Lawyer for Camp Lejeune Esophageal Cancer Lawsuit

Were you or a loved one exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during 1953 to 1987 and later diagnosed with esophageal cancer? If so, you may be entitled to monetary damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, VA benefits, cost of mental health services, and pain and suffering. Your right to compensation is based on the PACT Act, which was signed into law by President Biden on August 10, 2022. Under this legislation is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which allows individuals that suffered injuries due to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune to file a lawsuit against the U.S. government.

To learn more about your rights and start taking legal action to recover your losses, call our office and speak to a lawyer for esophageal cancer Camp Lejeune lawsuits.

Esophageal Cancer: A Brief Overview

The esophagus is a long, tube-like organ that sits between your throat and stomach. Esophageal cancer occurs when the cells in this area develop genetic mutations and grow out of control. As with most types of cancer, there are few symptoms in the early stage of the disease. However, the following signs may indicate the presence of cancerous cells in the esophagus:

• Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing
• Unexpected weight loss
• Pressure, burning, and/or pain in the chest
• Chronic heartburn and/or indigestion
• Hoarse throat or coughing that won’t go away

Patients may experience severe complications, like bleeding in the esophagus, as the cancer advances. Treatment options such as chemotherapy and surgery are available, but these come with long-term side effects, including gastrointestinal problems, difficulty eating and drinking, and increased risk of heart failure.

Health and lifestyle issues such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and being prone to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can increase your chance for developing esophageal cancer. Chemical exposure is another risk factor, which is precisely what took place at Camp Lejeune military base in Jacksonville, North Carolina.

Contamination of the Water Supply at Camp Lejeune

During the years of 1953 to 1987, the drinking and bathing water at Camp Lejeune military base was contaminated by several toxic chemicals:

• Trichloroethylene (TCE)
• Tetrachloroethylene (PCE or PERC)
• Benzene
• Vinyl Chloride

These toxins leaked into the groundwater from defective fuel tanks, as well as a local dry cleaner that used chemical solvents (PCE and PERC). Improper disposal methods for industrial waste also contributed to the water contamination. The end result was that over one million people were exposed to these chemicals and became ill or died from health conditions like esophageal cancer. The military knew about this for many years, but ignored the problem and denied assistance to service members and civilians that were harmed by the contaminated water supply.

The PACT Act is a public recognition of the U.S. military’s negligence, as well as a chance for cancer victims and their families to receive the funds they’re entitled to. Kenmore Law Group is with you every step of the way, and we will not rest until you are compensated for your harm and suffering.

Average Case Value for Esophageal Cancer Diagnosis Camp Lejeune Lawsuits

Many prospective claimants have been asking us what the average payment will be for these cases. There’s no way to provide an accurate answer at this point, since the PACT was passed very recently. But we know from past experience that lawsuits involving cancer and toxic chemical exposure typically bring in high settlements. Many of these cases will probably have values in the 6 figure range, perhaps $250,000 to $500,000 and up. Settlements of $1 million or more may be recovered for the most serious cases of physical and emotional injuries.

I was stationed at Camp Lejeune and I have Esophageal Cancer. What are the Steps I need to take?

Based on the number of calls we’ve been getting at our office, it’s clear that people have many questions about the Camp Lejeune recovery process. Below is some general information that will help you get a sense of the steps you’ll need to take. However, there is much more to know about these cases, which we can go over with you during a private consultation. Please give us a call and schedule a time to speak with an attorney at our office.

Am I Eligible for a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?

To be eligible for a compensation claim under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, you will need to have lived or worked at Camp Lejeune military base for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987. Due to your exposure to the contaminated water supply, you or your family member developed esophageal cancer. If you were in the military, you must not have been dishonorably discharged, as these individuals are unlikely to be eligible for a claim.

Where is the Lawsuit Filed?

As Camp Lejeune is located on a federally owned property in North Carolina, you will need to file your lawsuit with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. Our attorneys can take care of the filing process for you and ensure that you are in compliance with the provisions of the PACT Act.

Should I join a Class Action Lawsuit or should I File my own Individual Lawsuit?

A class action lawsuit is likely for these cases, as there were so many people that were affected by toxic chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune. We can explain your rights and help you join a class action lawsuit, but you also have the option of filing a personal injury claim on your own. Frankly, both legal actions have their benefits, but which one is right for you is something you will need to decide with help from an experienced attorney. For more information on your legal options, contact our law firm at your earliest convenience.

Is there a Time Period to File a Lawsuit or join a Class Action Lawsuit?

Camp Lejeune esophageal cancer victims have two years to seek monetary damages from the signing date of the PACT Act, which is August 10, 2022. To ensure that you file your claim in a timely manner, call us right away and speak to one of our lawyers. It’s extremely rare for the courts to extend the statute of limitations on a lawsuit. So if you miss the deadline of August 10, 2024, it will be very difficult to pursue a lawsuit for exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

How long does it take to Settle these Cases?

Case timelines will vary depending on the complexities in your case, as well as many factors that are beyond our control. You also have to consider the sheer volume of claims that will be submitted by former Camp Lejeune residents and workers such as yourself. Having said that, our goal is to settle your case within 6 to 8 months after we submit the injury claim. However, it may take around 12 to 18 months to negotiate a fair payment, especially if you have severe health complications from esophageal cancer. If your case cannot be settled through the claims process and we have to proceed with a lawsuit, two or more years may be needed to recover your damages.

Advice from a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawyer

Legal advice is essential to recovering the payment you and your loved ones deserve. But the cost of hiring an attorney may seem overwhelming when you’re struggling with the burdens of living with esophageal cancer. That’s why we offer the Zero fee guarantee, which is a contingency agreement where all our expenses are deferred until the end of your case. We recover our fees at the same time you receive your settlement, and if we don’t win your case, you won’t be responsible for a single penny of our costs.

As you can see, there’s absolutely no risk in speaking with one of our attorneys and leaning about your rights as a Camp Lejeune water contamination injury victim. Contact Kenmore Law Group and schedule a free consultation.