The water contamination case at the Marine Corps base Camp Lejeune is one of the worst in our nation’s history. Local storm drains were all purposefully used as dumping sites for toxic degreasing chemicals, industrial wastewater, and solvents โ serving to contaminate the local water supply for a stretch of 35 years.
By the time the authorities took action, decades of damage had already been done, and those living on Camp Lejeune and in the surrounding area had been dangerously exposed.
If you’ve lost a loved one to Camp Lejeune water contamination, don’t wait to consult with an experienced Camp Lejeune lawsuit attorney at Moebes Law for the keen legal guidance you need.
Associated Conditions From Camp Lejeune Contamination
It wasn’t until 2021 that the government addressed the harm caused by contamination at Camp Lejeune with the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2021 (CLJA). This applies to those who lived on the base โ or were exposed to its contaminated water โ for at least 30 days during the time frame from August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987.
The health concerns and conditions most closely associated with these claims include:
- Autoimmune diseases, such as scleroderma
- A wide range of cancers, including bladder cancer, liver cancer, adult leukemia, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and many others
- Organ damage or failure, such as cirrhosis of the liver
- Renal toxicity
- Fatty liver disease
- Neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease
- Cardiac birth defects
People affected by the contamination continue to struggle with the related effects or have succumbed to them.
While the exposure these victims experienced was long ago, and they’re now spread across the United States, far too many continue to suffer from painful, life-threatening illnesses. If you have lost a loved one to the Camp Lejeune water contamination deaths, you may be entitled to compensation.
Eligibility for Filing a Camp Lejeune Claim
The following survivors of those who succumbed to Camp Lejeune water contamination can seek compensation for their losses:
- The surviving spouse of a fallen victim
- The surviving biological or adopted child of a fallen victim
- The surviving legal dependent of a fallen victim
For Survivors of Those Who Died at Camp Lejeune
As a survivor of someone who lost their life because of Camp Lejeune water contamination, you can file a wrongful death claim under the CLJA. A wrongful death claim is filed by the estate of the deceased on behalf of their covered survivors.
Note that CLJA allows a claimant to seek compensation even if the loved one in question โ who suffered losses related to Camp Lejeune water contamination โ died as a result of something else, such as an accident or an unrelated medical condition.
The Statute of Limitations for Camp Lejeune Claims
A statute of limitations refers to the amount of time an injured party has to file a lawsuit against the negligent party who caused them to be injured. With Camp Lejeune claims, however, the negligence stems from decades past, which โ until now โ barred victims from seeking fair compensation.
By the time they realized the connection between their losses and Camp Lejeune water contamination, the time frame for filing a claim was long past. The CLJA, however, changed all that, and it allows those affected to file lawsuits against Camp Lejeune for up to two years after the Act’s enactment on August 10, 2022.
The only exception is if your claim has been denied by the government, which extends the applicable time limit to 180 days from the date of your claim denial โ or whichever date comes later.
Losses Related to Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Deaths
Every Camp Lejeune water contamination claim is specific to the events involved, but each is as tragic as it is important. As the survivor of a loved one who suffered as a result of Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water, you can seek compensation in each of the following categories:
- The related medical expenses, which were almost certainly extensive and ongoing
- The lost earnings, which vary considerably in relation to the victim’s age and earning potential and the degree to which their injuries cut their earning power short
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
Are there punitive damages for individuals fatally sickened at Camp Lejeune?
Be aware that claims related to the CLJA cannot seek or receive punitive damages.
In Camp Lejeune cases, the at-fault party is the federal government, and punitive damages are barred.
Reach Out to an Experienced Atlanta Camp Lejeune Claims Attorney Today
Michael Moebes at Moebes Law in Atlanta is a formidable injury attorney with a track record of representing injured veterans and their families. He is willing to hear about your Camp Lejeune claim right away.
Obtaining the compensation to which you are entitled is important in honoring your lost loved one’s memory and supporting your recovery and future. Our legal team has the compassion and insight to help you now. Contact us online or call us at 678-884-4059 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about what we can do for you today.
Camp Lejeune Contamination Claim FAQs
How do I know if I have a valid claim?
To find out if you have a valid CLJA claim, simply reach out for the trusted legal guidance of a dedicated Camp Lejeune claim attorney who will assess the strength of your case and your best path forward.
Am I required to work with an attorney?
The best means you have of protecting your rights and obtaining fair compensation is with an accomplished attorney in your corner.
How much does an attorney cost?
You will not have to pay anything for legal representation unless you obtain compensation. If you do not receive a settlement or award, you will not owe your lawyer anything.