Between 1953 and 1987, tens of thousands of individuals were exposed to hazardous chemicals due to contaminated water at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.
Due to their exposure, countless marines and their families who worked and lived at Camp Lejeune at this time suffered cancer and a wide range of other ailments.
Unfortunately, the statute of limitations prevented victims from filing lawsuits to recover compensation for their damages. However, a new federal law has been passed and overruled this limitation.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) of 2022 allows victims to take legal action over their exposure to this contaminated water and recover the compensation they deserve.
But how much should you expect in settlement from your Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit? Read on to learn about Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement amounts.
Updates on the PACT Act Passed on August 2, 2022
The Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT Act) was enacted into law a few months ago when President Biden passed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.
Dozens of claims are already being filed by personal injury attorneys across the country on behalf of individuals exposed to contaminated water at the Camp Lejeune military base, signaling the impending arrival of Camp Lejeune litigation.
The PACT Act was enacted into federal law on august 2, 2022. Civil suits against Camp Lejeune will seek restitution for those exposed to hazardous compounds in the water.
The compensation will also cover foreseeable medical benefits for those coping with various health problems needing constant medical care.
Before the PACT Act was passed, victims of Camp Lejeune were not allowed to file lawsuits under the Federal Tort Claims Act. Residents of Camp Lejeune can now file a claim with the government for damages related to unsafe water.
Camp Lejeune Justice Act- Legislation Addresses Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was integrated into the PACT Act after failing to garner much-needed support on its own. Veterans, independent contractors, government employees, and marine defendants are eligible for reimbursement under the Justice Act.
Generally, the Act gives victims a chance to be heard in court. The goal of this legislation is to address compensation for the numerous medical problems brought on by Camp Lejeune water contamination.
This is the most comprehensive legislation to compensate Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water tragedy victims.
Sufficient scientific and medical evidence is connecting several cancers, birth abnormalities, and other health issues to carcinogens found in the toxic compounds found in drinking water.
For this reason, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act and the overarching PACT Act opened the door for people to seek legal action against the National government for damages brought on by the Camp Lejeune water contamination.
Do you qualify for damages due to exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune? How small a settlement amount should you expect?
Toxic Water Compensation
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act, part of the Honoring Our Pact Act, reimburses service members who experienced severe health problems due to exposure to harmful chemicals in the Camp Lejeune water system while serving.
A hazardous water compensation fund was established to recompense former Camp Lejeune inhabitants who experienced a wide range of malignancies and other major health problems.
Veterans who met specific requirements and served at Camp Lejeune during times of high water pollution are entitled to VA medical care under a second federal law, the Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 (CCLFA).
This may cover financial support for treatment directly related to ailments brought by the toxic water at the base and additional medical care requirements.
The amount of compensation that Marine Corps veterans receive under these laws can differ depending on various factors.
Medical care
Those who qualify for coverage under the CCLFA include those who:
- Served at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1953 and December 1987 OR
- Resided at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days while a member of the family was on active duty,
The VA will cover all medical costs for conditions related to chemical exposure at Camp Lejeune. A copayment could be necessary to cover treatment for other health issues.
Disability benefits
Veterans could not qualify for disability benefits if dishonorably discharged from the military.
Disability payments are available for those with cancers of the bladder, kidney, aplastic anemia, liver, and related myelodysplastic syndromes, Parkinson’s disease, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Cancers and Other Serious Issues Caused by the Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune
The following severe disorders, which are linked to Camp Lejeune water contamination from hazardous chemical exposure, qualify for compensation:
- Adult leukemia- Develops when a person’s body starts to produce abnormal blood cells. Symptoms include fatigue, fever, and bleeding. If not treated on time, adult leukemia symptoms can worsen quickly.
- Aplastic anemia- This and other myelodysplastic syndromes develop when the bone marrow cannot make new cells quickly enough to sustain normal bodily processes. Many people with aplastic anemia may have weariness and trouble battling infections.
- Bladder cancer- Causes back pain or frequent urination. Bladder cancer may be manageable with early therapy, but it might result in severe problems if the patient is not given care immediately. Numerous hazardous substances contained in drinking water have been linked to bladder cancer on a causative basis.
- Esophageal cancer- Can cause discomfort or make swallowing difficult.
- Breast cancer- May necessitate the removal of breast tissue. Breast cancer can strike both male and female individuals.
- Kidney cancer- Presents such symptoms as pain, fever, fatigue, and unanticipated weight loss. Kidney cancer, like many other cancers, is curable when detected early.
- Lung cancer- Breathing problems are a potential symptom of lung cancer.
- Liver cancer- It manifests in many different ways, but it can cause severe symptoms such as weakness, edema, and abdominal discomfort.
- Multiple myeloma- With this condition, malignant blood cells replace healthy ones, creating proteins that might cause problems throughout the body. Multiple myeloma can result in tiredness, nausea, mental disorientation, and limb weakness or numbness.
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma- Causes abnormal growth of white blood cells, and tumors may develop throughout the body.
- Parkinson’s disease- Causes stiffness, shakiness, and general body weakness. Balance and coordination might be affected by Parkinson’s disease as well.
This list of eligible conditions does not exhaust all health complications caused by toxic exposure to contaminated Camp Lejeune water.
Individuals who were exposed to the toxic chemicals at the Marine Corps base may also face numerous health challenges, including infertility. Others may develop secondary health complications from illnesses caused by exposure to contaminated water.
So, if you lived or worked on the base between 1953 and 1987 and struggled with any severe medical condition, you may qualify for compensation under the CCLFA.
All you will need to do is provide clear evidence that your diagnosis and challenges result from exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
How Much Compensation to Expect for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement
Camp Lejeune water contamination compensation payouts will likely be based on a grid system. The process is still in its initial stages, but we could classify the different types of cancers, disorders, and symptoms into distinct categories.
The levels are determined by the weight of the scientific evidence linking cancers or other ailments to Camp Lejeune water pollution.
The Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement amounts will be directly related to the evidence and medical data on each type of cancer and condition.
The Department of Navy will probably determine the value of a claim based on the following tiers of a grid system. However, a claimant does not have to accept a settlement offer.
If you lawyer advises you to reject a settlement offer, you can file a lawsuit in the U.S Federal Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Camp Lejeune cancer types- tier 1
- Bladder cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Liver cancer
- Breast cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Esophageal cancer
Camp Lejeune cancers and diseases- tier 2
- Cervical cancer
- Lung cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Aplastic cancer
- Brain cancer
- Colon cancer
- Ovarian cancer
Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement amounts will vary in value depending on the severity of the illness, need for future treatment, or loss of a loved one.
Time is of the essence when it comes to filing a Camp Lejeune personal injury claim. Contact an experienced lawyer to help you file a Camp Lejeune claim and increase your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
Toxic Water Lawsuit Settlement Amounts
The VA has not yet made the Camp Lejeune water pollution settlement amounts public. But an expert lawyer can determine the amount of compensation you could demand by taking into account the following:
- Your particular medical issue is caused by polluted water due to hazardous exposure.
- Your level of exposure to polluted Camp Lejeune water, how long you were exposed, whether you lived or worked there, and how frequently you bathed in or otherwise used the water.
- The amount of your noticeable financial losses suffered as a result of your diagnosis.
- Whether the VA has ever rejected a claim you made for disability compensation linked to your service at Camp Lejeune.
The Honoring Our Pact Act of 2022 allocates roughly $6.7 billion to veterans exposed to harmful chemicals in Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water who either developed substantial health issues or lost their lives.
Roughly, each claimant might get compensation for water pollution worth at least $500,000 or even more.
Do I have the Right to Pursue a Camp Lejeune Toxic Exposure claim?
Consult an attorney to find out if you are eligible to file a claim and what compensation you may be entitled to under the law. Your responses to the following questions might affect your rights.
- Did you work or reside at Camp Lejeune between August 1953 through December 1987?
You can file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit claiming damages for your damages if you worked or resided at the base for at least 30 days, anytime within the mentioned timeframe.
The 30 days of exposure time does not typically include time spent on deployment with a unit stationed at Camp Lejeune.
- Did your probable exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune base result in a medical diagnosis?
A lawyer must gather and submit adequate proof that your clinical diagnosis resulted from your exposure to contaminants in the Camp Lejeune water supply before they can file a claim for you.
By proving your exposure, you also show that you have a high chance of developing serious illnesses, such as various forms of potentially deadly cancer.
Speak with a knowledgeable Camp Lejeune claims attorney if you have concerns about your ability to pursue a claim for damages resulting from hazardous exposure at the camp.
A lawyer can examine your medical circumstances, ascertain if you could be eligible for benefits and compensation, and evaluate the damages you have already incurred or are likely to incur in the future.
Need Help Filing a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claim?
If chemical exposure at Camp Lejeune caused you a life-changing medical condition, you might be eligible for compensation. Working with an experienced Camp Lejeune attorney can increase your chances of being compensated.
A knowledgeable lawyer can review the conditions you experienced, track down information supporting their probable cause, prepare your claim, and act as your champion.
At Legal Giant, we are ready to help in any Camp Lejeune lawsuit. Our lawyers will fight for you and ensure you get the maximum settlement amount for your damages.
Contact us for a free consultation and evaluation of your case today.
