Knowledgeable Personal Injury Attorney Pursing Compensation on Behalf of Service Members and Their Families Exposed to Dangerous Drinking Water at Camp Lejeune
Recent legal developments have opened the door for service members and their loved ones who were exposed to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune to pursue claims for compensation against the United States government. At Fotopoulos Law Office, our Orland Park personal injury lawyer proudly represents individuals and families who have experienced illnesses or disabilities related to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. We provide all prospective clients with free consultations, during which we will explain the laws that may affect these cases, discuss how the laws apply in your individual situation, and provide you with an honest assessment of your case. If you decide to pursue a Camp Lejeune contaminated water lawsuit with our assistance, we will not bill you for our services unless and until we obtain compensation on your behalf.
The Federal Government Exposed Service Members and Their Families to Contaminated Drinking Water
Camp Lejeune is a Marine Corps base located in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The base was established in 1941 and is still in operation today. In 1982, the federal government detected harmful volatile organic compounds in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune. It was not until 1987 that the government determined that the water was safe.
Subsequent research on the toxic water at Camp Lejeune suggests that those who were exposed to the camp’s drinking water are at a significantly higher risk of developing certain serious health conditions, which may include:
- Adult leukemia
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
- Other forms of cancer
- Aplastic anemia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Renal toxicity
- Female infertility
- Miscarriage
For decades, those who suffered serious health conditions as a result of the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune were extremely limited in their ability to obtain meaningful compensation. However, in 2022, that changed with the passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 is a law that permits members of the military and their families to bring a Camp Lejeune contaminated water lawsuit against the federal government.
The Act allows veterans who served at Camp Lejeune, as well as anyone “who resided, worked or was otherwise exposed (including in utero exposure)” to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune, to file a lawsuit in federal court. To qualify for compensation, you must meet the following criteria:
- You were exposed to Camp Lejeune water for 30 days or more.
- Your period of exposure was between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.
- You were diagnosed with cancer or some other health condition.
- Your medical diagnosis was related to your exposure.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Lawsuit?
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 provides for a two-year statute of limitations, meaning anyone who is considering filing a Camp Lejeune contaminated water lawsuit must do so within two years after the Act became law. This means all claims must be filed by August 2024.
Who Can Pursue Compensation Through a Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Lawsuit?
Anyone who served, lived, worked, or was otherwise exposed to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune between the dates of August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 is eligible to bring a claim, provided they were exposed to the contaminated water for at least 30 days. Additionally, family members can pursue a wrongful death claim on behalf of a loved one who met the criteria but has since died.
Have You or a Loved One Suffered Serious Health Consequences After Serving at Camp Lejeune?
If you or someone in your family was diagnosed with cancer or suffered any other serious medical condition after being exposed to the drinking water at Camp Lejeune, contact Fotopoulos Law Office to discuss your options. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 may entitle you to significant compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, as well as a decrease in your overall quality of life. Attorney John Fotopoulos has more than 20 years of experience obtaining meaningful compensation for individuals and families impacted by preventable tragedies. He looks forward to meeting with you to discuss how he can assist you in pursuing a Camp Lejeune contaminated water lawsuit. To set up a complimentary consultation and learn more about how we can help with your case, call 708-942-8400 or contact us online.
