How Long Will a Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Lawsuit Take?
As of yet, there is no set date on when the federal government will settle Camp Lejeune toxic water claims. The process may take months or years as officials determine how to fairly allocate settlement money.
Maison Law is representing victims and their families living in California who developed health issues after drinking or coming into contact with toxic water at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. It’s important that victims are positioned to earn their fair share once checks are finally awarded and our Camp Lejeune toxic water attorneys want to help victims get ready.
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Contact us today to schedule a free consultation if you or a loved one were diagnosed with cancers, other diseases, and disorders after exposure to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water in the 1950s, 60s, 70s, or 80s.
Contact attorney Martin Gasparian for a free, no-obligation case consultation for you and your family. This consultation is completely confidential.
Waiting on Camp Lejeune Settlement Money
It’s estimated that somewhere around a million people were exposed to hazardous toxins in the water supply on Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base over a period of more than 30 years. Victims who suffered serious health problems from this water crisis faced major legal obstacles, including a statute of limitations, when asking the U.S. Department of Defense for financial support.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was passed with the intention of clearing those obstacles so victims and their families can get help. Unfortunately, it’s still unclear how the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the federal government will interpret the new legislation. They’ll have to decide what illnesses make victims eligible for compensation and how much each victim will receive.
This uncertainty could slow down the claims process for thousands of suffering patients and families. Some experts believe it could be two years or more before veterans, their family members, and civilian workers exposed to toxic water receive settlements. Some estimates put the first payouts arriving by mid-2024.
Deadline for Filing a Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Claim
The government doesn’t have a deadline to settle Camp Lejeune contaminated water claims, but victims and families do face a deadline affecting how long they can wait to file a lawsuit. The statute of limitations extends two years from the date the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) was signed into law. That means no further toxic water claims will be accepted after August 10, 2024.
Victims and their families will want to keep this deadline in mind, but it’s actually best to act as soon as possible. Settlements may be delayed but filing as soon as you’re ready will only benefit you. When government officials finally begin approving settlements you’ll want to give yourself the best chance of being one of the first cases considered.
A skilled Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Lawyer tracks down important supporting medical and military service documents going back decades. Your lawyer builds a strong case for you and alerts you when your case is ready for submission. Your lawyer will work with the federal government and submit any additional information they request so support can arrive as quickly as possible.
Who Can File a Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Lawsuit?
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) was signed into law on August 10, 2022. It grants permission for contaminated water victims and their families to sue the U.S. Government for damages.
To proceed with a CLJA lawsuit, victims must have been in contact with the water at the Marine Corps Base for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. The 30 days of exposure do not have to have been continuous.
Those with Camp Lejeune toxic water qualifying medical conditions may include:
- Military veterans who served at Camp Lejeune and their families who lived on base.
- Civilian workers employed on the base.
- Individuals conceived and born after their mothers were exposed to these harmful chemicals.
Legal guardians should be able to file for Camp Lejeune victims who are unable to file a claim for themselves. Family members may file a claim on behalf of Camp Lejeune tainted water victims who didn’t live long enough to secure benefits themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ll need medical documentation of your diagnosis and records of every bill you received for care. Veterans will need service records. Pay stubs and work records will show time at Camp Lejeune and lost income due to illness.
You should earn compensation for every medical bill in the past and those expected in the future. Your lost income and benefits should be reimbursed. Support for the physical and emotional trauma you and your family suffered.
The depression and loss of enjoyment of life that may follow a diagnosis and difficult recovery. Inability to participate in hobbies and family activities. The loss of intimacy with a spouse. The loss of a baby or being unable to conceive.
Contact a Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Lawyer in California
Thousands of people may have developed cancers and other diseases after serving, working, or living on Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Many of those victims and their families now reside in California.
Maison Law has made itself available to represent and provide focused legal assistance to California’s Camp Lejeune victims. Maison Law is also able to compassionately represent families who have been forced to grieve the loss of loved ones who were exposed to harm at Camp Lejeune.
The government may continue to stall long overdue support for military veterans and civilians, but that day will arrive. It’s important to have your claim filed and in place as soon as settlement checks get sent out.
Contact attorney Martin Gasparian for a free and confidential case consultation for you and your family. It’s a no-risk way to find out if you have a case and how best to secure fair support for what you’ve been through.
