SEPTEMBER 8, 2022 – Camp Lejeune has for over 80 years been home to retired and active service men and women, civilian military employees, and their families. The camp’s primary purpose is to train marines for combat missions globally.
This camp came into the limelight after scientists unearthed the worst water contamination incident that started in the early 50s through to the late 80s. As a result of the contamination, people that lived in Camp Lejeune for a long time have been seen to suffer from a myriad of diseases, with cancers being the most prevalent.
Why It Took Too Long
Veterans, active soldiers, and other people who lived at Camp Lejeune learned the connection between their illnesses and drinking contaminated water in 1999 when the investigations into the matter became public.
According to investigators, PCE, the primary contaminant in the water, was over 280 times more than the allowable limit per EPA standards.
Over the years, victims of contaminated water have been fighting for their right to compensation. Still, their claims were unfruitful on technical grounds until President Biden signed into law the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) of 2022. This law allows victims of water contamination to sue the government for damages suffered.
Common Illnesses Associated With Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
Scientists have found compelling evidence linking various illnesses and cancers with consuming and using contaminated water.
Some common illnesses and cancers found among victims include:
- Kidney cancer
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Bladder cancer
- Cardiac defects
- Parkinson’s disease, and
- Multiple myeloma
- Leukemia
- Liver cancer
- Scleroderma.
Who Is Eligible For Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Compensation?
You do not have to drink contaminated water to suffer the above mentioned illness. They can result from other factors. So, not all persons that have ever been to Camp Lejeune are eligible for compensation even when they could suffer from any of the ailments.
The first condition for eligibility for compensation is having lived for not less than 30 days in camp Lejeune from August 10, 1953, to December 31, 1988. The thirty days don’t have to be consecutive. If your days at the camp are less than thirty, but you show signs of any of the conditions associated with the contamination, the general assumption is that your illness may not be a result of drinking the contaminated water and so fail to meet the eligibility threshold.
The second condition for eligibility is if you suffered harm from the exposure. Not all residents of Camp Lejeune suffered harm from drinking the contaminated water. If you did not suffer harm, you are not eligible for compensation. But families and dependents of a person that died due to complications of illnesses resulting from the contaminated water can file a wrongful death claim under the act.
What Amount of Compensation Can You Expect?
There is no way of telling settlement amounts for a case involving Camp Lejeune contaminated water because every case is unique. But it’s always best to involve a lawyer when pursuing a claim to better the chances of a fair settlement.
A fair settlement should adequately cover all monetary expenses resulting from the contamination, such as medical bills, cost of prescription medication, lost wages, cost of living aids, etc.
It should also cover non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, loss of companionship, loss of life’s enjoyment, disfigurement, and disability. While there are no caps for recoverable damages, you cannot recover punitive damages under CLJA.
Finals Words
Illnesses such as cancer can take a considerable toll on the strongest people. Besides the physical pain, treating it can cost a fortune. The CLJA opens the door to allow you, as a victim of contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, to sue the government for damages, which can mean recovering some but not all you have lost through this tragedy.