Dan Pruitt Injury Law Firm in Greenville, SC is now accepting cases brought by victims affected by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
If you or your family members were living at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, do not hesitate to reach out to our offices at (865) 280-7660. We will assist you with your Camp Lejeune contaminated water lawsuit and see to it that you get the compensation you deserve.
What is Camp Lejeune’s Contaminated Water Situation?
Camp Lejeune is a military base located in North Carolina. Two out of the eight water plants that serviced the base became contaminated with chemicals that infiltrated into the water that the families and service members used and consumed. As a result, many of them developed conditions that greatly reduced their quality of life.
The people living on the base tried to warn officials that the water was contaminated but little action was taken.
Up until now, disability benefits covered medical expenses for certain conditions associated with the water exposure. But now, due to the Lejeune Justice Act, the individuals that were affected will be receiving greater compensation for a wider range of conditions.
What is the Camp Lejeune Contamination Timeline?
Here’s a rundown on the incidents involved in the Camp Lejeune drinking water lawsuit.
- 1942: Camp Lejeune opens.
- 1953: The water at the military base becomes contaminated in the early 1950s. At this point, most residents were unaware of the situation.
- Two of the eight water treatment plants on the base were found to contain VOCs.
- 1982: The issue of water contamination is brought to light. However, little action is taken.
- Those exposed to the water begin developing serious physical conditions and illnesses.
- 2012: The Camp Lejeune Families Act goes into effect providing healthcare compensation for qualifying individuals. However, many victims do not get the compensation they deserve due to technicalities.
- 2022: The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is introduced to eliminate the barriers victims are facing in receiving compensation. Lawmakers are currently working to pass the act, so these cases are brought to justice. Affected families continue to raise awareness concerning the matter.
What Contaminants Were Involved in the Camp Lejeune Water Lawsuit?
The contaminants found in the water at Camp Lejeune include:
- Vinyl chloride
- Benzene
- Trichloroethylene
- Tetrachlorethylene
These chemicals are often used to make consumer products. Some are known carcinogens while others have proven to negatively affect important bodily functions.
What Types of Conditions are the Victims of the Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Lawsuit Dealing With?
The people that were exposed to the water at Camp Lejeune are dealing with a variety of conditions including:
- Adult leukemia
- Leukemia
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Breast cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Liver cancer
- Renal failure
- Multiple myeloma
- Renal toxicity and other kidney issues
- Miscarriage and infertility
- Hepatic steatosis
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Scleroderma
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Neurobehavioral effect
- Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Who Can File a Camp Lejeune Drinking Water Lawsuit Claim?
A claim can be filed by anyone who lived and worked at the military base for 30 days or more and can prove they developed a medical condition due to the contaminated water exposure. These include:
- Military members
- Veterans
- Family members
- Contractors
- Reservists
- National guard members
What is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022?
Previously, victims at Camp Lejeune could receive medical benefits if they were diagnosed with one of eight conditions linked to the water contamination on the site. They were not entitled to cash compensation.
The Camp Lejeune Act removes legal barriers that were preventing victims from receiving compensation. It creates jurisdiction to adjudicate claims in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. It also removes the North Carolina Statute of Repose that prevented legal procedures.
The Act also waives sovereign immunity allowing victims to sue the government.
What is the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Family Members Act of 2012?
The Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Family Members Act was passed in 2012. It authorized healthcare coverage for victims of the water contamination at Camp Lejeune. Veterans Affairs are considered the payer of last resort for these conditions meaning it will step in if no other source of compensation is available.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 serves as a supplement to the 2012 act. It acknowledges that the funding available in the past was insufficient. It covers damages beyond medical expenses including those for lost wages and emotional distress.
How Much Compensation Can I Get from My Camp Lejeune Water Lawsuit?
The compensation you get will depend on the extent of your damages. You may be reimbursed for:
- Medical expenses
- Emotional damage
- Lost wages
- Reduced capacity to work
- Wrongful death
If you were a victim of Camp Lejeune water lawsuit, do not hesitate to reach out to Dan Pruitt Injury Law Firm. We can tell you how much you may be compensated for.
Will the Compensation from a Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Lawsuit Affect My Disability Benefits?
No. If you are already receiving disability benefits for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit or for any other reason, they will not be affected. You may still receive your medical benefits as well as compensation for emotional damage and lost earnings which was previously unavailable.
Moreover, if you were previously denied benefits for Camp Lejeune water contamination damages, you may still be eligible for compensation. The 2022 Act expands eligibility to cover more conditions meaning more people will meet the new requirements.
Dan Pruitt Injury Law Firm Can Represent You in Your Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Lawsuit
The chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune put thousands of people at risk. These include military members who were serving their country and innocent family members. Although officials were made aware of the problem, they refused to take action.
If you or a loved one was affected by the water contamination on the site, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dan Pruitt Injury Law Firm. We have years of experience representing people in personal injury claims. We will see to it that you get the compensation you deserve.