Lawyer for Camp Lejeune Myelodysplastic Syndromes Lawsuit
Were you exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during the years of 1953 to 1987 and developed myelodysplastic syndromes as a result? Are you the family member of a former Camp Lejeune resident or worker who passed away from myelodysplastic syndromes due to the contaminated water supply at Camp Lejeune? In that case, you’ve probably heard about the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which was passed by Congress on August 2, 2022 as a part of The Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT Act).
On August 10, 2022, the PACT Act was signed in to law by President Biden, thereby giving those who were harmed by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune the right to seek monetary damages from the federal government. This is a crucial victory for countless veterans, contractors, and civilians, who developed a disease or died from complications associated with exposure to toxic chemicals. However, these lawsuits are incredibly complex, and many people have been reaching out to us for more information. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that our lawyers have received:
- What is the average case value for myelodysplastic syndromes diagnosis Camp Lejeune lawsuits?
- Where is the lawsuit filed?
- How long does it take to get paid on these cases?
- Can I join a class action lawsuit with others that have myelodysplastic syndromes?
We will provide answers to these and other important questions regarding your rights and legal options. Since we can only provide general information that may or may not apply to your situation, please give us a call and speak with one of our attorneys.
What is Myelodysplastic Syndromes?
Myelodysplastic syndromes is a series of blood disorders caused by the bone marrow’s inability to produce healthy, mature blood cells. When your blood cells fail to develop normally, you will face a number of health complications, including:
- Frequent infections
- Feeling tired all the time
- Excessive bleeding
- Petechiae (tiny red spots beneath the skin, caused by bleeding in the skin)
- Breathing problems (shortness of breath).
- Unusual paleness from not having enough red blood cells
Having myelodysplastic syndromes can also increase your risk for leukemia (cancer of the blood cells). Conversely, having cancer is a risk factor for myelodysplastic syndromes, which can develop from cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. Additionally, the disease can be caused by exposure to benzene, which was one of the toxins found in the water supply at Camp Lejeune.
Your Right to Compensation under the PACT Act
From 1953 to 1987, the water supply at Camp Lejeune Marine Corps base in Jacksonville, NC contained high levels of:
- Tetrachloroethylene (PCE or PERC)
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Vinyl Chloride
- Benzene
These chemicals ended up in the groundwater from many sources, including leaking fuel tanks and improper disposing of industrial waste, such as PCE and PERC, which are common dry cleaning solvents. While military leaders were repeatedly told about these issues, they took deliberate actions to hide the fact that everyone on the base was in danger. This injustice is finally being rectified by the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, though it’s a sad reality that far too many people suffered needlessly from illnesses like myelodysplastic syndromes.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which 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. You may also qualify for a lawsuit if your family member was at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period and later died from myelodysplastic syndromes.
Former military members that were dishonorably discharged or those related to someone that was dishonorably discharged are not eligible for a lawsuit under the terms of the PACT Act.
Should I Join a Class Action Lawsuit or should I File my own Individual Lawsuit?
We believe it’s only a matter of time until there is a class action on these cases. After all, over one million people were exposed to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune. There are potentially hundreds of thousands of victims, so joining them in a class action may be the right choice for you and your loved ones. Then again, your case may have certain issues that are more suitable for an individual lawsuit. To ensure that you make an informed decision, please meet with one of our lawyers for a free case review. Once you decide which legal action you want to pursue, we will take immediate action on your case and fight tirelessly for the compensation you deserve.
Statute of Limitations for Camp Lejeune Lawsuits
Along with wondering about the type of legal action you should take, you may be asking yourself, “Is there a time period to file a lawsuit / join a class action lawsuit?”
Yes, there is a two-year statute of limitations for Camp Lejeune lawsuits, whether you’ve been diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndromes or related to someone that died from this condition. The two-year window starts from the signing date of the PACT Act, which is August 10, 2022. It’s essential that you take action right away on a compensation claim for exposure to water contamination at Camp Lejeune. If you haven’t filed your lawsuit by August 10, 2024, you will most likely lose the right to monetary damages, as the courts are very strict about statute of limitations for these cases.
What is the Value of my Camp Lejeune Case?
To provide you with an approximate value of your Camp Lejeune injury claim, we would need to speak with you during a one-on-one consultation. But our previous experience with cases involving toxic chemical exposure tells us that these are high value claims, probably in the range of $110,000 to $450,000. These amounts are comparable to settlements and verdicts for blood disorders like aplastic anemia and leukemia. Some cases may be worth over $1 million based on the totality of losses that are suffered by the patient.
It’s important to note that case values are derived from many factors, such as the person’s life expectancy, future medical expenses, and their ability to find gainful employment. These elements are different for each client, so please take a moment to schedule a free case review at our office.
How long does it take to Settle these Cases?
It’s always our goal to close out your case and recover your payment in 6 to 8 months of filing the initial claim. But certain issues are beyond our control, especially when it comes to federal agencies. These entities can take long to respond to a demand letter in general, but with Camp Lejeune cases, the sheer number of victims will add to the amount of time you will need to wait for a settlement. That’s why we are honest with our clients about the fact that it may take around 12 to 18 months before they receive their payment. If there’s no choice but to file a lawsuit and prepare for a trial, settling a Camp Lejeune lawsuit can up to several years.
Contact Kenmore Law Group
If you’re like most victims struggling with the effects of contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, the signing of the PACT Act is clearly good news for you and your loved ones. However, lawsuits against the U.S. government are incredibly challenging, and you’ve probably found yourself wondering, “I was at Camp Lejeune and I have myelodysplastic syndromes. What are the steps I need to take?”
The lawyers of Kenmore are here to assist you with any questions or concerns you have about the Camp Lejeune recovery process. We have many years of recovering settlements on behalf of injury victims and surviving family members, and we are more than ready to represent you in a myelodysplastic syndromes Camp Lejeune lawsuit. As for our legal fees, our law firm works on contingency, so we don’t make a cent until you receive your settlement. In the event we don’t recover your damages, you pay us nothing as a promise under our Zero fee guarantee.
If you’re ready to take action on a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim, contact our office and schedule a free consultation.