With the recent signing of the PACT Act by President Biden, those who were injured by or lost a family member to water contamination at Camp Lejeune can finally achieve justice through a lawsuit against the federal government. The military base, which is located in Jacksonville, North Carolina, was the site of various unsafe practices that leaked toxins into the well water. These chemicals were ingested by over one million residents and workers at the base from 1953 to 1987. Sadly, many of these people suffered from serious medical conditions, including miscarriage and pregnancy loss.
Did you or a loved one have a miscarriage from toxic chemical exposure while you were staying or working at Camp Lejeune? You may be eligible for monetary damages related to your miscarriage, including cost of medical treatments, disability benefits, lost wages, pain and suffering, and mental anguish. These damages are combined to come up with a settlement amount, which is a topic that’s of utmost importance to most Camp Lejeune injury victims.
If you are wondering about the value of your Camp Lejeune miscarriage – loss of pregnancy lawsuit, we believe the information below will be helpful to you. However, we can only offer general information that may not reflect what you could receive from your own lawsuit. To discuss your case with an experienced personal injury attorney, please contact us at our office.
What does it mean to have a Miscarriage / Loss of Pregnancy?
According to Planned Parenthood, a miscarriage occurs when the expectant mother loses the embryo or fetus during the first 20 weeks of being pregnant. This form of pregnancy loss normally takes place within the first 3 months of pregnancy. But fetal loss can happen at any point in the pregnancy cycle, and the effects are devastating, no matter when it occurs.
Without immediate medical attention, the mother is likely to suffer from infection or damage to the reproductive organs. A miscarriage can also affect her ability to have children in the future. But these are just the physical injuries; the emotional impact of a miscarriage is equally, if not more harmful, than the physical ones. Many women who recover fully from their bodily injuries need mental health counseling for many months and years to cope with the gravity of their loss.
Toxic Chemicals in the Water at Camp Lejeune
During the years of 1953 to 1987, over a million people at Camp Lejeune military base were exposed to a host of toxic chemicals in their drinking water. These chemicals include the following:
- Tetrachloroethylene (PCE or PERC)
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Vinyl Chloride
- Benzene
Unfortunately, military officials chose to look the other way instead of finding solutions to the problem. For example, the U.S. military was aware of chemicals seeping into the groundwater from leaking fuel tanks. Other sources of contamination include improper disposal of industrial waste and a local business that used PCE and PERC chemicals.
So what is the link between these chemicals and miscarriages among the residents and workers at Camp Lejeune? While miscarriages can be caused by any number of issues, they can also be the result of long-term or high levels of exposure to toxic chemicals. In particular, PCE and PERC chemicals (tetrachloroethylene) have been linked with an increased risk of fetal loss.
Am I Eligible for a Lawsuit?
Your eligibility for a Camp Lejeune miscarriage – loss of pregnancy lawsuit will depend on several factors:
- You were a resident, worker, or visitor of Camp Lejeune Marine Corps base for a minimum of 30 days during August 1, 1953 to December 31, 1987.
- You suffered a miscarriage or pregnancy loss from being exposed to toxic chemicals in the water during your time at Camp Lejeune.
- If you are a veteran, your separation from the military was not due to a dishonorable discharge.
We want to stress that you do not need to be a former military member to participate in the Camp Lejeune water contamination recovery process. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows anyone who lived or worked at the base from August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987, for at least 30 days, exposed to the contaminated water and suffered injuries, to file a claim against the U.S. government. That means you can be a civilian or visitor at the base and still qualify for a lawsuit. At this point, you may still have questions as to whether or not you are eligible for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit. Our attorneys can answer any questions you have, so don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Average Value of a Camp Lejeune Loss of Pregnancy Lawsuit
This is a particularly sensitive area of personal injury law, as it affects two lives – the mother and the lost fetus. While the lawsuit is based on only the mother’s losses, those can be significant considering the physical and emotional trauma of a miscarriage or late term pregnancy loss. When we determine what is fair to recover on a client’s behalf, there are various losses we must consider. These include, but are not limited to:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Cost of therapy / mental health services
- The ordeal of having gone through the miscarriage (pain and suffering)
- Long-term health complications like infertility
We know that the emotional toll of pregnancy loss is especially difficult to deal with. The victim may need therapy and other mental health services for many months, maybe even years. When you look at it that way, it’s not hard to see why a good deal of these cases have values in the range of $250,000 to $750,000 and up. We’ve also recovered settlements upwards of $1 million based on the extent of the victim’s physical and mental injuries.
However, the value of your case will depend on many elements that are unique to your personal circumstances. For an approximate value of your own Camp Lejeune miscarriage lawsuit, please take some time to speak with one of our attorneys.
How long will it take to Settle my Case?
We know the importance of settling these cases as soon as possible and receiving the funds you’re entitled to. Based on the degree of public outrage on behalf of Camp Lejeune victims, we believe the federal government is eager to resolve these cases and avoid the expense of going to trial. Our goal is to recover your payment within 6 to 8 months of the claims process, though it may take just a few months depending on how fast the federal agency gets back to us. On the other hand, there will be cases that take longer to settle, perhaps 2 years or more depending on the complexities that are involved.
Know that we’re with you every step of the way, and that we will not rest until you are fairly compensated for your harm and suffering. For more information on the compensation process for a Camp Lejeune water contamination case, contact our law firm right away.
Statute of Limitations to File a Camp Lejeune Miscarriage Lawsuit
According to the terms of the PACT Act, you have two years from the date of signing to bring a lawsuit if you’ve had a miscarriage after being exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. That means you have until August 10, 2024 to seek monetary damages. It does not matter, by the way, if the pregnancy loss occurred many years ago. If you were at the military baes for at least 30 days during the contamination period, you are eligible for a lawsuit. However, you must get started on a claim right away to ensure that your claim is filed on time. If you miss the statute of limitations, you will most likely lose the chance to sue for compensation.
Speak with a Camp Lejeune Miscarriage Lawsuit Attorney
Justice has been denied for too long in these cases, and it’s more important than ever to ensure each victim receives the damages they deserve. The legal experts at Normandie have many years of experience with complex lawsuits against public entities, and we are more than ready to fight for your rights as a Camp Lejeune water contamination injury victim.
Our law firm operates under a Zero fee guarantee, so you will never pay upfront for any of our services. The only way we get paid is by winning your case, so if we don’t recover your settlement, you won’t be responsible for any legal fees. If you’re ready to explore your legal options and take action in a Camp Lejeune pregnancy loss injury claim, call us today and schedule a free consultation.
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