You may have come across news articles in recent weeks about Camp Lejeune water contamination. Recently enacted legislation allows veterans and others hurt by contaminated water to file claims concerning their losses.
These lawsuits are expected to be significant in scope because they cover decades of injuries. If you were hurt at Camp Lejeune because of unsafe water, it’s time to explore your legal options. Rueb Stoller Daniel is seeking claimants now. What follows are answers to some frequently asked questions about these lawsuits.
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What Are The Camp Lejeune Lawsuits About?
Veterans, family members, and others stationed at Camp Lejeune were exposed to toxic water. The contaminated water was caused by leaks and spills of volatile organic compounds or VOCs. The sources of these toxic chemicals were dry-cleaning solvents and degreasers.
Some examples of VOCs include:
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Perchloroethylene (PCE)
- Benzene
- Vinyl chloride
- Toluene
- Mercury and other heavy metals
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
- Pesticides
What Are the Health Consequences of Exposure to VOCs?
VOCs are hazardous to human health. They have caused the following medical problems (among others):
- Numerous cancers (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
- Other diseases and injuries
Who May Have Been Harmed By These Chemicals?
Anyone who was stationed, worked, or otherwise present at Camp Lejeune from 1953 to 1987 may have been injured. This includes veterans, their families, personnel, and others. Victims could be harmed by drinking or using the contaminated water.
Bathing, cooking, or cleaning with the water could cause harm. Also, it is likely that affected individuals were exposed to the water for years or decades.
What Compensation is Available for My Injuries?
Damages, or losses, stemming from the above-mentioned health problems may be eligible for compensation. Some of the most common types of damages resulting from these kinds of claims include:
- Past, present, and future medical bills for treating conditions related to contaminated water exposure
- Lost wages and benefits due to the need to seek treatment, retire early, and other career-related effects
- Lost future wages and benefits due to the inability to continue working at the same job because of the injury
- Pain and suffering to compensate for emotional distress, physical discomfort, and loss of enjoyment of life
How Much Compensation May Be Available?
This is a topic that is continually developing due to the nature of the litigation. As lawsuits are filed, and settlements are reached or trials concluded, the available amount of compensation will become clear. In general, however, the amount varies by the individual victim. An attorney can explain what factors may impact how much compensation is available in your case.
Your attorney’s job is to gauge the nature and amount of your losses. This may take the input of expert witnesses who can help assign a dollar figure to your damages. Many victims incur future damages (e.g. lost future earnings) because of their injuries. An expert witness can estimate a reasonable dollar figure to cover these.
How Do I Start a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?
It is imperative that you retain the services of an experienced mass tort and class action attorney. These lawsuits involve medical and scientific information, along with complicated civil litigation procedures.
In addition, you will be taking action against the U.S. government and other parties. You can be sure that powerful legal teams will be defending their interests. Therefore, you need a strong legal ally to defend yours.
Rueb Stoller Daniel is that ally. We have extensive experience handling these types of cases. We understand what it takes to build a compelling case and advocate for our clients. If you are ready to get started on your Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, contact us today.
