Between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987, over one million people living or working at Camp Lejeune military base in Jacksonville, North Carolina were exposed to contaminants in their drinking water. Many of these victims were later diagnosed with liver cancer, which causes the cells in the liver to grow out of control. If you are one of these individuals, you may be asking yourself, “I was stationed at Camp Lejeune and I have liver cancer. What are the steps I need to take?”
Fortunately, Camp Lejeune water contamination victims can seek compensation through a lawsuit, effective as of August 10, 2022. On that day, President Biden signed into law the PACT Act (Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act). A crucial part of this legislation is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which will provide compensation to those who were injured, diagnosed with an illness, or lost a family member due to high levels of toxins in the water at Camp Lejeune.
To learn more about your right to sue based on the PACT Act, contact our office and speak to a Camp Lejeune liver cancer diagnosis attorney.
What is Liver Cancer?
Liver cancer can refer to several types of cancer that occur in the liver, which sits in the upper right section of your abdomen, right above your stomach. Most patients develop what is known as hepatocellular carcinoma, which begins in the liver cells due to genetic mutations in the cell’s DNA. Signs and symptoms may not appear right away, but when they do, patients may experience:
- Unexpected / sudden weight loss
- Pain in the upper abdomen
- Abdominal swelling
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea / vomiting
- Fatigue / overall weakness
- Jaundice (yellow discoloration in the eyes and skin)
- Chalky, white stools
Make sure to see a doctor right away if you notice these signs, as early intervention is the key to treating the disease and managing your symptoms. However, there is no denying that this is a serious illness with long-term complications such as increased risk of Hepatitis C, bleeding in the digestive tract, and kidney disease. Cost of treatment can be very expensive for most patients, and many of them struggle with mental health issues on top of their physical injuries.
Liver Cancer caused by Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune
As previously stated, the water supply at Camp Lejeune was contaminated for over 30 years with a host of dangerous chemicals, including tetrachloroethylene (PCE or PERC), trichloroethylene (TCE). benzene, and vinyl chloride. So what is the link between these toxins and the many cases of liver cancer among service members, contractors, and civilians that were at Camp Lejeune?
Well, we know that liver cancer can be caused by lifestyle choices and pre-existing health conditions. However, environmental factors like toxic chemicals can also lead to liver cancer. In particular, vinyl chloride and benzene have been named as carcinogens by organizations such as the National Institute of Health and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). These chemicals were released into the groundwater at Camp Lejeune for many years, leading to countless cases of liver cancer and various other diseases.
How do I know if I’m Eligible for a Camp Lejeune Liver Cancer Claim?
If you were exposed to contaminated water at the military base for at least 30 days during 1953 and 1987 and have been diagnosed with liver cancer, you are eligible for a Camp Lejeune injury claim. The only exception is for those who were dishonorably discharged or family members of someone that was dishonorably discharged. These individual will likely be ineligible for compensation according to the terms of the Camp Lejeune Act.
While many of the claimants will be former military, that is not a requirement to file one of these lawsuits. 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.
Average Value for a Liver Cancer Diagnosis Camp Lejeune Lawsuit
Due to the physical and emotional toll liver cancer takes on the patient, as well as their loved ones, we anticipate high values for these cases. Of course, each claimant has their own set of circumstances that will determine how much they can receive from a Camp Lejeune injury or wrongful death claim. But if we look at past settlements involving various forms of liver disease, we would say these cases may be worth anywhere from $150,000 to $750,000. Settlement values upwards of $1 million are possible as well, depending on the degree of health complications and its long-term impact on the victim’s life.
What your own case is worth depends on many factors, which you will need to discuss with an attorney. Our law firm is here to assist you, so don’t hesitate to give us a call.
How long does it take to Settle these Cases?
We know how stressful it can be to wait on the funds you’re entitled to. Here at Normandie, we will do our best to settle your case within 6 to 8 months. Depending on how fast the applicable federal agency gets back to us, your claim may be settled in just a few months from the date of submission. Then again, your case may be more complicated than the average Camp Lejeune liver cancer claim, meaning you will have to proceed with a lawsuit. If that happens, the timeline to settle your case may be 2 years or more.
Where is the Lawsuit Filed?
Unlike a standard personal injury case, Camp Lejeune lawsuits can only be filed with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. Because this is a legal action against the federal government, there are special procedures that you will need to follow. Our lawyers can take care of all the work associated with your claim and bring you the compensation you and your family deserve.
Should I Join a Class Action Lawsuit or should I File my Own Individual Lawsuit?
At this time, there is no class action on behalf of Camp Lejeune water contamination victims, but it’s certainly possible given the number of people that are involved. If there is such a lawsuit by the time you contact us, one of our lawyers will advise you of your rights and help you join the class action along with other claimants. But a class action lawsuit is not the best option for everyone, so we will also discuss the possibility of filing a Camp Lejeune case on your own. No matter what you decide, you can depend on us to fight for the full value of your losses due to the effects of water contamination at Camp Lejeune.
Is there a Time Period to File a Lawsuit – Join a Class Action Lawsuit?
Yes, there is a strict statute of limitations to file a lawsuit according to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. Those who are diagnosed with liver cancer or lost a loved one to the disease have two years from the signing date of the PACT Act to pursue a claim for damages. That means you have until August 10, 2024 to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit. If you miss the deadline set by the statute of limitations, you may permanently lose the chance to sue for monetary damages. To start the lawsuit process and make sure your claim is filed on time, contact our law firm right away.
Our Zero Fee Guarantee
Based on the information we’ve gone over in this article, you probably have a sense of how complicated these lawsuits will be. That’s why experienced legal representation is essential to succeeding in a Camp Lejeune liver cancer claim. Our lawyers have decades of experience in the recovery of personal injury and wrongful death settlements, so you can rely on us to secure the payment you deserve.
There’s no need to worry about the cost of hiring an attorney, since we offer a Zero fee guarantee. You pay nothing upfront while we work on your lawsuit and fight to bring you the maximum payout for your case. The only time we get paid is when you receive your settlement, and if we don’t win your case, you won’t be responsible for any legal fees.
If you’re ready to speak with one of our attorneys and take action in a Camp Lejeune injury claim, give us a call to schedule a free consultation.
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