Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Cancer Lawsuit
For over thirty years, the water supply at Camp Lejeune military base in Jacksonville, North Carolina was contaminated by several dangerous chemicals. During this time period, over one million people were exposed to these contaminants and suffered from a variety of illnesses, including cancer. Sadly, military officials denied any association of the link between cancer and the groundwater at Camp Lejeune, leaving many victims without the care and assistance they deserved.
On August 2, 2022, the U.S. Senate voted to rectify this injustice by passing the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. Then, on August 10, 2022, it was signed into law by President Biden as part of The Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT Act). Under this legislation, those who were harmed by toxins in the water at Camp Lejeune can sue the federal government for monetary damages, such as:
- Medical costs
- Disability benefits
- Lost wages
- Pan and suffering
- Counseling / mental health service costs
If you or a love developed cancer as a direct result of being exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, our attorneys can help you file a claim and recover the losses you’re entitled to. For more information on your right to sue as a Camp Lejeune cancer victim, contact DTLA Law Group without delay.
Most Common Types of Cancer Associated with Camp Lejeune Water ContaminationDuring August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987, service members, contractors, non-military employees, and civilians were exposed to several toxic chemicals through their drinking water: These include tetrachloroethylene (PCE or PERC), trichloroethylene, benzene, and vinyl chloride. Many sources were to blame for these toxins, such as fuel tanks that leaked contaminants into the groundwater. PCE and PERC chemicals came from a nearby dry cleaner, and improper disposal of industrial waste also contributed to the problem.
Over one million people were exposed to high levels of these chemicals at Camp Lejeune, and many of them ended up with cancer. Below is a list of the cancers that fall under the claims process, as identified by the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs:
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows these victims and their family members to seek compensation through a lawsuit against the U.S government. If you believe you are eligible for a Camp Lejeune cancer diagnosis lawsuit, please give us a call right away.
In order to participate in the Camp Lejeune water contamination claims process, you must have been at the military base for no less than 30 days during the contamination period. If you were later diagnosed with a qualifying type of cancer, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. Family members of deceased cancer patients may be able to file a lawsuit as well if the decedent was at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more during 1953 to 1987.
While the vast majority of claimants will be veterans, you do not need to be former military to bring a lawsuit for damages. 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.
Aside from meeting these requirements, you must not have been dishonorably discharged from the U.S. military. Those individuals and their family members are unlikely to qualify for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit.
Is there a Class Action Lawsuit for Camp Lejeune Cancer Cases?With over 1 million potential victims, it’s likely that a class action lawsuit will arise for those who were diagnosed with cancer from contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. As for what cancers fall under the class action lawsuit process, the VA has identified many variations, including breast cancer, esophageal cancer, liver cancer, leukemia, and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. If you’d like to learn more about the class action process for Camp Lejeune cancer cases, please speak with one of our lawyers during a free consultation.
Can I be added to the Lawsuit if I have Breast Cancer, Liver Cancer, Leukemia, etc.?When a class action becomes available, you may find yourself asking “Can I join the lawsuit if I have that specific type of cancer?” Yes, you can join the class action by giving us a call and talking to one of our lawyers. However, you should also consider the option of pursuing a Camp Lejeune injury claim on your own. There are pros and cons to each legal action, which our lawyers will be happy to go over with you. With the expert knowledge of one of our attorneys, you can decide on the recovery option that’s in your best interest.
Average Case Value for a Camp Lejeune Cancer Diagnosis ClaimThere are many factors that are unique to each case, which is why we can’t quote an exact figure for what the average victim will receive from a Camp Lejeune cancer claim. But these cases are expected to bring in high settlements, based on what we know of previous lawsuits involving exposure to toxic chemicals. Additionally, the cancers that are associated with contaminated water at Camp Lejeune have severe, long-term consequences for the patient and their family members. Thus, we believe it’s reasonable for cases to be valued at around $150,000 and above, with some cases exceeding $1 million.
How long does it take to get Paid in these Cases?Frankly, the timeline for one of these lawsuits depends on many variables that are specific to your own situation. Some cases may be settled within a few months, but others can take two or more years, especially if the case goes to trial. Overall, we expect that the majority of claims will be settled directly with the appropriate federal agency. In that case, your claim may be settled within 6 to 8 months. But as we’ve mentioned, there will be cases with complications that will take longer to resolve. With that in mind, the best thing you can do is speak to one of our attorneys right away and start taking action on a Camp Lejeune water contamination cancer claim.
This is an important question, as there is usually a very tight deadline in which to file a claim against a government agency. Fortunately, the PACT Act provides 2 years from the signing date of August 10, 2022 for cancer victims of Camp Lejeune to seek monetary damages. Surviving family members of deceased cancer patients also have until August 10, 2024 to bring a claim for compensation.
Keep in mind that if you miss the 2-year deadline, you will most likely lose the right to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit. Please speak with one of our attorneys as soon as possible to ensure that your claim is filed on time.
Contact our Law FirmWere you or a family member diagnosed with cancer from being exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune? Are you wondering about your rights, including the legal process to claim compensation for the harm you’ve suffered? Our lawyers are here to answer all your questions and advise you of your legal options during a free consultation. We can take immediate action on your injury or wrongful death claim and ensure that you are fairly compensated by the U.S. military.
There is no need to worry about legal fees when you hire one of our attorneys, as we work on contingency. All our services are free to you for the entire duration of your case. We only get paid by recovering your settlement, so if we don’t win your case, you won’t be responsible for any of our expenses. That’s our promise to you under the Zero fee guarantee, so you have nothing to lose by reaching out to us at our office.
To get started on a Camp Lejeune cancer diagnosis injury claim, contact DTLA Law Group and schedule a free case review.
Other Pages on Our Website Related to This Topic
Lawyer for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Camp Lejeune Lawsuit
Lawyer for Neural Behavioral Effects Camp Lejeune Lawsuit
Lawyer for Myelodysplastic Syndromes Camp Lejeune Lawsuit
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