How Much is my Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Worth?
From 1953 and 1987, the residents and workers of Camp Lejeune military base in Jacksonville, North Carolina were exposed to a series of dangerous chemicals through their drinking water. These chemicals include:
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Tetrachloroethylene (PCE or PERC)
- Vinyl Chloride
- Benzene
We know of various sources where these chemicals came from, including leaking fuel tanks and improper disposing of industrial waste. There was even a dry cleaner nearby that regularly leaked PCE and PERC chemicals. These toxins were leaked into the ground and eventually made their way into the water supply.
Sadly, many victims who became ill or passed away from these contaminants were denied the care and benefits they deserved from the federal government. That all changed when President Biden signed the PACT Act (Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act) on August 10, 2022 Now, countless Camp Lejeune water contamination victims and their families can seek justice in a lawsuit against the U.S. military.
If you are reading this article, there’s a good chance you are one of the individuals or a family member of someone who was affected by the water supply at Camp Lejeune Marine Corps base. You probably have many questions running through your head, including:
“How much is my Camp Lejeune case worth?”
Before we answer this question, we will provide a brief overview of the health complications that you or a loved one may have developed from water contamination at Camp Lejeune. We will also offer valuable information about the lawsuit process and how long you have to file a claim. For advice regarding your rights and legal options, contact the attorneys of Kenmore Law Group.
Illnesses Associated with Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune
The toxins mentioned above caused devastating harm to over one million service members and civilians who were stationed at or worked at Camp Lejeune military base. Below is a list of the health conditions that resulted from contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, according to the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs:
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Aplastic anemia (and related syndromes)
- Hepatic steatosis
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Miscarriage
- Female infertility
- Multiple myeloma
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Parkinson’s disease
- Neurobehavioral effects
- Renal toxicity
- Scleroderma
The U.S. military, by the way, was aware of the dangers with the water supply at Camp Lejeune. Instead of resolving the situation or helping the victims, they chose to hide reports of injuries and deaths. These victims and their loved ones will finally get the chance to hold these officials responsible. We look forward to joining you and helping you achieve justice for your harm and suffering.
How much is my Camp Lejeune Case Worth?
The value of a Camp Lejeune case will depend on many factors that are unique to your circumstances. But we can look at similar personal injury and mass tort cases to get an idea of the settlement range for these lawsuits. Payments to Camp Lejeune victims will probably range from $25,000 to over $1 million, though we will have a better idea of possible settlements in the upcoming months.
Cases involving aggressive forms of cancer (kidney and liver cancer, for ex) and Parkinson’s disease are expected to bring in the highest amounts. We also expect high settlements for wrongful death claims, which account for the full value of a family’s losses due to the decedent’s untimely death. What we can say for sure if that $6 billion have been set aside by Congress to pay out these claims. It’s possible that Congress will vote to increase this amount in the future, as public sentiment is strongly in favor of the victims.
Regardless of these projections, it’s in your best interest to consult an attorney regarding the value of your Camp Lejeune case. Please contact our office and schedule a consultation at your earliest convenience.
Damages in a Camp Lejeune Injury Case
Through a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, you can receive a variety of damages that are associated with the harm you’ve suffered. The average Camp Lejeune injury case will include the following damages:
- Cost of medical treatments
- Disability benefits
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Expenses for mental health services
When you consider each of the losses that may be recovered, you can see why certain cases are expected to bring in 6-7 figure settlements. There is, of course, the expense of medical treatments and the wages you’ve lost from developing a dangerous disease. Then, there’s the emotional trauma of knowing that you suffered due to the U.S. military’s blatant disregard for your health. Our law firm is committed to fighting for your rights and recovering every penny of the funds you are entitled to.
If my Family Member Died, can I Pursue a Camp Lejeune Claim?
Yes, family members of those who died as a result of health complications at Camp Lejeune can pursue a claim for compensation. In order to file a lawsuit, your loved one must have lived or worked at the military base during the period of contamination (between 1953 and 1987) for at least 30 days. Additionally, your loved one must have died prematurely from the effects of their disease. Finally, you will need to establish that your family member was not dishonorably discharged from the military.
In North Carolina, there are two options for plaintiffs who wish to sue on behalf of a deceased family member: wrongful death lawsuit and survival action claim. These legal actions serve different purposes, which you can learn about from one of our attorneys. Furthermore, North Carolina imposes strict limitations on who can file the claim / lawsuit, which we can also go over with you. For more information on Camp Lejeune lawsuits by surviving family members, schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.
How do I File a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?
As with all lawsuits against a public entity, there are strict procedures for how to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit. The first step is to file a claim for damages with the Judge Advocate General’s Corps of the U.S. Navy (JAG). They will review your case and deny your request or make you a settlement offer. If your claim if denied or the agency fails to respond by the 6-month deadline, you can proceed with a lawsuit, which you must file with U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Keep in mind that there are strict time limits on how long you have to seek damages through a Camp Lejeune lawsuit. To ensure that you receive your payment, contact our office and get started on a Camp Lejeune water contamination injury claim.
What is the Deadline to File a Camp Lejeune Compensations Claim?
Those who are eligible for damages have two years from August 10, 2022 to file a lawsuit if they’ve been diagnosed with an illness resulting from contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. Alternatively, you have two years from the date of discovery, meaning a future date when you will receive a diagnosis for a qualifying illness. Finally, there is a two-year deadline from August 10, 2022 for claimants seeking wrongful death compensation.
Make sure to discuss your case with an attorney, since there may be factors that can affect the statute of limitations for your case. Our law firm can advise you of your rights and ensure that your claim is filed in a timely manner.
Speak to a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Attorney
With the signing of the PACT Act, Camp Lejeune injury victims and their family members finally have the opportunity to seek justice from the U.S. government. But it’s no secret that personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits are complicated, especially when the responsible party is a federal agency.
Victims need skilled legal representation, and the lawyers of Kenmore are proud to offer their services. If you or a loved one became sick due to toxins in the water at Camp Lejeune, please contact us right away. If the cost of hiring an attorney is holding you back, let us tell you about the Zero fee guarantee. Under this policy, you pay nothing upfront for our services. The only way we get paid is by winning your case, and if we fail to recover your settlement, you won’t be responsible for a single penny of our expenses.
Our attorneys are standing by to assist you, so give us a call right away. We look forward to meeting you and recovering the funds you and your family deserve.
