Veterans were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. Many of them have developed diseases and other medical conditions as a result. At the same time, numerous veterans are already receiving VA benefits for health issues.
Veterans who were harmed by Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water are interested in pursuing a claim under enacted legislation. However, many of them are understandably concerned about whether a claim will impact their benefits. The attorneys of Rueb Stoller Daniel will provide guidance.
Call us today at 1-866-CALL-RSD.
A Camp Lejeune Claim Won’t Affect Your VA Benefits
We want to make sure affected veterans know upfront that a Camp Lejeune claim won’t impact their VA benefits. Eligible veterans (and others) can file a lawsuit to recover compensation if they were injured by the contaminated water.
Doing so won’t affect the compensation they receive separately through VA benefits. In fact, veterans may be able to win additional monetary benefits due to recent changes in the law.
What Is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act About?
In August, the PACT Act passed Congress. It contained legislation known as the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. This legislation was signed into law in August as well. It is through this legislative activity that veterans can bring a claim concerning contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
Veterans and others have long suffered health problems because of the water at Camp Lejeune. The water has been found to contain what are known as volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. These are highly toxic chemicals used in degreasers and dry-cleaning solvents.
Over a number of decades, VOCs spilled or leaked from underground storage tanks and waste disposal sites. These are some of the chemicals that have been known to be found at the base:
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Perchloroethylene (PCE)
- Benzene
- Vinyl chloride
- Toluene
- Mercury and other heavy metals
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
- Pesticides
VOCs are dangerous to human health. They are known to cause serious medical ailments, such as, but not limited to:
- Cancer (esophageal, kidney, breast, bladder, lung, and others)
- Leukemia
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
- Female infertility
- Renal toxicity
- Female infertility
- Scleroderma
- Myelodysplastic syndrome
- Neurobehavioral effects
- Hepatic steatosis
If you drank, cooked with, or otherwise were exposed to the water at Camp Lejeune, you may have become sick. If you’re not sure whether your condition is linked to the base, you should consult a medical doctor right away.
What Benefits May Be Available through the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?
Because of the medical conditions caused by VOCs, veterans could claim substantial compensation for the above and other health problems. These same benefits may be extended to other eligible individuals, such as veterans’ family members who lived at Camp Lejeune.
Qualifying individuals may receive compensation for money they have already paid to treat their health problems. It is possible that those eligible could receive benefits to cover future treatments as well.
Compensation for medical issues is a major part of the expected benefits to be paid under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. But these are not the only benefits. Veterans and others could receive payment for lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
It is imperative that you speak with an experienced attorney who is familiar with these types of lawsuits. Rueb Stoller Daniel is that law firm.
We’re Ready To Begin Your Camp Lejeune Claim Today
Rueb Stoller Daniel has handled mass tort and personal injury claims similar to those involving Camp Lejeune. If you were harmed by the water at the military base, it’s time to explore your legal options. We can answer any questions you have about compensation and can start on your legal claim today.
Give us a call at 1-866-CALL-RSD to schedule your consultation.
