On August 2, 2022, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was passed by the Senate as a part of PACT Act, or the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act. The following week, on August 10, 2022, it was signed into law by President Joe Biden. After decades of suffering in silence, over one million victims of contaminated water at Camp Lejeune can finally take action in a lawsuit against the federal government.
Did you or a loved one live at or work at Camp Lejeune military base in Jacksonville, NC during the years of 1953 and 1987? Have you been diagnosed with breast cancer from exposure to toxic chemicals in the water supply at Camp Lejeune? If so, you may have grounds to seek monetary damages for your physical and mental injuries.
Whether you have heard about the PACT Act already or you’re reading it about it for the first time, you likely have the following question on your mind:
“I was stationed at Camp Lejeune and I have breast cancer. What are the steps I need to take?”
The lawyers of Normandie are here to assist you, with the skill and experience you need in a Camp Lejeune injury or wrongful death claim. For more information on your rights as a Camp Lejeune breast cancer victim, contact our office and schedule a free consultation.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a disease that develops in the breasts when the cells in that area grow out of control. The disease is particularly dangerous when it spreads to other parts of the body, meaning it has metastasized. There are several types of breast cancer, but most patients will develop one of the following:
- Invasive ductal carcinoma, where cancer cells in the ducts spread to other parts of the breast, and possibly into other parts of the body.
- Invasive lobular carcinoma, in which cancer cells in the lobules spread to nearby breast tissue and other parts of the body.
The disease almost exclusively affects women, though men can develop it in rare cases. Those who have breast cancer may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- A lump in the breast, or a thickening in one section that feels different than the surrounding area.
- Difference in size, shape, or appearance of the breast.
- Changes to the skin texture or tone of the breast, like dimpling.
- Developing an inverted nipple.
- Changes in the areola (skin around the nipple), such as flaking, peeling, scaling, or crusting.
- Redness or textural changes in the skin over your breasts, for example, an orange skin-like texture.
If you notice any of these symptoms, please see a doctor right away. This is especially important if you have a history of breast cancer in your family or you’ve been exposed to chemicals such as benzene and vinyl chloride. These two chemicals were found in high rates in the water supply at Camp Lejeune. Thus, if you were at Camp Lejeune and later received a diagnosis of breast cancer, you may be entitled to damages like medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and disability benefits.
Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune Military Base
During the years of 1953 to 1987, several sources were responsible for contaminating the water supply at Camp Lejeune Marine Corps base in North Carolina. These sources include leaking fuel tanks and unsafe disposal methods for industrial waste. There was also a local dry cleaner that leaked dangerous chemicals into the groundwater. As a result, military members, contractors, and civilians at the base were harmed by the following chemicals:
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Tetrachloroethylene (PCE or PERC)
- Benzene
- Vinyl Chloride
As previously stated, over one million people were exposed to these toxins at high levels during their stay at Camp Lejeune. Sadly, many of them suffered health complications, including diagnoses of illnesses like breast cancer. Even worse, they were ignored or turned away when they reported their illness and sought compensation from the U.S. military. However, military officials will now have to account for their negligence, thanks to the passage of the PACT Act.
Am I Eligible to File a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?
To be eligible for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit, you will need to meet the following conditions:
- You were stationed at or lived at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days during 1953 to 1987, which is the period of contamination.
- You were not dishonorably discharged from the military.
- If you are the family member of a deceased Camp Lejeune victim, your loved one must meet both of the conditions mentioned above.
One thing you may be wondering about is how to find evidence to support your claim, which is understandable as these cases occurred over 30 years ago. Proof can be found from a variety of resources, including military records, housing records, wage statements, paperwork from the VA, and medical bills from hospitals and health insurance companies.
Each case is unique, so there may be other forms of evidence that we can gather on your behalf. However, it takes time to investigate these cases, and there is a strict statute of limitations to file a lawsuit. Thus, it’s essential to reach out to us right away and get started on a Camp Lejeune breast cancer injury claim or a lawsuit for wrongful death.
Is there a Time Period to File a Lawsuit or Join a Class Action Lawsuit?
Breast cancer victims and their family members have two years from the signing date of the PACT Act, which is August 10, 2022, to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit. Alternatively, you have two years from a future date when you are diagnosed with breast cancer. Immediate counsel from an attorney is crucial, as there is a lot of work that has to be accomplished in order to prepare a Camp Lejeune breast cancer lawsuit. If you do not file your lawsuit by the two-year deadline, you will most likely lose the chance to chance to seek compensation.
Where is the Lawsuit Filed?
All lawsuits involving injury or death due to toxins at Camp Lejeune must be filed with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This alone sets Camp Lejeune lawsuits apart from the average personal injury claim, but there are many other issues you will run into as these cases involve a federal agency. One of our attorneys can take the necessary actions to file your claim and fight for the funds you are entitled to.
Should I Join a Class Action Lawsuit or should I File my Own Individual Lawsuit?
It stands to reason that there are many others who developed breast cancer due to the high levels of toxic chemicals at Camp Lejeune. When a large number of victims were injured in the same way, a class action lawsuit is likely to follow. At this point, there is no class action lawsuit involving Camp Lejeune victims of breast cancer, but we can help you start one or join a class action at a later date.
However, you can also go ahead and file a lawsuit on your own. To decide which option is best for you, please speak with one of our attorneys at your earliest convenience. We can go over the rules and benefits of each legal action and help you make an informed choice.
Average Case Value for Breast Cancer Diagnosis Camp Lejeune Lawsuit
As it’s been such a short time since the signing of the PACT Act, it’s difficult to provide an average value for a breast cancer diagnosis Camp Lejeune lawsuit. However, we can get an idea of what you may receive by looking at past lawsuits with similar circumstances. Based on that information, we expect to see a good number of settlements ranging anywhere from $250,000 to $1 million or more.
These ranges are expected for personal injury, as well as wrongful death claims, though it really depends on many factors that are unique to your own case. To get a better sense of what you could receive from a Camp Lejeune lawsuit, contact our law firm and schedule a free case review.
How long does it take to Settle these Cases?
Right now, there is great public outrage against the U.S. military and their negligence for what happened at Camp Lejeune. As a result, it’s expected that they will attempt to settle these cases as quickly as possible. With that in mind, we will endeavor to recover your settlement within 6 to 8 months of filing your claim.
However, you must keep in mind that the federal government will be dealing with a huge number of claims in the upcoming months. Furthermore, some cases will be more complicated than others, and a settlement with the appropriate federal agency may not be possible. In that case, we will need to proceed with a lawsuit to fight for your economic and emotional damages. In that case, it may be 2 or more years before your Camp Lejeune lawsuit is settled.
Speak to a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Attorney
Breast cancer is a devastating diagnosis for the patient and their family members. If their disease was caused by negligence, they have the right to sue the responsible party in a lawsuit for compensation. Unfortunately, this basic right was denied to countless military members and civilians who were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. These individuals and their loved ones can finally achieve justice, and we are proud to join them in their fight.
As an injury victim or a surviving family member, you should not have to choose between legal representation and financial stability. That’s why you will never pay upfront when you choose Normandie Law Firm, thanks to our Zero fee guarantee. We only get paid for our services by winning your case. If we don’t win, you won’t be responsible for any legal fees.
To speak with a Camp Lejeune breast cancer diagnosis lawyer, please call our office and schedule a free case evaluation.
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