Archives for April 2023

Veterans, family members, and civilian workers impacted by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune are finally able to get justice after nearly 30 years. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act established a two-year time frame for filing for a Camp Lejeune compensation claim. All claims must be filed by August 10, 2024, two years after the signing of the bill into law. 

Settlements for each Camp Lejeune compensation claim case will be decided based on a variety of factors, including:

• How much time did the person spend at Camp Lejeune during the period of the contamination

• The extent and severity of resulting illness(es)

• How much the person’s life was affected by the illness(es)

• If there was permanent disability from the illness(es)

• If the affected individual will recover

• Total amounts of related medical expenses

• Other financial losses: income, future earning capacity, and potential benefits from employment (health insurance, bonuses, etc.)

• The extent of pain and suffering—physical, mental, emotional—suffered from the illness(es) and subsequent medical treatments

• Loss of enjoyment of life and consortium

• The total impact the illness(es) had on the person’s quality of life, including unexpected damages associated with their conditions

Each claim must have documentation that details the victim’s time at Camp Lejeune and all losses associated with the resulting illness(es).

Death as Result of Camp Lejeune Time

Not everyone who became ill from the water at Camp Lejeune survived their illnesses. In the case of Freshwater vs. the United States of America (7:23-cv-00167), the deceased plaintiff, Mary, lived at Camp Lejeune during the affected period. She gave birth to two children who ultimately died from birth defects in 1977 and 1979 and later suffered a miscarriage. Later, diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia herself, Mary passed away in 2013. Her surviving daughter filed the wrongful death lawsuit on February 27, 2023, on her behalf.

Survivors can now file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the deceased, for damages such as:

• All medical expenses that the victim incurred as a result of their chronic illness from the contamination

• Pain and suffering caused by their illness(es) due to water contamination

• Lost income, future earning capacity, including future earnings and benefits, had they survived

• The survivor’s lost inheritance

• The value of the services, companionship, consortium, protection, and care that the decedent would have provided to their family

• The value of the parental guidance, love, and care that they would have provided to their surviving children

• Interest payments on the settlement, initiated at the time of the death of the victim

• Funeral, burial, and other related costs

Contact The Herren Law Firm for Camp Lejeune Claims

If you served or worked at Camp Lejeune and are now suffering a chronic illness, you may have a Camp Lejeune compensation claim under this act. For over 30 years, the Herren Law firm has helped veterans and disabled people with their benefits claims and appeals. With the passing of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, we have shifted our resources and energy to this critical area for veterans and their loved ones. We have extensive experience dealing with governmental agencies and claims filed with them.

If you or someone you know became ill after being stationed at Camp Lejeune, contact us immediately. There is a strict deadline of two years to file your claim, so do not wait to find out if you may have one.  Contact us today for a free consultation by calling (713) 682-8194 or using our online contact form.