Camp Lejeune is a United States Marine Corps base located in North Carolina. For over 30 years, from the 1950s through the 1980s, the water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with toxic chemicals, including benzene, trichloroethylene (TCE), and perchloroethylene (PCE), among others. These chemicals have been linked to numerous illnesses, including various types of cancer, neurological disorders, and other chronic health problems.
The contamination at Camp Lejeune was discovered in the 1980s, and in 1991, the Department of Defense began notifying veterans and their families who had been stationed at the base during the affected time period. Since then, the government has been providing medical care to those who were affected, and in 2012, Congress passed a law providing additional healthcare benefits to veterans and their families who were affected by the contamination.
However, many veterans and their families feel that the government’s response has not been enough, and they have filed lawsuits seeking compensation for their health problems and other damages.
If you are a veteran or family member who was stationed at Camp Lejeune during the affected time period and have experienced health problems that you believe are related to the contamination, it is important to understand your legal rights and options.
Here is some important information about the Camp Lejeune lawsuit:
- Who can file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit?
If you or a loved one was stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 and has been diagnosed with a health condition that you believe is related to the water contamination, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. This includes both veterans and family members who lived on the base during that time.
- What damages can be recovered in a Camp Lejeune lawsuit?
The damages that can be recovered in a Camp Lejeune lawsuit depend on the specific circumstances of each case. Generally, plaintiffs can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to their health problems.
In addition, if a family member died as a result of a health condition related to the water contamination, their surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit and recover damages for their loss.
- What is the current status of the Camp Lejeune lawsuits?
As of 2021, there have been several settlements in Camp Lejeune lawsuits, with payouts ranging from tens of thousands of dollars to millions of dollars. However, there are still many lawsuits pending, and the total amount of damages that will be awarded in these cases is not yet known.
- How can I find an attorney to help me with a Camp Lejeune lawsuit?
If you are considering filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit, it is important to find an attorney who has experience handling these types of cases. You can start by searching online for attorneys who specialize in toxic torts or environmental law.
You can also contact the National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) for assistance in finding an attorney. The NVLSP provides free legal representation to veterans and their families, and they have a network of attorneys who have experience with Camp Lejeune lawsuits.
- What should I do if I think I have a Camp Lejeune claim?
If you believe that you have a Camp Lejeune claim, the first step is to seek medical attention and get a diagnosis from a qualified healthcare professional. This will be important evidence in your case.
Next, you should contact an attorney who has experience with Camp Lejeune lawsuits. They can evaluate your case and determine whether you have a viable claim. If you do, they can help you file your claim and pursue the compensation you deserve.