Have you or a family member lived or worked at Camp Lejune between August 1953 and Decemeber 1987 and believe you have been affected by the water contamination ?
Chris Ligori & Associates is here to help.
Our attorneys are currently representing service members and their families in a class action lawsuit against the United States government for injuries caused by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune Marine Corps air station and base camp.
If you or a loved one has been affected by the following conditions*, we want to help you get the compensation you deserve:
| Birth Defects | Bladder Cancer | Cardiac Efftecs | Breast Cancer |
| Cervical Cancer | Esophagea Cancer | Femal Infertility | Hepatic Steatosis |
| Kidney Cancer | Leukemia | Liver Cancer | Lung Cancer |
| Miscarriage | Multiple Myeloma | Myelodysplastic Syndromes | Neurobehavioral Effects |
| Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma | Ovarian Cancer | Parkinson’s Disease | Renal Toxicity |
| Scleroderma | Soft-tissue Sarcoma. | Aplastic Anemia | Other Cancer or Health Conditions |
*It’s worth noting that this list is not exhaustive and the VA can consider any condition resulting from exposure to toxic compounds that are present in the water at Camp Lejeune.
Compensation can help pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. It can also hold those responsible accountable and help prevent future tragedies. Let us help you get the justice you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case and let you know if we can help.
What Should You Know About Camp Lejeune?
In the 1980s, an unfortunate discovery shed light on the fact that the water at Camp Lejeune base camp had been contaminated with a variety of chemicals, including benzene, trichloroethylene, and vinyl chloride from as early as 1953.
The toxic substances came from two industrial plants that were located on the base. These plants released millions of gallons of toxic chemicals into the water supply, contaminating the drinking water for everyone at the base.
The water treatment facilities were eventually shut down in 1985 but only years later did more and more scientific and medical evidence emerge linking the water contamination to a variety of health problems suffered by those who had been stationed at Camp Lejeune.
In 1997, a study by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) found that adults who had been exposed to the contaminated water were more likely to develop kidney cancer and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Since then, however, they have, along with the CDC, continued to conduct studies and publish research on the matter.
For many people who were stationed at Camp Lejeune, the contamination has had a profound impact on their lives. Some have developed cancer or other serious illnesses as a result of their exposure to the contaminated drinking water. Others have had to watch as their loved ones have become sick or have passed away due to illness linked to the water.
In 2012, President Obama signed into law the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act to provide health care benefits and disability benefits for the Marine Corps Veterans and their family members who lived at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 and had one of the following qualifying health conditions:
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Female infertility
- Hepatic steatosis
- Kidney cancer
- Leukaemia
- Lung cancer
- Miscarriage
- Multiple myeloma
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Neurobehavioral effects
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Renal toxicity
- Scleroderma
However, these benefits came with a catch: veterans and their families were not allowed to sue the government for damages. This meant that many people who had suffered serious health problems as a result of the contamination were left without any legal recourse.
The decision not to allow service members to file a Camp Lejeune water lawsuit was deeply unfair to those who had been affected, and it denied them the justice they deserved.
Introducing the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022
Fortunately, in 2022, the United States government finally listened to the cries of Camp Lejeune veterans and families who had been battling for justice beyond the health care and disability benefits, and reversed its position on lawsuits and Camp Lejeune claims for compensation.
By introducing the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, eligible service members can now bring legal actions against the government for damages.
Under the law, anyone who “resided, worked, or was otherwise exposed” to Camp Lejeune drinking water for 30 days or more between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, may be eligible to file a damages claim.
Camp Lejeune victims have until August 10, 2024, to file a claim.
What Compensation Can You Recover from Filing a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?
When it comes to recovering compensation in a Camp Lejeune lawsuit, there are a number of different factors that will come into play. Typically, settlements will depend on the type and extent of disease or health condition suffered as a result of exposure to the base’s contaminated water.
However, in most personal injury lawsuits, you will be able to claim damages for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past and future lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- A diminished quality of life
- Reduced earning potential
In some cases, you may even claim punitive damages. Punitive damages are a type of compensation awarded to a plaintiff in a civil suit. They are intended to punish the defendant for their actions, and deter others from similar misconduct in the future.
Punitive damages are usually only awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious
So, if you’ve been exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and have suffered any sort of health consequences as a result, you may be entitled to significant compensation.
Why Should You Hire a Lawyer to Help with Your Camp Lejeune Compensation Claim?
The process of filing a claim can be complicated, which is why it’s important to have an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side. A lawyer who specializes in claims for civil damages can help you navigate the process and ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation to which you’re entitled.
In addition, a lawyer can investigate your claim and gather evidence to support your case. If you’re considering filing a Camp Lejeune compensation claim, hiring a lawyer is the best way to increase your chances of success.
How Can Christopher Ligori and Associates Help?
For over two decades, Marines stationed at Camp Lejeune were exposed to toxic chemicals in their drinking water without knowing it.
Since then, many of these Marines and their families have suffered from cancer and other illnesses as a result of their exposure. While some progress has been made in providing benefits and compensation for those affected, there is still more work to be done in holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a serious illness, such as cancer, as a result of exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, we may be able to help you obtain compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Our firm has a thorough understanding of the unique regulations governing these types of cases, and we will work tirelessly to build the strongest possible claim on your behalf. We understand the immense physical, emotional, and financial toll that these illnesses can take on individuals and families, and we will fight to get you the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
