Lawyer for Camp Lejeune Leukemia Diagnosis Lawsuit

The Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, or PACT Act, was recently signed into law in order to provide compensation to individuals that were injured by or passed away from the effects of contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. For over 30 years, residents, workers, and visitors at the military base were exposed to toxic chemicals in the water supply and developed a variety of health conditions, including leukemia.

Since August 10, 2022, the signing date of the PACT Act, we’ve spoken to many of these injury victims who have called us to ask, “I was at Camp Lejeune and I have leukemia. What are the steps I need to take?”

Rest assured that the lawyers of Kenmore are here for you. To learn more about your rights and legal options in a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, call our office and schedule a free consultation.

About Leukemia

Leukemia is a cancer that starts in the bone marrow due to genetic mutations in the body’s blood-forming tissues. These mutations cause an excessive growth of white blood cells, which are used by your body to fight off infections. When these cells multiply and grow uncontrollably, it compromises their ability to function properly.

Leukemia can occur for a number of reasons, including exposure to high levels of toxic chemicals like benzene and vinyl chloride. Those who develop leukemia from long-term chemical exposure may experience the following symptoms:

• Overall weakness / fatigue
• Petechiae (small, red spots on your skin)
• Unexpected or rapid weight loss
• Fever or chills
• Frequent infections
• Frequent nosebleeds
• Bruising and bleeding more easily
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Excessive sweating
• Pain /tenderness in the bones

If you have any of these issues, see a doctor right away to begin the appropriate course of treatment. Options include radiation, chemotherapy, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy, and bone marrow transplant if you’re able to find a donor. In spite of these treatments, leukemia results in many health complications that will negatively impact the patient’s life, as well as the lives of their family members. The PACT Act makes it possible to seek damages if you were diagnosed with leukemia due to the contaminated water supply at Camp Lejeune. To speak to one of our attorneys and start the process of recovering your losses, contact our law firm right away.

A Brief History of Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune

Between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987, the following chemicals made their way into the groundwater at Camp Lejeune military base in Jacksonville, North Carolina:

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

A number of hazardous conditions were responsible for the release of these chemicals. For example, benzene – a well-known carcinogen, came from leaking fuel tanks, while a local business leaked PCE and PERC into the groundwater. Toxins also came from industrial waste that was improperly disposed of. These chemicals were leaked into the well water at Camp Lejeune, which countless people were exposed to through their drinking and bathing water.

Leukemia was just one of many diseases that these people suffered from, and the U.S. military was aware of this fact. Sadly, military officials hid reports of injuries and death instead of taking steps to ensure the safety of the water supply. Then, on August 2, 2022, the U.S. Senate voted to pass the Camp Lejeune Justice Act as part of the PACT Act. 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.

If you are eligible for a lawsuit, you may be able to recover financial and emotional damages such as medical expenses, cost of mental health services, lost income, and pain and suffering. Our attorneys can explain the legal process to you and take immediate action on a claim for compensation.

How can I Prove that I’m Entitled to Compensation?

To show that you are eligible for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit, you will need to prove that you (or your loved one) stayed at the military base for a minimum of 30 days during the period of contamination. As a result, you developed leukemia, or your loved one passed away from the effects of leukemia. As for who is not eligible for a lawsuit, dishonorably discharged individuals and their family members are ineligible for a claim under the Camp Lejeune recovery process.

It can seem overwhelming to gather the necessary information on a case that occurred so many years ago. Below are examples of evidence that you may currently have in your possession:

• Military records
• Housing records
• Hospital / doctor’s bills, medical reports
• Correspondence from the VA
• Health insurance documents

The types of evidence we can locate on your behalf depend on circumstances that are unique to your case, so please give us a call as soon as possible. Taking immediate action on an injury claim is essential to receiving your payment in a timely manner.

What is the Average Case Value for Leukemia Diagnosis Camp Lejeune Lawsuits?

It’s difficult to quote an average value for these cases, considering the various losses someone can experience when they’re suffering from leukemia. But we can say that cancer lawsuits involving toxic chemical exposure tend to bring in high settlements, typically in the range of $250,000 to $750,000. For late-stage cancer cases with severe complications, settlements can easily exceed $1 million. However, these are estimates based on previous cases, and they may not reflect the actual value of what you could receive from a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim. Our lawyers can assist you in this area, along with any other questions or concerns you have about your case.

Where is the Lawsuit Filed?

It can be challenging to determine where a lawsuit should be filed when you’re suing the U.S. government. No matter what type of legal action you are pursuing, all Camp Lejeune lawsuits need to be filed with the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. We have attorneys experienced in personal injury claims against government entities, who can take care of the entire filing process for you.

What type of Lawsuit Should I File?

Over one million service members, civilian workers, and their family members were exposed to dangerous chemicals in the water supply at Camp Lejeune. With that many potential victims, a class action lawsuit is likely in the near future. As a result, you may be asking yourself, “Should I join a class action lawsuit or should I file my own individual lawsuit?” These are very different legal actions with their own set of pros and cons. Our lawyers can go over each option with you during a free consultation and help you make the most beneficial choice for you and your loved ones.

Is there a Time Period to File a Lawsuit?

The statute of limitations for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit is two years from August 10, 2022 – the signing date of the PACT Act. Essentially, you have until August 10, 2024 to seek compensation, whether you file a lawsuit on your own or join a class action. The deadline is the same for family members suing on behalf of a deceased leukemia patient. To ensure that your lawsuit is filed on time, talk to one of our attorneys without delay. It’s unlikely that the statute of limitations will be extended on these cases, meaning you may lose the right to recover compensation if you miss the 2-year deadline.

How long does it take to Settle these Cases?

Case timelines vary depending on the complexities in your own lawsuit. We believe that the majority of cases will be settled in 6 to 8 months, as the federal government seems willing to make settlement offers and pay out these claims as soon as possible. However, there will be cases that cannot be settled directly with the U.S. government. If that’s the situation you are facing, receiving the funds you deserve may take anywhere from 18 months to several years.

Our Zero Fee Guarantee

The lawyers of Kenmore have many years of experience in mass tort, class action, and personal injury claims, as well as legal actions against public entities. We are more than ready to take on your case and bring you the settlement you’re entitled to. If the cost of legal representation is worrying you, let us put your mind at ease with the Zero fee guarantee. You pay nothing upfront to hire us, nor will you pay us a single penny unless we recover your damages. If we don’t win your case, you owe us absolutely nothing for our services.

Our attorneys are standing by to assist you, so please call our office and learn about the legal options that are available to you.