The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 (part of the PACT Act) allows veterans to pursue justice for the contaminated water they were exposed to on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune between August 1953 and December 1987.
Many people may not know that family members of veterans stationed at Camp Lejeune may also be able to seek justice. Service members and their family members who were exposed to the toxic water were put at risk for various forms of cancer, birth defects, neurological disorders, and other serious health conditions.
Whether they got sick themselves or are grieving a loved one who passed from a Camp Lejeune-related health issue, family members may be eligible to file a lawsuit to help recover compensation for medical bills and pain and suffering.
Here’s what Camp Lejeune family members need to know about their options.
Are Family Members Eligible for Camp Lejeune Lawsuits?
Yes, family members of veterans who served at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune during the time the water was contaminated can file lawsuits to get financial help.
To file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit for family members, you must show proof that you or your loved one:
- Spent at least 30 total days at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period of August 1953 to December 1987
- Suffered from a health condition linked to Camp Lejeune water that led to severe health effects, a change in life course, or death
Types of Camp Lejeune Lawsuits for Family Members
Family members may be eligible to file legal claims:
- For themselves if they were diagnosed with a Camp Lejeune-related health issue.
- For their loved one who passed from a Camp Lejeune-related health issue. These claims are known as wrongful death claims. Even if they passed years ago, family members may still be able to seek justice.
Camp Lejeune lawsuits require proof of service or residence at Camp Lejeune when the water was contaminated and a diagnosis of a health issue linked to the toxic water.
Qualifying Health Conditions for Camp Lejeune Lawsuits
Dozens of health conditions have been linked to the Camp Lejeune toxic water. The chemicals in the water included volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene, trichloroethylene, vinyl chloride, and more.
The following health issues are linked to Camp Lejeune’s water:
- Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
- Birth defects caused by in-utero exposure
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Female infertility and miscarriage
- Heart disease
- Hepatic steatosis
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Liver cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Neurological effects
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Pancreatic cancer
- Parkinson’s disease
- Prostate cancer
- Renal toxicity
- Other medical conditions
If you or a loved one lived or worked for at least 30 days at Camp Lejeune and later developed one of these serious illnesses, a Camp Lejeune lawyer may be able to help you take action.
Call us at (866) 473-4764 to get started.
VA Benefits for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Family Members
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may also reimburse family members of veterans who developed one or more Camp Lejeune presumptive illnesses after living on the base.
Eligibility for these VA claims for family members is the same as lawsuits, but the VA does not guarantee that your health costs for these conditions will be reimbursed.
If you’re uncertain about whether to file a VA claim or a lawsuit, our trained Claims Advocates can help you determine which options will get you the most compensation possible. File your claim with the Camp Lejeune Claims Center now to get started.
How a Lawsuit Helps Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Family Members
The idea of pursuing legal action against the U.S. government can seem overwhelming, but it can help you and your family in several ways.
Here are common reasons family members choose to file a claim:
- Get justice: A claim can’t change your health circumstances, but it can help you gain a sense of peace in knowing you took action against the parties responsible. For decades, families had to suffer without the ability to pursue legal help, now they can.
- Provide for your family: Camp Lejeune has caused many families to lose a loved one, and many may still lose their lives too early due to avoidable Camp Lejeune-related illnesses. Pursuing a claim can help give surviving family members financial security for years to come.
- Secure financial compensation: A Camp Lejeune settlement can pay for medical bills related to you or your loved one’s diagnosis, pain and suffering, ongoing health care, and much more.
Get Help With a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit for Family Members
Whether you lost a loved one to a devastating illness after their service at Camp Lejeune or if you are suffering from a Camp Lejeune health issue yourself, our team can help you with your claim today.
To start your claim, you’ll need to:
- Connect with a Camp Lejeune lawyer. They can review your legal options, help you file a claim, negotiate your settlement, fight for your case in court, and make the legal process stress-free.
- Gather evidence. Regardless of the type of claim you file, you’ll need to have proof of time spent at Camp Lejeune. This could include military documents, proof of diagnosis, and medical bills.
The Camp Lejeune Claims Center can connect you with trusted Camp Lejeune lawyers across the nation who are working tirelessly to make sure eligible family members and veterans file their claims before the deadline on August 10, 2024.
Call us at (866) 473-4764 now or start your claim today.
