Lawyer for Camp Lejeune Scleroderma Diagnosis Lawsuit

Did you or your family member develop scleroderma from exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during 1953 to 1987? 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. Through a lawsuit, you may be entitled to a variety of damages, including disability payments, medical costs, mental health expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Since the passing of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, our attorneys have been meeting with clients who are curious to learn more about their legal rights. Many of them want to know:

• I was stationed at Camp Lejeune and I have scleroderma. What are the steps I need to take?
• What is the average case value for scleroderma diagnosis Camp Lejeune lawsuits?
• Is there a class action lawsuit for Camp Lejeune water contamination victims?
• How long will it take to receive my settlement?

Please continue reading for more information on these topics, as well as other issues that have been brought to us by former Camp Lejeune residents and workers. However, we can only cover a limited range of information through this article, so please schedule a free consultation if you have specific questions or concerns.

What is Scleroderma?

Scleroderma, or systemic sclerosis, is a cluster of rare disorders that harden and tighten the skin. It can also affect your blood vessels, digestive tract, and internal organs. Digestive problems are the most obvious complication from scleroderma, which may include heartburn, bloating, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, and fecal incontinence. In the worst cases, the patient will experience lung and heart issues, such as pulmonary hypertension, lung damage, and heart failure.

While there is no cure for scleroderma, early intervention can help you manage these symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Thus, it’s important to keep an eye out for the following symptoms:

• Hardening and tightening of the skin, usually on your face, hands, fingers, arms, chest, legs, or feet.
• Swelling and itchiness of the skin.
• Changes in skin color (lighter or darker) or a shiny appearance due to the tightness.
• Telangiectasia, or small red spots which appear on the face and/or hands.
• Calcium deposits under the skin, which can be detected on X-rays.

Scleroderma occurs from an overproduction of collagen, and unfortunately, there is no way to stop the process once it begins. Medications, surgery, and various treatments can help you live with the symptoms, but this is a difficult condition to manage, as it can affects so many parts of your body.

How did Toxic Chemicals End up in the Water at Camp Lejeune?

For over three decades, the water supply at Camp Lejeune contained several toxic chemicals, including:

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

The military was told about the dangers associated with long-term exposure to these substances. However, they chose to hide the problem instead of taking action to keep residents and workers safe. Due to their negligence, countless people passed away or developed serious medical conditions, like scleroderma.

Several studies, including an analysis conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency, indicate a strong relationship between scleroderma and exposure to industrial solvents, such as TCE. That means if you were diagnosed with scleroderma after living or working at Camp Lejeune, you have a strong case for monetary damages.

Eligibility for a Camp Lejeune Scleroderma Diagnosis Lawsuit

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is part of The Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, also known as the PACT Act. This legislation, which was signed into law on August 10, 2022, provides healthcare and compensation to veterans that were exposed to toxic chemicals during military service. To be eligible for a lawsuit, you will need to prove that you stayed at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days during 1953 to 1987. Due to the toxic chemicals in the water supply, you were later diagnosed with scleroderma. Alternatively, you are suing on behalf of a deceased individual who developed scleroderma from exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The only exception applies to veterans that were dishonorably discharged (or family of dishonorably discharged service members). Due to military regulations, it’s unlikely that these individuals will be eligible for a claim.

What is the Value of my Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Case?

At this point, we can only make projections for what these cases are worth based on previous settlements involving scleroderma. Overall, we believe the average Camp Lejeune scleroderma claim will be worth around $175,000. However, there may be higher settlements for patients with serious complications, like heart disease and scarring in the lungs. This, along with your other damages, like lost income and mental anguish, can increase a case value by up to several hundred thousand dollars.

How long does it take to Settle these Cases?

Case timelines for Camp Lejeune water contamination claims vary significantly, ranging from a few months to several years. We believe that the bulk of these claims will be settled in 6 months, as the U.S. military is eager to move on from these cases as soon as possible. But some injury claims have complex issues that will take longer to resolve, meaning 12 to 18 months may be need to recover your payment. In the worst case scenario, it may take two years or more to settle your lawsuit.

Should I Join a Class Action Lawsuit? Or should I File my Own Individual Lawsuit?

Which legal action you should take is generally a matter of personal choice. As of now, there is no class action for Camp Lejeune cases, but it’s likely to happen in the near future considering the potential number of victims. There are certainly benefits in joining with others who developed scleroderma from toxins in the water at Camp Lejeune. On the other hand, there are different benefits to filing your own lawsuit, which may be more suitable for your needs. One of our lawyers can go over the pros and cons of each legal action and help you make an informed choice.

Is there a Time Period to File a Lawsuit?

The statute of limitations to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit or join a class action lawsuit is two years from August 10, 2022 (the date on which the PACT Act was signed into law). Once you are past this deadline, it’s unlikely that you’ll be given the chance to sue for monetary damages. Taking immediate action on an injury claim is essential, so contact our office to get started on a Camp Lejeune water contamination case.

Where is the Lawsuit Filed?

Because Camp Lejeune is owned by the U.S. government, the court in charge of these lawsuits is the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. These lawsuits are much more complicated than legal actions against individuals or private companies. To make sure you are in compliance with the court’s rules, please seek the advice of one of our attorneys.

Speak to a Lawyer for Scleroderma Camp Lejeune Lawsuits

Scleroderma is a painful and debilitating disease to live with, but the challenges are that much greater when you are denied the compensation you deserve for someone else’s negligence. After all these years, victims of water contamination at Camp Lejeune can finally seek justice from the federal government. Unfortunately, the process can be complicated with endless opportunities for costly mistakes. With our many years of experience in personal injury cases, the lawyers of Kenmore will fight for your rights and bring you the maximum payment you’re entitled to.

As a scleroderma patient, you are likely worried about the cost of hiring an attorney. At our law firm, we cover the entire cost of litigating your case, which means you won’t pay a dime for our services. Our fees are recovered from your settlement, so the only way we get paid is by winning your case. If you’re ready to take advantage of our Zero fee guarantee, contact our law firm to schedule a free consultation.