Veterans who served at Camp Lejeune for 30 days and suffered exposure to toxic chemicals have an opportunity to receive compensation. Any family members who lived with them at Camp Lejeune may also qualify for compensation, as well. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides disability benefits for victims suffering from service-related illnesses. You can also file a lawsuit against the U.S. government for its negligence.
Our Beaufort personal injury lawyers at Schiller & Hamilton can step in and help. We can file a lawsuit on your behalf and seek the compensation you need. When you work with us, you pay no upfront fees for us to begin your case.
What Was Wrong With The Water At Camp Lejeune?
Between 1953 and 1987, several toxic chemicals polluted the drinking water at Camp Lejeune. It took officials years to first discover the contamination and years more to address the issue. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the following toxins found their way into the drinking water due to spills and improper waste disposal:
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)
- Vinyl chloride
- Benzene
- Other chemicals
These chemicals can cause a variety of diseases and illnesses, some life-threatening. Veterans have options for compensation, though. VA provides disability benefits for qualifying veterans and their family members.
Who Can File A Claim For Beaufort Market Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
To successfully sue the liable party and recover compensation, one must establish:
- They resided at Camp Lejeune for a minimum of 30 cumulative days between August 1953 and December 1987. These days do not need to be consecutive.
- They were not dishonorably discharged.
- They suffered one of the qualifying conditions related to their service.
Family members claiming benefits must also produce documentation of their relationship to a veteran, such as a marriage certificate. Additionally, children of mothers who suffered exposure at Camp Lejeune may also qualify for financial recovery. They must also show documentation related to their parents’ residency at the base.
Eligible Claimants Must Have One Of These Medical Conditions
You can seek compensation through a claim or lawsuit if you suffered:
- Bladder cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Female infertility
- Hepatic steatosis
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Miscarriage
- Multiple myeloma
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Neurobehavioral effects
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Renal toxicity
- Scleroderma
These are serious diseases that can alter a person’s life forever. Along with extensive medical bills for ongoing care, you may never be able to work again. Compensation can help you and your family cope financially. These damages usually cover healthcare-related expenses you paid for treatment during a period of time.
Who Can File A Beaufort Market Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?
You can pursue compensation if you were a veteran or veteran’s family member who lived at Camp Lejeune for a certain period. You can also pursue damages if you worked on the base as a non-servicemember.
Our team can help you file a lawsuit against the U.S. government for the harm you suffered. Filing a lawsuit requires negotiations, back-and-forth arguments, and supporting evidence.
In addition to suing the government, you can apply for disability benefits through VA. Yet, the organization denies many applications on their first submission. It could deny your disability claim if:
- It questions where your illness came from.
- You gave the wrong information, even if by mistake.
- You could not prove your condition’s severity.
If you received a denial of benefits from VA, our Beaufort Market Camp Lejeune water contamination team can help. We’re ready to do everything possible to maximize your compensation.
Pending Legislation Could Affect Your Case
Currently, Congress is deciding whether to pass the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022. This act would effectively override North Carolina’s statute of limitations for suing the government, allowing Camp Lejeune victims more time to take legal action.
In addition to the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012, this act would help veterans and their families access the healthcare they need to get back on their feet.
How Our Beaufort Market Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Lawyers Can Help
You have enough on your plate when coping with an illness and keeping your family afloat. You shouldn’t have to stress over a claim or lawsuit. You have the right to hire an attorney to seek fair compensation. They can handle the entire legal process so you can tend to your health and spend time with your loved ones.
Our Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit lawyers can:
- Explain what information could supplement your application
- Negotiate for a fair settlement
- Handle all the paperwork associated with your case
- Meet filing deadlines
- Represent you in a trial
We have helped many veterans and their families get the compensation they deserve, and now, we want to help you.
Why Choose Our Firm?
We understand you have many options when looking for a law firm. Our client testimonials can give you an idea of the client-focused legal services we provide. When you work with us, you will receive personalized treatment. We know your case is unlike others, and we want to give it proper attention.
Call Schiller & Hamilton For Help With A Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit
Our attorneys take the service and sacrifice of our country’s veterans seriously. They shouldn’t have to suffer from illnesses due to contaminated water during their service. If you want to pursue compensation, our team can seek what you need.
We can determine what fair compensation looks like in your case and fight for it. We work on a contingency-fee basis and offer free initial consultations. You can discuss your condition and determine your legal options now. Call us today to get started on your case.