Lawyer for Camp Lejeune Aplastic Anemia Lawsuit
For over three decades, the water supply at Camp Lejeune military base in Jacksonville, North Carolina was tainted by a variety of toxic chemicals. Over a million military members, civilian workers, contractors, and their loved ones were exposed to high levels of these contaminants and developed aplastic anemia, a rare, but serious blood disorder.
These victims were ignored for many years by the U.S. military, but that changed on August 10, 2022 with the signing of the PACT Act by President Biden. As part of the PACT Act, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act will allow aplastic anemia patients exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and their family members to file a lawsuit against the U.S. government.
While this is an exciting development for Camp Lejeune injury victims such as yourself, you may be confused about your rights and legal options, and need answers to questions such as:
- I was stationed at Camp Lejeune and I have aplastic anemia. What are the steps I need to take?
- How much is my Camp Lejeune lawsuit worth?
- How long does it take to settle these cases?
- Should I join a class action lawsuit or should I file my own individual lawsuit?
Our lawyers are here to guide you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to give us a call. We can advise you of your rights and take immediate action to recover your payment, which may include medical expenses, lost wages, disability benefits, pain and suffering, and cost of counseling / mental health services.
Contamination of the Water Supply at Camp Lejeune
From the time period of August 1, 1953 to December 31, 1987, the well water at Camp Lejeune contained high levels of the following industrial chemicals:
- Benzene
- Vinyl Chloride
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Tetrachloroethylene (PCE or PERC)
Military leadership was made aware of the problem and knew where the contaminants were coming from. Some of them came from improper disposal methods for industrial waste. Others, like benzene, were leaked from defective fuel tanks, while a local business was responsible for the release of PCE and PERC. These chemicals were ingested by countless residents and workers at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period. As a result, many of them developed aplastic anemia and heath conditions related to the disease, which include:
- Lymphocytic leukemia
- Myelofibrosis
- Graft vs. host disease
- Chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms
- Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
- Pure red cell aplasia
What is Aplastic Anemia?
Aplastic anemia, or bone marrow aplasia, is a serious health condition characterized by damage to the bones marrow, which makes it difficult for the body to produce new blood cells. Why is this so dangerous? The inability to make enough new blood cells means you are at greater risk of infection and profuse bleeding. Those with aplastic anemia may have symptoms, such as pale skin, constant fatigue, rapid / irregular heartbeat, frequent nosebleeds, prolonged infections, and uncontrollable bleeding from cuts.
While this is a rare condition, factors like being exposed to chemotherapy and radiation, and use of certain medications can increase your chance for developing aplastic anemia. But those who are exposed to high levels of toxic chemicals, such as benzene, can also develop aplastic anemia, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the Mayo Clinic.
How can I Prove that I am Eligible for Compensation?
Cases that occurred many years ago can be challenging to prove, but there are forms of evidence that can support your right to compensation as a Camp Lejeune water contamination victim. These include:
- Medical reports, bills, etc.
- Paperwork from health insurance providers
- U.S. military records
- Documents from the VA (U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs)
- Pay stubs / employment records
Our lawyers can help you uncover the necessary evidence to build your case, Then, they will file an injury claim on your behalf and fight to recover the maximum funds you’re entitled to.
Aside from physical documentation, you will need to make sure that you meet the eligibility requirements for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit. First, you must have lived, worked, or stayed at Camp Lejeune military base for a minimum of 30 days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987. Second, you must be diagnosed with aplastic anemia or another qualifying illness as a direct result of exposure to contaminated water. Family members can also file a claim if their loved one passed away from aplastic anemia due to toxic chemical exposure while they were at Camp Lejeune. However, those who were dishonorably discharged, along with their family members, will be ineligible for a claim.
While most Camp Lejeune water contamination victims are veterans, you don’t need to be a former military member or related to a deceased veteran to file a lawsuit. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows anyone who lived or worked at the base from August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987, for at least 30 days, exposed to the contaminated water and suffered injuries, to file a claim against the U.S. government.
Average Case Value for Aplastic Anemia Diagnosis Camp Lejeune Lawsuits
Frankly, it’s too early at this point to say what the average claimant will receive from a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit. However, we can get a sense of possible settlements amounts based on our experience with similar injury cases. Depending on the degree of the victim’s physical and emotional injuries, these cases may be worth anywhere from $150,000 to $750,000. The most severe cases may be valued in excess of $ 1million.
At the end of the day, each claimant has their own set of circumstances, which will determine the amount of funds they can potentially recover. Our attorneys can review your case and advise you on the approximate value of your claim during a free consultation.
Can I Join a Class Action Lawsuit for Camp Lejeune Injury Victims?
A class action lawsuit for Camp Lejeune victims is more than likely, considering the number of people that suffered or passed away from the effects of contaminated water at the military base. We can help you join a class action if that’s in your best interest, but you can also file a personal injury claim on your own. To make the right choice for you and your family, please contact out law firm at your earliest convenience.
Is there a Time Period to File a Lawsuit?
Yes, there is a limited amount of time in which to file an individual legal action or join a class action lawsuit on these cases. Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, you have two years from the signing date of the PACT Act (August 10, 2024) to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. It’s important to speak to a lawyer right away and start taking action on your claim. If you do not file your lawsuit within the 2-year statute of limitations, you may permanently lose the chance to participate in the Camp Lejeune recovery process.
Where is the Lawsuit Filed?
All Camp Lejeune aplastic anemia diagnosis lawsuits must be filed with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. To ensure there are no unnecessary delays in the filing of your lawsuit, contact our law firm as soon as possible. Our lawyers will initiate an injury claim on your behalf and fight tirelessly to recover your damages.
How long will it take to Settle my Case?
The timeline to settle your case depends on many issues that we cannot predict ahead of time. However, our goal here at Kenmore is to resolve your claim in 6 to 8 months and ensure that you are paid in a timely manner. But each case is different, and there may be complications that can hold up the claims process. This is particularly true for severe injury cases that may need to go to trial. At that point, recovering your payment can take two or more years.
Contact Kenmore Law Group
Are you in need of representation for a Camp Lejeune aplastic anemia injury claim? If so, please take some time to speak with one of our attorneys. During a free consultation, we can review the issues in your case and answer any questions you have about the lawsuit process. If you decide to retain our law firm, you won’t need to pay anything upfront since we offer a Zero fee guarantee. Under this agreement, all our services are free to you for the duration of your case. We don’t make a cent unless we recover your settlement, and if we lose your case, you owe us absolutely nothing.
If you’re ready to learn more about your rights and legal options, call us today and schedule a free case evaluation.