The Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) is on the horizon, offering Marines harmed by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune the opportunity to sue the U.S. federal government. Previously, those impacted by the base camp’s toxic substances have had limited recourse to VA benefits, often insufficient and unfairly denied.
Finally, individuals afflicted with cancer and illness can seek
rightful compensation for their suffering. While the awarded damages will significantly impact many lives, it’s crucial for those seeking justice to understand that legal representation is essential for filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit. Pound Law can assist you in securing the maximum settlement for your injuries.
Parties Eligible to File a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit
Individuals who worked or lived at Camp Lejeune for a minimum of one month between August 1953 and December 1987 are eligible to pursue legal action. This eligibility also extends to family members who shared residence on the base.
It’s not just Marines and their families who have the right to take legal steps. Civilian contractors and others exposed to the water at Camp Lejeune can also initiate a lawsuit.
Meeting these criteria doesn’t automatically ensure a settlement. You must demonstrate that you’ve suffered from one of the conditions linked to the camp’s contaminated water. Providing documentation proving your residency during the specified period and the existence of a qualifying injury is crucial. Pound Law is ready to assist you in filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit.
Camp Lejeune Injuries an Attorney Can File a Lawsuit for
Research has established a connection between the water at Camp Lejeune and numerous cancers, diseases, and other health conditions. Those enduring the consequences of the camp’s severely contaminated water have faced physical and financial hardships without adequate compensation for an extended period. Now, individuals afflicted with the following cancers can pursue significant recourse through legal action:
- Breast cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Lung cancer
- Liver cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Myelodysplastic syndrome
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Cancer isn’t the sole illness associated with the polluted water at the base camp.
Numerous other conditions may afflict troops, contractors, and military family members who lived on Camp Lejeune, including:
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
Birth Defects
Birth Injuries
Brain Injuries
Cardiac Defects
Fatty Liver Disease
Hepatic Steatosis
Infertility
Miscarriage
Neurobehavioral Effects
Parkinson’s Disease
Renal Toxicity
Scleroderma
If you served at the base camp from 1953 to 1987 and have been diagnosed with any of the mentioned conditions, you could qualify to pursue action under the CLJA. Pound Law’s attorneys specializing in Camp Lejeune lawsuits will assist you in gathering evidence and navigating the necessary legal procedures to pursue a settlement.
How Much You’ll Receive from a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit
It’s currently too early to determine the exact amount you might receive from a Camp Lejeune lawsuit, as settlements have yet to be finalized. At this stage, we can provide an estimate of your potential compensation by referencing similar injury cases.
For instance, if you’ve been diagnosed with lung cancer resulting from contaminated water, our attorneys will analyze the average settlement values from class-action lawsuits related to lung cancer caused by negligence. Your estimate will be based on these averages.
It’s important to note that any settlement estimates provided are informed approximations. The compensation awarded by the federal government could differ from the estimates provided by your Pound Law attorney, either exceeding or falling below them.
Camp Lejeune Injury Victims Must Submit a Claim Before Filing a Lawsuit
Under the CLJA, individuals injured at Camp Lejeune must adhere to 28 U.S. Code § 2675, which mandates that they first submit a claim to the federal agency responsible for their harm before initiating an injury lawsuit against the government.
For Camp Lejeune injury victims, this pertinent federal agency is the Department of Defense (DOD). According to the CLJA’s stipulation, your claim with the DOD must be denied before you can proceed with a lawsuit against the government.
This process may result in compensation for your injury through a settlement provided by the DOD. Our firm’s attorneys can aid you in preparing your DOD claim and, if it is denied, guide you through the process of filing a Camp Lejeune injury lawsuit.
A Lawyer Can Help You Meet the Filing Deadline for Your Camp Lejeune Lawsuit
The CLJA establishes distinct filing deadlines for Marines and other individuals stationed at Camp Lejeune. The first deadline pertains to those already diagnosed with a qualifying injury, mandating them to submit a claim within two years from the date of the CLJA’s enactment by President Biden.
The second deadline concerns individuals who resided and worked at Camp Lejeune during the period of contaminated water circulation but have yet to receive a diagnosis for a related disease or condition. This group has a two-year window from the date of injury discovery to pursue legal action.
If you suspect that you’ve been harmed by the water at Camp Lejeune, it’s crucial to seek legal counsel promptly. Delaying contact with a lawyer could result in missing your deadline and forfeiting rightful compensation. A Pound Law attorney can ensure timely filing of your Camp Lejeune lawsuit.
There Has Never Been a Better Time to Take Action for a Camp Lejeune Injury
In previous years, obtaining compensation for injuries caused by Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water has proven challenging. Many have criticized the Department of Veterans Affairs for denying valid claims, leaving victims without benefits. Additionally, claimants have often been obligated to present expert witness testimony until recently.
An expert witness isn’t someone who directly witnessed an injury but rather an individual with expertise and experience relevant to the specific injury claim. For Camp Lejeune injuries, an expert witness typically possesses scientific or medical knowledge to testify about the health impacts of toxic water exposure.
The CLJA language appears to eliminate the necessity for plaintiffs to provide such testimony. Instead, it instructs their attorneys to reference studies linking their injuries to the base camp’s contaminated water. This update could simplify the process for individuals like you to obtain compensation through a Camp Lejeune lawsuit.
How Camp Lejeune’s Water Was Contaminated With Harmful Chemicals
In 1984, harmful chemicals were detected in the water system at Camp Lejeune. Subsequent investigations revealed that the contamination stemmed from various sources. Presently, we can pinpoint the hazardous contaminants to the following origins:
A Nearby Dry-Cleaning Service
During the early 1950s, a nearby dry cleaning business, not affiliated with Camp Lejeune, discharged cleaning solvents into the soil. These solvents seeped into the groundwater, eventually contaminating Camp Lejeune’s water system.
The primary compound improperly disposed of, and responsible for the most significant harm, is Perchloroethylene (PCE). PCE is linked to birth defects and various cancers. Investigators discovered that the level of PCE in Camp Lejeune’s water exceeded safe human consumption by 43 times.
This alarming revelation sheds light on why numerous Marines have been diagnosed with life-threatening conditions. If you’re experiencing injuries related to Camp Lejeune’s toxic water, an attorney can utilize studies connecting PCE to your injury to build a compelling lawsuit.
Military Equipment
Trichloroethylene (TCE) was another chemical detected in the water supply at the base camp. TCE is commonly used for military equipment maintenance and was probably discharged into Camp Lejeune’s water from a facility within the camp itself.
TCE is also among the chemicals contributing to the health issues experienced by Marines stationed at Camp Lejeune. Notably, the compound is linked to heart defects in the children of individuals who were exposed to it.
Additional Sources
Mercury, vinyl chloride, and benzene were additional contributors to the contamination of Camp Lejeune’s water. They probably infiltrated the water system from diverse tools, pipes, and infrastructure within the camp.
These compounds are widely recognized to lead to adverse health effects, impacting some of the Marines stationed at the camp. If you suspect that your injury resulted from exposure to PCE, TCE, or any other compound in Camp Lejeune’s water, our legal team can utilize pertinent studies and scientific evidence to bolster your lawsuit.
The Science Behind Camp Lejeune Injuries Is Conclusive
The scientific community unanimously agrees that the water at Camp Lejeune, circulating from the early 1950s to the late 1980s, was contaminated with chemicals harmful to human health and the environment. Further confirmation came from the EPA, designating the dry cleaner responsible for polluting Camp Lejeune as a Superfund Site.
Given this strong scientific consensus, it will be challenging for the government to refute that your injury stemmed from the camp’s contaminated water. The main obstacle to receiving compensation is more likely to be an improperly filed claim or lawsuit.
However, as the litigation permitted by the CLJA is still in its early stages, it’s uncertain how the government will respond to plaintiffs. In such circumstances, it’s crucial to have a skilled lawyer by your side. Our Camp Lejeune attorneys are at the forefront of advocating for injured Marines, committed to diligently pursuing success in your lawsuit.
Our Attorneys Can Navigate the Process of Filing a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit
Until the CLJA is formally enacted, numerous uncertainties surround the legislation and the Camp Lejeune lawsuit filing procedures. At Pound Law, we possess the expertise needed to navigate these unexplored territories.
Our attorneys continually educate themselves on the forthcoming Camp Lejeune legislation. Any new developments are promptly brought to their attention. You can rely on us to steer you through this ambiguous process and formulate a lawsuit that adheres to the CLJA’s mandates.
What You Can Do to Prepare for Your Lawsuit
To prepare for your Camp Lejeune lawsuit, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, obtaining a copy of your military personnel record is crucial. This documentation will assist your attorney in establishing your presence at Camp Lejeune during the period of toxic water contamination.
Subsequently, acquiring records confirming your diagnosis of one of the injuries linked to the chemicals in Camp Lejeune’s water supply is necessary. Once you’ve obtained copies of your military and medical documents, you can provide them to your attorney. They will utilize your records to demonstrate unequivocally that you were harmed by Camp Lejeune’s water.
No Fee Unless Your Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Is Successful
Our Pound Law attorneys operate on a contingency-fee basis for Camp Lejeune cases, meaning you won’t be charged for our services unless you obtain compensation from your lawsuit. Instead of an upfront fee, our attorneys will receive a portion of your settlement.
In the event that your lawsuit doesn’t succeed, you won’t be responsible for covering your attorney’s costs with your own funds. If you have any inquiries regarding our contingency-fee agreements or want to know the deduction amount from your settlement, feel free to reach out to us. Our team of knowledgeable professionals is available 24/7 to address your concerns.
Benefits of Working With the Camp Lejeune Lawyers at John Foy & Associates
By choosing to collaborate with an attorney from our team, you’ll experience numerous advantages. For instance, our firm prioritizes quality work over a heavy caseload. This means your lawyer will dedicate the necessary time to handle your Camp Lejeune lawsuit with exceptional care and attention to detail.
At Pound Law, we take pride in our attorney-driven approach. We’ve observed that direct lawyer-client interaction, without reliance on support staff, significantly enhances the likelihood of a favorable case outcome. Throughout your case, our attorneys will maintain close communication with you and remain readily available to address your inquiries.
While we could discuss the benefits of working with our lawyers extensively, why rely solely on our word when you can hear from our satisfied clients? To discover firsthand accounts of our service, visit our testimonials page. You’ll be inspired by the positive impact our team has made on countless lives.
Contact a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Attorney Today
If you’ve received a diagnosis of cancer or another illness you suspect is connected to your time at Camp Lejeune, Pound Law is ready to assist you. Our team has closely monitored the development of the CLJA bill and is poised to act when the time is right.
Reach out to us today for a consultation with an attorney, completely free and confidential, with no obligation. During this session, we’ll assess the validity of your case and address any queries you may have about the legal proceedings.