Camp Lejeune is a massive military installation in North Carolina, near the Marine Corps Air Station New River, and it was formerly the site of a major water contamination scandal that affected thousands of people living and working there for several decades. Camp Lejeune water contamination led to many claims against the federal government and the passing of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA), which is intended to compensate those affected by this contamination.
Legal Options for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
Military servicemembers, civilian workers, and families of those stationed at Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River were exposed to contaminated water for decades. The source of this contamination was industrial leaks throughout the installation that allowed benzene, vinyl chloride, and other toxic substances to enter the water. Veterans, Reservists, National Guard members, civilian employees, and their families were affected during this time.
These toxic substances caused a wide range of medical complications, including breast, bladder, esophageal, kidney, and lung cancers. Other commonly cited long-term health effects and other diseases linked to Camp Lejeune water contamination include female infertility, hepatic steatosis, miscarriage, multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Children who were in utero while their mothers were on base during the contamination period have also been affected.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides medical treatment coverage and disability benefits to military servicemembers who have developed long-term medical complications as a result of their years of service. If you can prove that your diagnosis is directly linked to your time at Camp Lejeune, you may have grounds to claim VA health benefits and/or a claim under the CLJA.
Benefits are also available to the families of military servicemembers who served at Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River during the contamination period. When you file a claim under the CLJA, you can take the Elective Option for a much faster claim. The amount a claimant can receive under the Elective Option depends on the tier of their condition and how long they were exposed to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune.
Claiming Compensation for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
You should hire a water contamination claims lawyer at your first opportunity. They can help you determine whether you meet the eligibility requirements for VA health benefits or a claim under the CLJA and guide you through the filing process. Some individuals may also qualify for toxic exposure lawsuits, and experienced legal counsel is a crucial asset for these cases.
A successful claim for VA health and disability benefits can not only cover medical expenses related to your condition, but also provide ongoing monthly benefits if you are unable to work. Additionally, CLJA claims are separate from claims for VA health and disability benefits, so if you file a claim under the CLJA, you can still qualify to receive VA benefits. Working with an attorney greatly improves your chances of securing as much compensation as possible.
The attorneys at Kelley Ferraro, LLC have extensive experience helping clients file toxic exposure claims nationwide, and we have successfully represented many victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination. If you need help proving your eligibility for VA health and disability benefits, or if you believe you qualify for a claim under the CLJA, we can help. Reach out to our firm as soon as possible to learn more about our legal services.
FAQs
Q: Is the Water at Camp Lejeune Still Contaminated?
A: No, the water at Camp Lejeune is no longer contaminated. The contamination occurred between 1953 and 1987. Extensive cleanup efforts were made to remove harmful chemicals and address the industrial leaks that caused this contamination. Today, the water at Camp Lejeune is safe to drink. Anyone who lived and/or worked at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, may qualify for VA benefits under the CLJA.
Q: What Illnesses Did Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Cause?
A: Camp Lejeune water contamination caused various illnesses, including birth defects, various cancers, female infertility, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and many others. If you believe that you or a family member has any condition linked to Camp Lejeune water contamination, it is crucial to speak with an experienced water contamination claims attorney as soon as possible to determine your legal options. You may be eligible to claim VA benefits.
Q: How Much Compensation Can I Claim for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
A: The amount of compensation you can claim for Camp Lejeune water contamination will depend on the specifics of your situation. The CLJA intends to streamline these claims, and if you meet the eligibility requirements, you may receive compensation relatively quickly. It’s a good idea to consult an experienced attorney to help you file your claim and resolve any issues you encounter.
Q: Who Qualifies for a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?
A: Individuals who qualify for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit include anyone who lived and/or worked at Camp Lejeune or Marine Corps Air Station New River for a period of at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and who has been diagnosed with a presumptive condition listed in the CLJA. Additionally, a claimant must not have been dishonorably discharged from military service. Your attorney can help confirm your eligibility.
Q: Why Should I Hire a Water Contamination Claims Lawyer?
A: You should hire a water contamination claims lawyer to have a better chance of securing appropriate compensation. Filing a claim for VA health benefits or a claim under the CLJA may seem straightforward at first, but many claimants encounter unexpected complications they cannot resolve on their own. You may also have other avenues of legal recourse, so you should consult an attorney who has proven experience handling these cases.
The team at Kelley Ferraro, LLC can help you build your case for Camp Lejeune water contamination. Our firm has nearly 30 years of experience representing clients nationwide in many toxic exposure cases, and we know the challenges that many victims face when attempting to claim federal benefits. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced water contamination claims attorney and learn how we can help.
