Between 1953 and 1987, the water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated by waste disposal practices, underground leaking, and industrial spills. The water was carried on the base and was used to drink and shower everyone. Tests show that two area water treatment facilities supplied water with volatile organic compounds. The Tarawa Terrace Plant water is provided to the Knox trailer park and the Tarawa terrace family housing.
The Hadnot Point water plant services Mainside barracks, Midway Park housing, Berkeley Manor housing, and Paradise Point housing. This is not an exhaustive list, and the water contamination flowed into various other areas. Regardless of where you reside during the contamination period you must consult with a Camp Lejeune water contamination attorney.
How much will attorneys fees be?
Within the Camp Lejeune justice Act, attorneys can only handle cases on a contingency fee basis. That means victims will not pay any fees out of pocket. An attorney can only garner any payment if they win the case. The bill also ensures that attorneys do not take a substantial amount from the settlement. A Camp Lejeune water contamination attorney will only receive 25% of your compensation. In other cases, they would typically be able to take 40%, but qualified and honest attorneys will abide by the caps within the new bill.
What is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022?
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 establishes a legal route for victims of toxic water exposure between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, to garner compensation for their injuries. The law also expands services and benefits available for over 3.5 million veterans through the Veterans Administration. These benefits are not solely for Camp Lejeune but for any other exposure incidents, including the burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Until now, veterans could not take any legal action against the government because of North Carolina’s laws. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act will supersede state laws and open the door for service members and others to file claims.
What diseases are covered?
The primary diseases and conditions that many residents suffer from are cancer, but there are many others. Children of expectant mothers at the time are also at risk for these illnesses. Those who were not yet born but did face exposure are also eligible to file a complaint and garner compensation. There is a slew of injuries the water contamination at Camp Lejeune has inflicted on victims, such as:
- Liver cancer
- Adult leukemia
- Child leukemia
- Kidney cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Miscarriage
- Renal toxicity
- Esophageal cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Aplastic anemia
- Cardiac birth defects
- Parkinson’s disease
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Infertility
- Neurobehavioral effects
- Birth injuries and defects
You can still file a claim if your loved one had a condition from the unsafe water at Camp Lejeune. The new bill states that the legal representative of the deceased can file a complaint and obtain compensation. The cause of death does not have to be water contamination. The deceased must have had a medical condition that resulted from the toxic water.
How do I find a lawyer?
Since the bill is new, many attorneys will be jumping to take your case. However, you must look at your specific circumstances and find a lawyer that knows how to work with them. You can ask family and friends and look for suggestions online. The key will be to find a lawyer that handles not only personal injury cases but also wrongful death and moss tort claims. A bonus is an attorney who also has experience handling military claims.
You do not need to reside or find a lawyer in North Carolina to take your case. The bill is federal, meaning no matter where you currently live, you can file a claim as long as you meet the eligibility requirements. Kwartler Manus, LLC is here to help determine if you are eligible for a suit and begin to work on your complaint. Our Camp Lejeune water contamination attorney is here to fight for the justice you deserve the same way you fought for our freedom. Call our office at (267) 457-5570 to schedule a consultation today.