How To File A Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claim
Marine veterans and their families are seeking compensation for the health complications they suffer due to water contamination exposure at Camp Lejeune. If you or someone you love lived or worked in the area between the early 1950s and the late 1980s, you could be eligible to file a claim for Camp Lejeune water contamination. To file your claim, you must prove you were exposed to the water and have been diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition.
Consider reviewing the details of your case with a personal injury lawyer in your area. They can assist you in gathering documents and other evidence that prove your eligibility. They may also explain the steps involved in filing an insurance claim or lawsuit, the compensation you could recover, and the potential timeline of your case.
Prove When and Why You Were at Camp Lejeune
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the crucial period for exposure to contaminated water occurred between 1950 and 1985. To file your Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claim, you must prove you lived or worked there for at least 30 days during this time frame.
Proof of qualifying residency can include:
- Military service records
- Employment records
- Social Security work history
The lawyer who handles your case will help you obtain the required documents.
Document Your Qualifying Illness or Disease
After establishing your residency, you will need to prove you were diagnosed with a medical condition that can be linked to exposure to Camp Lejeune’s water supply. These conditions include:
- Cardiac defects
- End-stage renal disease
- Leukemia
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Parkinson disease
- Scleroderma
- Sensory issues
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
Women who were exposed to the toxins in the water might have additional concerns, including infertility, miscarriage, low birth weight, birth defects, and fetal demise. Your lawyer will obtain, read, and review your medical records and include them in your evidence file.
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File Your Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claim Within the Allotted Time
Like all personal injury cases, your potential case has a statutory time limit. H.R.2192 — The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 — allows you to pursue compensation today despite the amount of time passed since the contamination occurred.
According to this federal bill, you can file a claim for financial recovery for personal injury or the wrongful death of a loved one.
Seek Compensation via the Appropriate Venue
Those bringing claims related to Camp Lejeune water toxins must file in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
It can take a few months to receive a denial or approval. If you receive a letter of denial, share it with the personal injury or wrongful death attorney handling your case. From this point, they will explain the next steps they will take on your behalf to build your civil lawsuit.
Document Your Financial Expenses and Losses
ATSDR research cites the following toxins which are linked to the medical conditions alleged in Camp Lejeune cases:
- Benzene
- Vinyl chloride
- Trichloroethylene
- Tetrachloroethylene
These toxins have industrial applications and are known and suspected carcinogens. When you establish a connection between exposure to these toxins at Camp Lejeune and your diagnosis, you could qualify for recoverable damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Funeral and burial costs
- Pain and suffering
Your lawyer will explain your specific recoverable damages and help ensure you receive a fair amount.
Let a Personal Injury Law Firm Fight for Your Financial Recovery
Building a strong case file, negotiating a favorable settlement, or arguing your case in court can be challenging. When you entrust your case to a personal injury law firm, they will have team members, resources, and familiarity with state and federal law that can benefit your case.
The legal team who handles your case will:
- Review your case at no cost to you
- Read and review your residency records
- Read and review your medical records
- Consult relevant expert witnesses
- Negotiate a settlement on your behalf
- Represent you in court, if needed
Personal injury lawyers also work on a contingency fee basis which means you will not incur any upfront fees or costs or compensate your lawyer until they recover compensation for you. This fee agreement means you can avoid a potentially costly delay in your case and start fighting for compensation immediately.
