Why this is important
As early as World War II, military bases used and disposed of chemical degreasers and other toxic substances that were later determined to contaminate drinking water and pose multiple health risks. Close to 9,000,000 service members and citizens were potentially exposed to toxic water between 1953 and 1987, according to the Veterans Administration, making Camp Lejeune one of the worst cases of water contamination in U.S. history. People exposed to toxic drinking water developed serious illnesses – including various cancers – as a result. Victims might qualify to file claims against the U.S. government to recover losses from their illnesses. On August 10, 2022, President Biden signed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, part of the larger PACT Act. This legislation creates a path for victims of Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water to pursue litigation against the U.S. government. Over 6,000 water contamination claims have already been filed with an estimated 100,000 Camp Lejeune victims filing retainers with attorneys.
What our attorneys can do
There is a lot to try to understand. The endless television advertisements, emails, social media posts and other publicity attached to this national nightmare, not only make it more confusing but difficult in determining who to trust. We can help you navigate all the noise. Our personal injury attorneys at Aloia, Roland, Lubell & Morgan, PLLC, have the knowledge and expertise to:
- Educate people as to the nature of the chemicals that were detected in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune.
- Provide information on the many injuries and illnesses that can be attributed to exposure to this contaminated water.
- Explain the Camp Lejeune Justice Act and outline the requirements for service members and others who worked or resided at Camp Lejeune to file a claim.
Explain the short window of time victims have in which to bring their claims. The attorneys will discuss this deadline, eligibility criteria and will answer any questions they have about Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claims.
How a wrongful death lawsuit works
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows wrongful death claims on behalf of deceased victims. The personal representative of the victim’s estate can bring the claim. If there is not a personal representative or that person is unavailable, a person interested in bringing the claim can be appointed to that role by a family member. If the victim passed many years ago, the estate may be closed and would need to be reopened to file a wrongful death claim.
Getting a settlement
There is no fund specifically set aside to pay victims who file meritorious claims, but it appears the U.S. government is prepared to pay settlements that could amount to more than $22 billion, according to the Congressional Budget Office, with many claimants estimated to receive in excess of $100,000.00 in compensation.
More resources
For more information on the Camp Lejeune toxic water issues, go to the Aloia Roland website at lawdefined.com/toxicwater or call (239) 791-7950 or go to the Camp Lejeune water claims center at:
