Hundreds of Camp Lejeune veterans were exposed to contaminated water while serving in the United States Marine Corps. In addition, their spouses and children may be eligible for compensation because they were exposed to dangerous chemicals.
This article will provide a basic understanding of how this litigation is being resolved and your options if you believe that the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune harmed your family members.
What Is Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?
Camp Lejeune is a U.S. Marine Corps base in North Carolina, located on the banks of the Cape Fear River. The water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with trichloroethylene (TCE) and other chemicals from 1953 to 1987. If ingested over time, TCE is an industrial solvent that can cause liver damage and other health problems.
According to data from Reuters, US veterans and their families have filed more than 100 lawsuits in North Carolina federal court after a brief waiting period.
A lawsuit was filed against the government by veterans who served at or lived near Camp Lejeune during those years, alleging that they were exposed to harmful levels of TCE through their tap water while living there, and it’s estimated that at least one million people may have been affected by this contamination.
Are You Eligible for a Settlement?
To be eligible for a settlement, you must meet the following criteria:
- You were stationed for at least 30 days at Camp Lejeune between August 1953 and December 1987. This includes Marines, sailors, and their family members who lived on base during that period.
- You were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during this period.
- You have been diagnosed with one of the diseases listed on the claim form, cancer, or non-cancerous conditions such as kidney disease or birth defects. You can provide medical documentation proving this diagnosis.
How Much Is Your Claim Worth?
The amount of compensation you may receive will depend on several factors. The following are some of the most critical considerations:
- The length of time you lived on base, as well as whether or not your family members were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during this period
- Are you suffering any preexisting medical conditions that could be linked to contaminated drinking water at the base?
Recent news suggests that the Federal Government will end up paying around 6 billion dollars in payouts and settlements. But the actual payout for Camp Lejeune lawsuit for your particular case can vary based on various factors. For instance, it will depend on the severity of your problems, how much you have spent due to the health conditions developed, etc.
What Does the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Payout Compensate for?
The Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit payout can help cover victims’ physical pain and emotional trauma from exposure to toxic chemicals like TCE and Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS). The safe limit for PFOS is 70 parts per trillion (ppt) in drinking water.
The more aspects, the higher the payout you receive. Many law firms have different understandings of how much each case will get. But what’s common is that all law agencies agree that the payout will depend on the severity of your case.
For example, TorHoerman Law believes the compensation can range between $10,000 to $500,000. However, the firm states that the estimations are purely based on the budget created by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses are among the most common payouts in a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit payout.
These costs include:
- Treatment for any and all illnesses you might have had due to contaminated water exposure during your stay at Camp Lejeune.
- Any other medical supplies necessary for this treatment, such as bandages or braces, were purchased from pharmacies or hospitals. This can also include medical devices such as wheelchairs if used during treatment due to an illness caused by contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune.
Lost Income
Lost income is the difference between what a victim earned before being diagnosed with an illness related to water contamination at Camp Lejeune and what they earn now. This can be calculated in two ways:
- Using Past Earnings: The first method uses the past earnings of a person diagnosed with an illness related to water contamination at Camp Lejeune, subtracting their current income from that number. For example, if your annual salary was $50,000 when you were working full-time, and now it’s only $30,000 because of your health problems, your lost wages would equal $20,000 annually.
- Using Future Earnings Potential: A second way to calculate lost wages involves determining how much money someone could make if he/she worked until retirement age based on his/her education level and experience level. This number is then subtracted from his/her current salary to determine how much money he/she would have earned over time had these events not occurred.
Wrongful Death
The Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Payout compensates for wrongful death. As per data, the water contamination exposure at this military camp has led to the death of around 900-1,000 people.
It is a civil lawsuit, but it’s not just about money. It’s about recognizing the pain and suffering that families have gone through as a result of their loved ones’ deaths. It’s an acknowledgment that someone was wronged by negligence or malice, and they deserve compensation.
How to File a Claim
If you have stayed for at least 30 days at Camp Lejeune during the said dates and believe that you were exposed to contaminated water, you can file a claim to get compensation. You can file the Camp Lejeune claim using various methods, both online and offline.
- You can hire an attorney to help guide you through the process. Your lawyer will file all necessary paperwork on your behalf and ensure that your case is handled promptly. They may also be able to negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf if need be.
- You can file online by visiting NCLRC’s website or calling them between 9 AM and 5 PM EST, Monday through Friday.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has helped you understand the ins and outs of the payout of the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit. You can follow this process to get compensation for your problems. While you can file a claim yourself and wait for the response from Navy Jag, it is advised to consult with a professional lawyer.
