Lawyer for Camp Lejeune Hepatic Steatosis Lawsuit

Were you or a loved one diagnosed with hepatic steatosis, also known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) from being exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune? As of August 10, 2022, you may be eligible for a lawsuit against the U.S. government, which can help you recover monetary damages such as medical expenses, disability benefits, lost wages, pain and suffering, and mental anguish.

Many victims who developed NAFLD have been contacting us to ask about their rights and legal options:

• I was stationed at Camp Lejeune and I have hepatic steatosis. What are the steps I need to take?
• Should I join a class action lawsuit or should I file my own individual lawsuit?
• What is the average case value for hepatic steatosis diagnosis Camp Lejeune lawsuits?
• How long does it take to settle these cases?

In this article, we will cover a variety of topics that will help you understand the Camp Lejeune lawsuit process. However, we can only offer general information that will not address specific issues about your own claim for damages. For the most accurate answers regarding your own injury or wrongful death claim, please schedule a free consultation, where you can speak with a lawyer for hepatic steatosis Camp Lejeune lawsuits.

What is Hepatic Steatosis (NAFLD)?

As the name implies, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, or hepatic steatosis, is a disease where too much fat is stored in the liver. Too much fat causes inflammation of the liver, which can eventually cause cirrhosis and failure of the liver. You may not experience symptoms right away, but as the disease gets worse, you are likely to have the following signs of NAFLD:

• Unusual swelling in the abdomen
• Jaundice (a yellow tinge of the skin and eyes)
• Red palms
• Enlarged blood vessels right beneath the skin
• Enlarged spleen

The main complication associated with NAFLD is cirrhosis of the liver. This condition is dangerous as it causes scar tissue throughout the organ, which can result in complications like slurred speech, confusion, and swollen veins in your esophagus. In the most serious cases, the buildup of scar tissues can lead to liver cancer and liver failure.

The majority of NAFLD can be traced to pre-existing health conditions, like polycystic ovarian syndrome, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity. However, some cases of hepatic steatosis are linked to environmental factors, like long-term exposure to toxic chemicals.

Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune: A Brief History

During the years of 1953 to 1987, over one million people at Camp Lejeune military base were exposed to contaminants in the water supply. During that time, leaking fuel tanks, local businesses, and improper disposal methods for industrial waste led to the release of several chemicals into the well water. The most dangerous of these chemicals are:

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

There’s no telling how many of these people were injured or passed away from contaminants in the water at Camp Lejeune. However, we do know that many victims and their family members sought help from the U.S. military. Instead of resolving the problem, military officials repeatedly denied the connection between the water supply at Camp Lejeune and serious diseases, like hepatic steatosis.

The PACT Act and your Right to File a Lawsuit

Without a doubt, the U.S. military was negligent in their duty of care to ensure the safety of all those who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune Marine Corps base in Jacksonville, North Carolina. This grave injustice can now be rectified, thanks to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which was passed by the U.S. Senate on August 2, 2022. This law is part of the PACT Act, short for The Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, which was signed into law on August 10, 2022.

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. However, those who were dishonorably discharged, as well as their loved ones, will not be eligible for compensation under this law.

To verify your eligibility for a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, contact our law firm and speak with one of our attorneys.

What is my Camp Lejeune Case Worth?

For an approximate value of your Camp Lejeune claim, you’ll need to speak with one of lawyers. But we can say from past experience that these are generally high value cases. We know that the contaminated water supply at Camp Lejeune military base caused countless cases of illness and death, and that it took place for over 30 years. Most of these illnesses cause severe health issues, and the medical expenses alone can be staggering. With that in mind, we expect to see settlements in the range of $250,000 to $750,000 for a good number of these cases. For the most serious level of physical and mental injuries, case values will likely exceed $1 million.

When can I Expect to Receive my Payment?

Swift recovery of your payment is our number one goal here at Kenmore, but these cases will take time to resolve, just based on the number of claims that the federal agencies will need to process. We hope to resolve the majority of these cases within 6 to 8 months from the date of filing your Camp Lejeune compensation claim. But many unexpected complications can lengthen the settlement process, which means it will take 12 to 18 months to settle some of these lawsuits. For especially complex injury cases, especially if a trial is required, the recovery process can take 2 or more years.

Should I Pursue a Claim on my Own or should I join a Class Action Lawsuit?

Due to the sheer number of potential victims, we expect to see a class action lawsuit for these cases, which you can certainly choose to join. But you should explore the option of filing your own lawsuit as well, since both legal actions have their own pros and cons. To make the best choice for you and your family, please schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys. No matter what you decide, we can take immediate action on your Camp Lejeune claim and ensure that you are properly compensated for your losses.

Where is the Lawsuit Filed?

Whether you are filing a personal injury claim or seeking wrongful death compensation, your Camp Lejeune lawsuit must be filed with U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. Because these are legal actions against the federal government, it’s best to consult a lawyer that’s experienced with injury cases against public entities. Our attorneys have the experience you need, so you can have confidence in our ability to recover your payment.

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

Under the provisions of the PACT Act, claimants have a two-year window from the signing date of the PACT Act to file a Camp Lejeune hepatic steatosis diagnosis lawsuit. Thus, you have until August 10, 2024 to seek monetary damages if you or your family member developed / passed away from NAFLD due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. Make sure to seek legal advice from at attorney right away. If you don’t file your lawsuit on time, it’s highly unlikely that you be granted an extension.

Speak to an Experienced Attorney

A diagnosis of hepatic steatosis has life-altering consequences for the patient, as well as their family members. The disease can be especially hard to deal with when it’s caused by the negligence of another party. For many years, Camp Lejeune water contamination victims were denied the basic right of demanding compensation from those who injured them, or took away their loved ones. Now, those individuals and their families can achieve the justice they were denied by the U.S. military.

The lawyers of Kenmore are with you every step of the way. We have what it takes to bring you the funds you deserve from a lawsuit against the federal government. Along with our skill and experience, we offer a Zero fee guarantee so that you won’t have to worry about paying for an attorney. We ask for our expenses along with your settlement, so the only way we get paid is if you get paid. Since you have nothing to lose, please give us a call and schedule a free consultation with the lawyers of Kenmore.