Now that the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 has been signed into law, you can file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit claim for the chance to receive the appropriate benefits.
We are currently compiling and filing Camp Lejeune claims for veterans, military personnel, and their loved ones who may have been exposed to water contamination at Camp Lejeune pre-1988. So, if you or your loved ones have been suffering ailments linked to water contamination while you were on base, you may be able to recover compensation.
Talk to our Camp Lejeune lawsuit attorneys at Shelly Leeke Law Firm about your case. Our award-winning legal team will review your case and if you qualify, we’ll file your claim for you and help you fight for compensation.
Who Qualifies to File or Join a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?
Military personnel, their relatives, and staff who worked and lived at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 may have drunk contaminated water, and as a result, developed a related illness and can file a claim. However, please note that dishonorably discharged members of the military and their relatives do not qualify even if they got sick from drinking or using the toxic water.
If you’re unsure of your standing, contact our qualified attorneys at Shelly Leeke Law Firm for a free case evaluation. According to a Marine Corp Times website report, the Department of Defense has stated that the VA botched as many as 21,000 Camp Lejeune disability claims, so even if you already have a claim outstanding, getting a second opinion is a smart idea.
Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Eligibility Criteria
Before you can join the Camp Lejeune lawsuit and file a claim, you need to confirm that you are eligible. Some of these requirements include:
- Living or staying on base for at least one month between 1953 and 1987
- Being a member of military personnel, a relative, or a staff member on base within the relevant timeframe
- Receiving an honorable discharge from the military
- Developing health problems as a veteran that can be linked to the consumption of contaminated water
- Developing specific cancer types or other related health issues, such as liver cancer, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, kidney cancer, adult leukemia, Parkinson’s disease, multiple myeloma, anaplastic anemia, or bladder cancer.
In the past, victims who got sick from exposure to toxic materials in North Carolina were required to file a claim within 10 years of the exposure, or else they lost their right to file a claim.
However, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act overrides that law, making it easier for military persons, veterans, guardsmen, reservists, and their relatives who developed cancer from drinking the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune within the relevant time period to file disability claims and recover damages from the government.
Filing a Claim with the DOD May Be Required
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act stipulated that all marines who are ill as a result of the exposure to the toxins in the base’s water may be required to do the following before filing a lawsuit:
- Filing a claim with the DOD
- Ensure compliance with 28 U.S. Code §2675
If their claim with the DOD is denied, they can then bring an action against the government by filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit. Because these lawsuits haven’t officially begun being considered yet in a court of law, it is unknown if this rule will be a pre-requisite for filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit as well. As such, all victims must file a DOD claim before they can proceed with a lawsuit.
You should consider talking to an experienced lawyer about your options. Since this is a developing case, we are keeping abreast of any and all new developments and will be able to provide you with the necessary guidance as your lawsuit proceeds.
Requirements for Filing a Camp Lejeune Claim
Not everyone who was on base at Camp Lejeune can file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit. To file, you’ll need to show the following:
- Copies of your military personnel records
- Proof that the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune led to you developing an illness (i.e. proof that you were at the camp during the relevant years)
- Medical reports and records of your treatment or diagnosis
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can advise you on how to get a copy of your military personnel records. With this information, your Camp Lejeune lawsuit lawyer can then file your claim with the appropriate agencies.
When Should I File a Camp Lejeune Compensation Claim?
Once you have proof that your health condition was caused by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you should begin the filing process immediately. Talk to an experienced Camp Lejeune lawsuit attorney about your options immediately to prevent delay.
Although it may be a while before you receive compensation, it is better to start the process as early as possible so that, if you win your case, you’ll be able to receive your benefits on time.
Talk to an Experienced Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Attorney Today
Let the Camp Lejeune lawsuit attorneys at Shelly Leeke Law Firm look over your application to ensure it is in good standing. We are committed to helping you fight for the compensation you need. Contact us for a free case evaluation today.
