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If you were on Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you may qualify for compensation.
Those who were exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune in the mid-1980s can now seek compensation. Under a new law, victims can file a claim for disability compensation through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA has already set up a $350 million fund to pay for health care benefits. However, these benefits will only be available to those who meet several conditions. If you have a serious illness and are interested in filing a claim, you will need to show that your illness was caused by exposure to toxic water at Camp Lejeune. If you need assistance, you can hire an experienced attorney.
If you are interested in filing a claim, you must show that you were exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune for a minimum of thirty days. You can prove this by showing your military forms that document your time at Camp Lejeune. However, if you were exposed to water for fewer than thirty days, you will not be eligible for compensation.
Even though the federal government has already committed to providing $75 million in benefits to families of service members who died of cancer related to Camp Lejeune, many victims are still fighting for justice. They continue to suffer and face economic hardships because of their illnesses.
During the 1980s, Camp Lejeune experienced a high rate of serious illnesses. These illnesses included cancer and leukemia. Many of these illnesses were avoidable. In response, the government closed many contaminated wells at the base. However, toxic exposure to water from these wells still causes serious illnesses decades later. The Department of Veterans Affairs believes that at least eight diseases are related to Camp Lejeune.
If you were on Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you may qualify for compensation.
In addition to these illnesses, pregnant women exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune are more likely to suffer miscarriages, stillbirths, and birth defects. Children exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune also suffer from health problems. These conditions include cancer, heart disease, and cardiac impairment.
There are other benefits available to people who suffer from illnesses related to exposure to toxic water at Camp Lejeune. These benefits include cancer care and treatment, as well as disability compensation. These benefits will vary depending on the amount of contaminant exposure.
The Justice Act also precludes the federal government from immunity. This is important because it closes a legal loophole that has allowed many of the claims to be dismissed. Currently, North Carolina has a statute of repose, which prohibits the government from being held liable for injuries that were caused by a person’s own negligence. When a claim is denied, the victim can then file a formal complaint in federal court.
The Justice Act also lowers the burden of proof. A claim may be filed two years after a person is exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune. The Department of Navy has 180 days to review the claim. The VA has also established presumptive service-connection for conditions related to toxic water at Camp Lejeune. These conditions include cancer, Parkinson’s disease, adult leukemia, kidney cancer, liver cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.