For years, both veterans and dependents who were victims of contaminated water at Camp Lejeune had little to no recourse and nowhere to turn for help. Civilians, including workers and military family members, were usually out of luck, although the VA has offered some help to veterans.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 allows anyone who worked, served, lived, worked, or was born on the base (including those in utero) for 30 days or more between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, then developed a serious medical condition to file a claim for damages. A surviving spouse or family member can also bring a claim on behalf of a deceased person for prior expenses, illness, loss of quality of life, pain, and suffering if their death was related to the contaminated water.
The Victims
Veterans have long been denied help. As many as 21,000 veterans who filed claims for related disabilities saw their claims wrongfully denied as VA processors mishandled them. VA staff denied the claims prematurely and without requesting additional documentation, failing to notify veterans of the requirement. About 2,300 veterans were assigned incorrect dates and denied $14 million in retroactive back pay.
Civilians have also fared badly. In 2019, the Secretary of the Navy, Richard Spencer, denied the tort claims of more than 4,500 civilians. He told news outlets at the time, “We are denying the claims to free everybody to take their course of action.” The civilian claims totaled nearly $1 billion. Civilians have filed claims over the years only to have them dismissed by the federal government. These spouses, children, and workers of Camp Lejeune have battled serious, life-impacting illnesses that prevented them from working, having children, and other life activities.
Seeking Justice
At Herren Law, we’ve helped thousands of people through VA and other disability claims. We understand the process and know what it takes for a successful disability claim. We’ve dedicated our life’s work to standing up for the rights of our clients.
Now we stand ready to help those who have been denied help after developing devastating illnesses from the Camp Lejeune water contamination.
Attorneys around the country are now offering to represent both military and civilian claimants. However many of the personal injury attorneys don’t have experience with disability law.
You are not required to have an attorney to file your Camp Lejeune claim. However, the process is both difficult and complicated. Because we handle only disability cases, we understand the process. Our experience with disability law means we will handle your Camp Lejeune claim with the same expertise as VA and other disability claims.
We’re happy to discuss your case with you and let you know how we can help.
Camp Lejeune Claim? Contact The Herren Law Firm Today
For over 30 years, the Herren law firm has helped veterans and disabled people with their benefit claims and appeals. We have extensive experience dealing with governmental agencies and the claims filed with them.
With less than a year to the deadline, you must act quickly to preserve your right to file a Camp Lejeune claim. If you or someone you know became ill after being stationed at Camp Lejeune, contact us immediately.
We’ve helped over 4,000 people, and we can help you as well. Contact us today by calling (713) 682-8194 or using our online contact form. Your consultation is free, and you won’t owe us a fee until we win your case.
