Lawyer for Camp Lejeune Neurobehavioral Effects Lawsuit
Have you been diagnosed with neurobehavioral effects from exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during the years of 1953 to 1987? If so, you may have heard about the recent passing of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act as part of the PACT Act (Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics 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.
Prospective claimants have been contacting us since the signing of the PACT Act, which occurred on August 10, 2022. Many of them have the same questions about their rights and legal options, which include:
- What are the eligibility requirements for a neurobehavioral effects Camp Lejeune lawsuit?
- I was stationed at Camp Lejeune and I have neurobehavioral effects. What are the steps I need to take?
- How much is my Camp Lejeune case worth?
- How long does it take to settle these cases?
Keep reading for more information on these topics, as well as answers to related questions that you may have on your mind. Please be aware that we can only provide general information, as we are unfamiliar with the details of your case. For answers that are specific to your circumstances, contact us and schedule a time to meet with one of our lawyers.
About Neurobehavioral Effects
According to the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA), neurobehavioral effects is defined as a set of conditions that affect the nervous system’s ability to control actions and behaviors. These conditions include:
- Poor focus / concentration
- Poor memory
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Dementia
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Motor-coordination problems
Those who suffer from neurobehavioral effects have higher levels of anxiety, confusion, and poor impulse control. As a result, they often face social alienation, which can lead to depression and other mental health issues. There are many possible causes of neurobehavioral effects, including long-term exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE), which was present in the water supply at Camp Lejeune for over three decades.
Neurological disorders can also occur in utero if the pregnant mother is exposed to TCE and other toxic chemicals. If you have neurobehavioral effects from your parents being at Camp Lejeune, you may have grounds to file a water contamination lawsuit. Our attorneys can advise you of your rights during a free case evaluation.
What led to the Contamination of the Water Supply at Camp Lejeune?
Contamination of the water supply at Camp Lejeune took place from 1953 to 1987. During this time, a number of hazards, including reckless disposal of industrial waste and leaking fuel tanks, poisoned the groundwater with the following toxins:
- Tetrachloroethylene (PCE or PERC)
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Vinyl Chloride
- Benzene
People were exposed to these chemicals through their drinking water and developed many debilitating health conditions such as neurobehavioral effects. The U.S. military was repeatedly told about the dangers of these chemicals, but they chose to neglect their duty of care to everyone on the base. Due to their negligence, water contamination victims and surviving family members went without the care and assistance they deserved. Finally, these individuals can demand restitution from the federal government in the form of medical expenses, disability payments, lost income, pain and suffering, and mental anguish.
To be eligible for these damages, you will need to have stayed or worked at Camp Lejeune for a minimum of 30 days during the contamination period (August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987). From being exposed to the chemicals listed above, you developed conditions that fall under the category of neurobehavioral effects. Furthermore, you or the deceased individual you are suing on behalf of was not dishonorably discharged from the U.S. military.
If you’re interested in finding out what you can recover from a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, please give us a call at your earliest convenience.
Average Case Value for Neurobehavioral Effects Diagnosis Camp Lejeune Lawsuit
We can’t say for what the average value is for one these cases, as the PACT Act was passed so recently. However, we know that lawsuits involving damage to the brain and nervous system are generally worth around $250,000 and $600,000. These estimates are based on cases involving toxic chemical exposure, which have led to medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease. Due to the high cost of tests, treatments, medications, and rehabilitative services associated with neurobehavioral effects, some claimants may be owed over $1million in compensation.
To ensure that you receive very penny of the settlement you deserve, contact the attorneys of Kenmore Law Group.
Length of Time to Settle a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claim
As a general rule, it can take anywhere from a few months to several years to settle a Camp Lejeune water contamination case. Ideally, we aim to settle these cases in 6 to 8 months after we submit an injury claim on the client’s behalf. But there may be hundreds of thousands of claims that the U.S. government will need to process. That, and various complications that we’ve can’t control, can add months to a case timeline, which means it can take 12 to 18 months before we recover your payment. The most complicated cases, especially ones with very high case values, may take 2 or more years to settle.
Should I join a Class Action Lawsuit or should I File my own Individual Lawsuit?
A class action lawsuit is a legal action filed by many claimants with the same type of injuries. Considering the number of people that were harmed by toxic chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune, a class action lawsuit is likely to happen. You can wait to join one of these lawsuits, or you can go ahead and file a personal injury lawsuit on your own. Both options have their advantages, as well as their downsides, and the right choice is based on your personal circumstances. That’s why we invite you to come by and see us for a free case review. Along with helping you choose the best legal option for your case, we can answer any other questions you have about the Camp Lejeune recovery process.
Most water contamination victims asking about their legal options also want to know, “Where is the lawsuit filed?” All lawsuits involving exposure to water contamination at Camp Lejeune must be filed with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Is there a Time Period to File a Lawsuit / Join a Class Action Lawsuit?
All Camp Lejeune lawsuits must be filed within two years from August 10, 2022 – the date that President Biden signed the PACT Act into law. The statute of limitations on civil lawsuits is rarely waived by the courts. That means if you don’t file your lawsuit by the deadline of August 10, 2024, it will be extremely difficult to obtain monetary damages. To initiate an injury claim and receive the funds you’re entitled to, please give a call without delay.
Contact a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Attorney
If the devastating impact of water contamination at Camp Lejeune has affected you and your loved ones, monetary compensation may be available for your physical and emotional injuries. Obtaining these benefits, however, can be a difficult process, which is why it’s in your best interest to find an experienced attorney.
There’s no denying that legal representation can be costly, and as a result, many people choose not to contact an attorney. Here at Kenmore, we believe in free legal services for injury victims, even if a case goes all the way to trial. That’s why we’ve always worked on contingency, and only recoup our expenses by winning your case. If we don’t win, you are not responsible for any legal fees under our Zero fee guarantee.
Contact our law firm and schedule a consultation with one of our Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit attorneys.