South Carolina Camp Lejeune Lawyers Fight for Water Contamination Victims

Between 1953 and 1987, the water supply at Camp Lejeune, a U.S. Marine Corps base in North Carolina, was contaminated with toxic chemicals. This contamination has led to a multitude of health issues for those who lived and worked at the base, including veterans, their families, and civilian employees. With over 400,000 veterans residing in South Carolina, representing 10% of the state’s adult population, the impact of this contamination is far-reaching. South Carolina Camp Lejeune lawyers are at the forefront, fighting to secure justice and compensation for these water contamination victims.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act: A Path to Compensation

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act, enacted in 2022 as part of the Honoring Our PACT Act, provides a legal avenue for individuals harmed by the contaminated water to seek compensation from the U.S. government. This landmark legislation allows those who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and have been diagnosed with certain health conditions, to file a claim.

Who is Eligible?

Veterans who served at Camp Lejeune
Family members who resided at Camp Lejeune
Civilian employees who worked at Camp Lejeune
National Guard members and Army Reservists who trained at Camp Lejeune
Individuals exposed in utero

What Conditions Qualify?

Exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune has been linked to a wide range of health conditions, including:

Bladder cancer
Breast cancer
Esophageal cancer
Kidney cancer
Leukemia
Lung cancer
Multiple myeloma
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Parkinson’s disease
Female infertility
Miscarriage
Birth defects
Hepatic steatosis
Myelodysplastic syndromes
Neurobehavioral effects
Renal toxicity
Scleroderma

South Carolina Lawyers: Champions for Camp Lejeune Victims

South Carolina Camp Lejeune lawyers play a crucial role in helping victims navigate the complex legal process and pursue the compensation they deserve. These attorneys possess a deep understanding of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, the scientific evidence linking the water contamination to various health conditions, and the procedures for filing a successful claim.

How Can a South Carolina Camp Lejeune Lawyer Help?

Case Evaluation: A lawyer can assess your eligibility to file a claim based on your residency at Camp Lejeune and your medical diagnosis.
Evidence Gathering: Attorneys can assist in gathering the necessary documentation to support your claim, including military records, medical records, and expert witness testimony.
Claim Filing: Lawyers can prepare and file your administrative claim with the Department of the Navy, ensuring that all requirements are met.
Lawsuit Representation: If your administrative claim is denied or not resolved within a specified timeframe, a lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Negotiation and Settlement: Attorneys can negotiate with the government to reach a fair settlement that compensates you for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Trial Litigation: If a settlement cannot be reached, a lawyer can represent you at trial, presenting your case to a judge or jury.

Understanding the Legal Process

Filing a Camp Lejeune claim involves a multi-step process:

Administrative Claim: The first step is to file an administrative claim with the Department of the Navy. This claim must include evidence of your residency at Camp Lejeune and your medical diagnosis.
Review Period: The Department of the Navy has 180 days to review your claim. If the claim is denied or not resolved within this timeframe, you can proceed to file a lawsuit.
Lawsuit Filing: A lawsuit must be filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Discovery: During the discovery phase, both sides exchange information and evidence, including medical records, expert reports, and witness testimony.
Settlement Negotiations: Settlement negotiations may occur at any point during the legal process.
Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to trial.

Potential Compensation for Victims

Compensation for Camp Lejeune victims may include:

Medical Expenses: Reimbursement for past and future medical costs associated with the qualifying health condition.
Lost Wages: Compensation for lost income due to the health condition.
Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical and emotional distress caused by the health condition.
Disability Benefits: Compensation for any permanent disability resulting from the health condition.
Wrongful Death: In cases where a loved one has died due to a Camp Lejeune-related illness, the family may be eligible for wrongful death damages.

Elective Option

The DOJ and DON have established an Elective Option (EO) to expedite payouts to Camp Lejeune veterans and their families. These payouts offer a fixed amount of compensation based on the amount of time the victim spent on base and the health condition they suffered, ranging from $100,000 to $550,000.

The Importance of Seeking Legal Representation

Navigating the Camp Lejeune claims process can be overwhelming, especially while dealing with serious health issues. A South Carolina Camp Lejeune lawyer can provide invaluable assistance by:

Protecting your legal rights
Guiding you through the complex legal process
Gathering and presenting compelling evidence
Negotiating with the government on your behalf
Maximizing your potential compensation

If you or a loved one has been affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination, it is crucial to seek legal representation as soon as possible. South Carolina Camp Lejeune lawyers are dedicated to fighting for the rights of victims and helping them obtain the justice and compensation they deserve. With the August 2024 deadline looming, it is imperative to act now to protect your claim.