If you developed an illness from being exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune military base in Jacksonville, North Carolina, you’ve most likely heard about the recent passing of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. This law is a major component of the PACT Act (The Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act), which was signed into law on August 10, 2022 by President Biden. Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, those who lived or worked at the base for at least 30 days during August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987 can seek damages through a lawsuit against the U.S. government.
It’s been estimated that over 1 million people at the military base were exposed to toxic chemicals in their drinking and bathing water. As a result, they became seriously ill or passed away from the effects of trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE or PERC), benzene, and vinyl chloride. The U.S. military did nothing to resolve the sources of contamination, though they were told repeatedly about the danger that everyone was in.
If you are one of the people who developed an illness due to the military’s negligence, you may be struggling to make ends meet due to the costs associated with your medical condition. We can assure you that you’re not alone based on the number of people who have called us to inquire, “Can I ask for an early settlement on my Camp Lejeune lawsuit?”
Can I get an Early Settlement if I need the Money now?
If are eligible for a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, our law firm may be able to assist you with a cash advance while you wait for your settlement. Many people ask us if it’s legal for lawyers to loan money to their clients, as they come across contradictory answers when they search online. The answer depends on what state you are in, but in California, attorneys can offer pre-settlement loans “after the lawyer is retained by the client…based on the client’s written promise to repay the loan” (State Bar of California’s Rules of Professional Conduct).
There are, of course, various stipulations regarding the types of loan we can make, and what they can be used for. We will be happy to discuss these issues during a free consultation, along with any other questions you have about your rights and legal options.
Your Eligibility to Sue under the PACT Act
Many people who have reached out to us for early settlement loans have also asked about the eligibility requirements for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit. As previously stated, you will need to prove that you stayed for a minimum of 30 days at Camp Lejeune from the years of 1953 to 1987. From being at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period, you developed one of the conditions that are associated with water contamination according to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs:
- Aplastic anemia (and related syndromes)
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Female infertility
- Hepatic steatosis
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Miscarriage
- Multiple myeloma
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Neurobehavioral effects
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Parkinson’s disease
- Renal toxicity
- Scleroderma
You do not need to be a former military member, but if you are, you must not have received a dishonorable discharge. Family members of those who were dishonorably discharged are also ineligible for a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim.
How much of an Advance can I get on a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Case?
In order to answer this question, we would need to know many specific details about your case, as well as your personal circumstances. One of the most important factors is your total damages, meaning what we can expect to recover from your lawsuit. To figure this out, please call our office right away and schedule a time to meet with one of our attorneys. The sooner you come and see us, the sooner we can initiate your injury claim and advance you the funds you need until your case is settled.
Early Settlement Offers from Lawsuit Funding Companies
Lawsuit funding companies sound like a good option for litigants who are having problems with their finances. These companies will provide you with a cash advance against the value of your settlement. You start paying back on the loan once you win your case, which seems like a great deal. However, the interest rates on these loans can be very high by the time you receive your settlement. Frankly, it’s not unusual to see rates of 30 to 60% on these loans when all is said and done.
That’s why you should always speak with your attorney prior to borrowing from one of these companies. However, there’s no denying that getting a cash advance form your lawyer is the better choice. But many law firms refuse to issue early settlement loans, which forces the client to turn to private lenders with high interest rates. That’s why we are happy to offer Camp Lejeune cash advances to qualifying clients. To learn more about the lawsuit loan program here at Normandie Law Firm, contact our office as soon as you can.
What can I do if my Lawyer won’t give me a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Loan?
It’s hard to know what you should do when you’ve already hired an attorney, but they’re refusing to help you out with an early settlement on your Camp Lejeune claim. Do you stay with your attorney and hope that you case is settled as soon as possible? Or, do you look for another lawyer who can give you an advance on your case?
This is a very important decision, and it’s not something you should try to figure out on your own. That’s why we invite you to come and see us for a free second opinion. This is your chance to have your case reviewed by one of our attorneys. They can advise you on the terms for ending the contract with your current lawyer, and help you decide if it’s in your best interest to start over with us. If it turns out that you’re interested in working with our law firm, we will notify your current lawyer and retrieve your case file at no cost to you.
Representation from the Lawyers of Normandie
For over thirty years, those who were injured by or lost a family member to water contamination at Camp Lejeune were denied the compensation they deserved from the U.S. military. That injustice is finally being rectified, but far too many victims are facing financial hardship due to the effects of their disease. At Normandie Law Firm, our mission is to help our clients in any way possible, which includes early settlement offers on Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits.
Another way we can assist you is the Zero fee guarantee, which means we put up all the costs of litigating your case. You pay nothing to hire one of our attorneys, since we recover our fees from your settlement award. If we don’t win your case, you won’t be responsible for any legal fees, even if your case goes to trial.
To initiate a Camp Lejeune injury claim or continue an existing lawsuit with one of our attorneys, call our office and schedule a free consultation.
Other Pages on Our Website Related to This Topic
Can I get a Cash Advance on my Camp Lejeune Lawsuit
How much in VA Benefits can I get if I have Cancer
How much in VA Benefits can I get if I have Aplastic Anemia
