If you or a loved one has been impacted by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, you may have a legal claim. Camp Lejeune is the site of a longstanding contamination case that was recently made public.
Millions of dollars in compensation are available for those affected by the contaminated water. Here we will discuss filing a lawsuit against the federal government for Camp Lejeune’s contamination and how to prepare for your claim.
What Is Camp Lejeune?
Camp Lejeune is a Marine Corps base located in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The base was established as a supply depot in 1942 and was used throughout World War II. The water contamination started in the 50s until 1987. Local businesses around the base were responsible for contaminants that flowed into the water supply.
Despite water tests showing toxic levels of chemicals in the water, the base continued to use the water supply until the late 80s. Many Marines and family members suffered serious health effects as a result of the contamination.
Those who died or developed illnesses are presumed to have died due to their exposure to contaminated water. If you or a family member were impacted by this exposure, you have legal rights. Here are the main steps you should follow when you file a personal injury lawsuit.
Illnesses Stemming From Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
Some illnesses resulting from exposure to the water include:
- Lymphomas – an immune system disorder that affects the lymph nodes. Lymphoma is typically slow growing and does not usually result in death. However, some cases can be very aggressive and deadly.
- Leukemia- a blood cancer that affects the bone marrow and produces white blood cells that fight infection in the body. It is almost always fatal if left untreated.
- Bladder Cancer – one of the most common types of cancer in men. This form of cancer is usually caused by smoking or long-term exposure to carcinogens in the environment. It can affect the urinary bladder and other organs of the reproductive system.
- Liver Cancer – the liver’s primary function is to detoxify harmful substances in the body. There are several types of liver cancer, but the most common form is hepatocellular carcinoma. It usually affects older adults and rarely causes symptoms until it is more advanced.
Contacting A Personal Injury Attorney
A personal attorney will be able to assess your situation and determine if you are eligible for compensation. Many attorneys, like Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, offer a free consultation to determine whether you qualify for a lawsuit or not. You will then discuss the merits of your case with your attorney, and they will advise you on how to proceed. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they will get paid only if you win your case. So it won’t cost you anything to hire an attorney for your Camp Lejeune lawsuit.
Filing a Lawsuit
There are a few steps to filing your Camp Lejeune lawsuit. First, you will need to file an administrative claim with the VA. This can be a complicated process that requires you to gather evidence and submit a claim to the appropriate department within the VA. You may have to submit additional documentation if the initial claim is not accepted.
For example, you may need to provide medical records to support your claim. Once your claim is accepted by the VA, you will receive a letter informing you of the decision. You will also receive information about how much compensation you can expect to receive. A personal injury lawyer can help you through the administrative process and support you during the settlement negotiations.
Settlement Negotiations
Once you receive confirmation that your claim has been accepted by the VA, the next step is to begin the settlement negotiation process. This process can be complicated, and you will likely be required to participate in several rounds of negotiations before you reach a settlement amount that you are satisfied with.
It is important to have an experienced attorney representing you during these negotiations to ensure that you receive a fair settlement. An experienced lawyer can also help you evaluate any offers you receive and ensure that you get the best deal possible.
Conclusion
The contamination at Camp Lejeune has led to many health problems for those who were exposed to the toxic water while living at the military base. If you or a family member have been affected by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses and other losses. To discuss your case and learn more about your options, contact an experienced personal injury attorney today.
