Bringardner Injury Law Firm is accepting new cases on behalf of people who have suffered from injuries, diseases, cancer, death and other health problems after being at Camp Lejeune. New legislation is expected to allow those harmed by the water contamination at the Marine Corps base to seek compensation outside of the Veterans Administration system.
Camp Lejeune is believed to be the worst example of contamination of a public water system in American history. From 1953 to 1987, the water supply at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina was contaminated with dangerously high levels of carcinogenic chemicals. Marines, their families, and people who worked at the Marine Corp base drank and bathed in toxic water contaminated with more than 70 harmful chemicals at levels 240 to 3400 times permitted by safety standards.
If you lived or worked at Camp Lejeune between 1953 to 1987 and suffered water toxicity-related diseases, you may be eligible for settlement compensation from the government. Our Camp Lejeune water contamination attorneys can represent you and bring your claim.
Contact us at 843.380.5299 to take the first step towards justice.
There are strict time limits in the new law – so don’t wait. Contact our law firm today to request your compensation.
About the Camp Lejeune Justice Act
Thousands of Marines and their families were exposed to toxic water while living and working at Camp Lejeune. Because of their exposure, they now face serious health problems including cancer.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act gives victims a way to receive compensation. Victims may claim medical bills, pain and suffering and lost income. Wrongful death compensation may be awarded. It is expected to be signed into law in the coming weeks or months, which will allow those affected by the poisoned water supply to file claims against the government.
Note: The compensation you receive is personalized to your situation. Let our attorneys give you an evaluation of the amount of your claim. Call us at 843.380.5299and request your consultation.
Who Qualifies to Bring a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?
People who may qualify to bring a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit are:
- Veterans
- Military spouses
- Children who lived on the military base
- Contractors
- Civilian workers
- National guard and reservists
- Others who were exposed to the water at Camp Lejeune
To qualify to bring a claim, you must have been exposed to the water at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more. The applicable time period is from August 1, 1953 to December 31, 1987 (H.R. Bill 2192, 117th Congress, 1st Session).
Qualifying Medical Conditions for Camp Lejeune Compensation
Medical conditions that qualify for Camp Lejeune compensation are wide-ranging. They include any type of “harm” which is likely to have resulted from water exposure. Some examples of medical conditions that may be covered are:
- Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndrome
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer and renal disease
- Liver cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Leukemia
- Aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple myeloma (cancer of plasma cells)
- Infertility and miscarriage
- Scleroderma and related problems including in blood vessels, internal organs and digestion
- Hepatic steatosis
- Other conditions like infertility, miscarriages, esophageal cancer, scleroderma, and others may also occur.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Camp Lejeune water contamination health issues; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Past Water Contamination).
How do you prove that the toxic water caused the illnesses?
The proposed Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows victims to make their claim for compensation on any of the following bases:
- Exposure to the water for 30 days or more
- Harm associated with exposure to the water
- Harm linked to exposure to the water
- Exposure which increased the likelihood of harm
The toxic substances in the water have already been identified and acknowledged by United States officials. (ATSDR, Camp Lejeune). Victims need only make a basic showing that they have a medical condition that is likely to have occurred after exposure to these toxic substances.
The victim may present scientific evidence showing that exposure to the water is a possible cause of their medical condition. A lawyer can investigate your condition and help show whether probable link exists between the water and your illness or disease.
What Happened at Camp Lejeune?
At Camp Lejeune, toxic substances leaked into the water. Thousands of people were exposed to these industrial chemicals. Benzene, vinyl chloride and trichloroethylene (TCE) entered the drinking water and water used for everyday household use. These chemicals are known carcinogens. Overtime, these chemicals caused serious health problems. Victims had no idea that they were in harm’s way.
Wells that absorbed the toxic materials serviced both work sites and homes at Camp Lejeune. The contamination was widespread with specific volatile organic compounds found in two water treatment plants on base. There were eight total water treatment plants, so many victims were likely exposed. A possible source may have been a nearby dry cleaning facility.
As victims developed serious health problems, lawmakers struggled to find a way to fairly compensate victims and recognize their suffering. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is meant to provide compensation to service members and their families who so dutifully served their country at the military base.
Source: ARSDR, Position on the Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune
Camp Lejeune Justice Act FAQs
Is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act the same thing as VA benefits?
No. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act paves the way for victims of Camp Lejeune toxic water exposure to claim cash damages.
Previously, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs paid limited disability benefits to service members and their families who could prove their exposure to the toxic water and resulting medical conditions. The new law is more expansive, providing for cash compensation so that the pain and suffering of victims is recognized. (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Camp Lejeune water contamination health issues)
Is there a time limit to getting Camp Lejeune compensation?
The proposed law has a two-year time limit for claiming Camp Lejeune compensation. The victim must start their claim by the expiration of the time period. In addition, there is a 180-day limit from administrative denial of a claim. (See H.R. Bill 2191 § 2(j)(1)(A)-(B)).
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act creates a window for victims to claim compensation, but it is a short window. Bringardner Injury Law Firm is preparing to file claims now! Start your case today by calling our offices at 843.380.5299.
Can I bring a case if I already get disability benefits?
Yes! If you bring a claim and you already get disability benefits, you may continue to get the same awards, payments and benefits through the Veterans Administration. (H.R. Bill 2191 § 2(d)(2)).
Doesn’t the government have immunity from lawsuits?
It’s true that the government has immunity from many types of lawsuits. However, for Camp Lejeune toxic water victims, the government is giving up their immunity. The new law says that immunity is not a defense for the United States as a defendant in the claims. (H.R. Bill 2191 § 2(e)).
Are punitive damages available for Camp Lejeune claims?
No. Punitive damages may not be awarded for Camp Lejeune claims. (H.R. Bill 2191 § 2(f).)
How do I pay for my attorney?
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows the court to award the payment of attorney fees as part of your judgment, in addition to your compensatory damages. See how our law firm can represent you with no upfront costs and no risk – you pay nothing unless you receive compensation.
Does the North Carolina Statute of Repose prevent people from bringing a claim?
Previously, a procedural law called the Statute of Repose prevented victims from bringing Camp Lejeune tort claims in North Carolina. Even if the victims didn’t know they were injured, and symptoms were still to develop, time ran out to bring a claim. However, the new law says that any statute of repose that may have applied does not prohibit claims brought under the new law. (H.R. Bill 2191 § 2(j)(3)).
What years was the water contaminated at Camp Lejeune?
Toxins contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987.
How Do I File a Camp Lejeune Justice Act Claim?
A victim filing a Camp Lejeune Justice Act claim must first present a notice to government representatives, following 28 U.S. Code § 2675. The process allows the government to consider the merits of the claim without the time and expense of starting a lawsuit.
In other words, it’s possible to receive compensation without filing a formal legal claim. Our lawyers are prepared to take the necessary steps to build your claim and present it for compensation.
If the government denies the claim, you may file a legal action. The proposed law creates exclusive jurisdiction and venue in the Eastern District Court of North Carolina. Our lawyers can file your claim and represent you. You have the right to a trial by jury. (H.R. Bill 2191 § 2(c)).
Legal Help for Victims of Camp Lejeune Water Toxicity
Hearing that you may receive compensation for health problems after being at Camp Lejeune can be a welcome relief. It’s our goal as experienced victim’s attorneys to help every victim receive justice for their claim. Our lawyers can:
- Review your right to compensation
- File your claim
- Work to claim the maximum amount
- Explain the legal process and answer questions
- Follow the legal steps to process the case
- Simplify the legal process while we build your claim efficiently
- Customize your case plan to your unique needs and goals
- Serve as your legal representatives and advocates throughout the case
Attorneys Taking New Camp Lejeune Cases
When we represent you, we do everything we can to maximize your settlement amount and resolve your case as quickly as possible. We’re experienced litigators, and we’re preparing to file Camp Lejeune claims now.
When you choose Bringardner Injury Law Firm, you can feel confident that your case is in good hands. Contact us to learn more, and begin your case today. Call 843.380.5299, or send us a message now.