amounts for Camp Lejeune LawsuitsA settlement amount will depend on multiple factors, including the seriousness of the medical condition. For example, if a plaintiff has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer caused by exposure to toxic water, he or she will probably be entitled to a much larger settlement. Settlements for severe medical conditions, including cancer, can exceed be substantial.
The attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, have the professional and financial expertise to estimate your damages. The experienced litigators at Arnold & Smith, PLLC will aggressively negotiate for the most compensation possible in your case.
How Much Is My Case Worth?The dollar amount of your contaminated water claim depends on your unique experiences. For many plaintiffs, compensation will be related to past and future medical costs. Since 2012, veterans and their loved ones have been able to apply for Camp Lejeune-related health benefits and disability benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Any award obtained through a personal injury lawsuit will be offset by the cost of the medical benefits that have already been received. You can also pursue compensation for lost income, diminished earning capacity, and pain and suffering. There is no cap on the amount of damages an affected person can recover.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022In 2022, the President signed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act into law. Before the law was passed, veterans injured by contaminated water could not successfully pursue lawsuits because of a statutes of limitation and repose and because of governmental immunity. The Feres doctrine prevents veterans from bringing a lawsuits against the government for injuries they suffered during their service.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 overrides the Feres doctrine. Veterans injured by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune can bring lawsuits directly against the federal government. Veterans only have a limited time to do so. If you have been injured, the best thing you can do is consult with an attorney to recover the damages you deserve.
Reach Out to an Experienced Personal Injury AttorneyIf you or a loved one was stationed at Camp Lejeune and has developed a serious health condition, it is important that you discuss your case with an attorney. You have a limited amount of time to file a claim and do not want to miss your opportunity to obtain compensation for all your damages. Contact the skilled North Carolina personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, to schedule your free case evaluation and learn more about your legal rights.