Frequently Asked Questions About the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit
For decades, the Marine Corps knew that Camp Lejeune residents were using contaminated water. Yet officials continually denied the problem. Over the years, a few people have filed civil actions, trying to obtain the compensation they needed and deserved. But judges threw out these cases on technicalities. The 2022 Camp Lejeune Justice Act created a one-time chance for people who lived at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 to get around this technicality and file legal actions.
In an action this complex, questions are common. To better advise veterans, civilian contractors, military contractors, and their families of their legal and financial rights, our experienced Camp Lejeune toxic exposure attorneys have collected some of the most frequently asked questions and answered them below. The 2022 CLJA does not guarantee a settlement for any victim. But this law does guarantee that these victims will, at last, have a day in court.
What Are Some Signs of Camp Lejeune Water Poisoning?
Beginning in the early 1950s, toxic chemicals (mostly industrial solvents) began leaking into Camp Lejeune’s water supply. Many of these chemicals are “forever chemicals” that remain in the body indefinitely, altering cell DNA and causing other damage. Some common serious chronic health issues include:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, a.k.a. Lou Gehrig’s disease)
- Aplastic anemia
- Birth defects
- Crohn’s disease
- Dental issues
- Heart disease
- Multiple types of cancer
- Myelodysplastic syndromes (mostly bone cancers)
- Neurobehavioral effects
- Parkinson’s disease
- Scleroderma (an autoimmune disease that causes severe inflammation)
Since these conditions are normally disabling or fatal, medical treatment bills are incredibly high. For example, basic cancer treatments often cost more than $10,000 per month in the United States.
If the victim has an advanced case, which is par for the course among Camp Lejeune water contamination victims, the bills are much higher.
The compassionate Camp Lejeune and toxic exposure lawyers at The Yost Legal Group will fight to obtain the compensation these families need to fight their diseases, pay for therapies, and otherwise move on with their lives.
Who Is Eligible to File a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?
People who lived at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 for at least 30 days and have a current medical diagnosis of a water poisoning-related condition or who died because of such a condition are eligible to file lawsuits.
It is a little early to tell how this case will work out, but, most likely, only people who file claims will be eligible for a share of a settlement. Alternatively, people who file claims will probably receive a larger share of the settlement than other victims.
Those victims who step forward, partner with attorneys, and otherwise make investments and take risks need and deserve more money than victims who did not do these things.
How Big Will the Settlement Be?
Once again, it is hard to tell at this point because the lookback period remains open until 2024. But here is what we know so far…
Many pundits expect millions of victims to file legal actions. Furthermore, cancer and other serious illnesses not only cost lots of money to treat, but they also cause almost unbelievable pain and suffering.
Finally, as mentioned above, the federal government had plenty of chances to come forward and do the right thing. Ultimately and unfortunately, they did not. The law usually punishes such parties for this kind of inaction.
Based on these factors, a Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement could be one of the largest such settlements in history.
The Camp Lejeune Attorney You Deserve
The Yost Legal Group is working diligently to find survivors, victims, and their families who lived at Camp Lejeune. We want to hold the government accountable for their irresponsible actions and then negligent inaction related to the water contamination at the base. And we want to get Camp Lejeune residents the justice and compensation they deserve.
For a free consultation, confidential consultation with an experienced Camp Lejeune and toxic exposure lawyer, contact The Yost Legal Group today: 1-800-967-8529. Lawsuits can only be filed until August 10, 2024. There is no time to delay. Call The Yost Legal Group at 1-800-YOST-LAW (1-800-967-8529).