Much has been said about people who were made sick for many years after exposure to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water. This is why, in part, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was finally signed into law. What isn’t as widely discussed is what happens if death occurred as a result of Camp Lejeune exposure. What happens if those who had illnesses stemming from that exposure have already died before the signing of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act in 2022?
We now know that the US Marine Corps (USMC), despite being aware of its existence, failed to disclose the presence of benzene in the water to soldiers, their families, residents, and workers. Additionally, they stated that the EPA did not currently enforce “safe” thresholds for toxic chemicals like TCE and PCE. Reports indicate that the USMC deliberately omitted the information about benzene in the drinking water from their 1992 federal health review, despite having prior knowledge of its presence.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit
This term is usually related to other personal injury cases such as car and other accidents. A claim for wrongful death is filed by a surviving spouse, children, or other family members, or the estate of a person who died due to someone else’s wrongful actions. Filing a wrongful death claim helps the survivors seek compensation for the damages and losses suffered after losing the deceased person following their untimely death.
Many people are filing claims against the government after their exposure-related illnesses from the Camp Lejeune water contamination. But others who were sickened did not live long enough to have this opportunity. Survivors of someone who died after exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune can similarly file a wrongful death claim for a deceased spouse, parent, or child.
The lawsuit allows survivors to seek compensation for the suffering and expenses of the deceased’s illness.
Unlike a personal injury-related wrongful death claim, there isn’t an option for “pain and suffering” for these claims. You will only be able to recover medical expenses, lost wages, and potentially lost wages on behalf of the deceased.
Qualifying
Much like filing a claim for illness, survivors filing a wrongful death lawsuit must also qualify their deceased loved one by showing:
• They spent at least 30 days at Camp Lejeune during the affected period, from 1953 through 1987
• They lived and/or worked there; you must prove their time there using:
o Medical documentation
o Pay stubs
o Military service records
o Other relevant records
• They experienced one or more medical conditions related to the contamination that caused their death
This may be difficult because of how long ago the exposure occurred. William Herren, an established Veterans disability attorney, is focusing his practice on Camp Lejeune cases and he can make it easier to obtain the required documents and properly file a claim.
Why File A Camp Lejeune Wrongful Death Claim?
It may seem counter-intuitive to file a claim for someone who died from their illnesses. But for survivors, a settlement from such a claim can help ease financial burdens after caring for a loved one.
A financial settlement can cover expenses that your family experienced during their illness and death that weren’t covered by the VA, Medicare/Medicaid, or private health insurance. It can also replace some of the lost wages and lost future wages that your loved one would have provided if they were still alive and able to earn income throughout their life.
If your loved one spent time at Camp Lejeune and later died from a serious illness that may have been related, speak with a Houston Camp Lejeune water contamination attorney today to learn more about filing a wrongful death claim for them.
Camp Lejeune Claim? Contact The Herren Law Firm Today
After the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 was signed into law, family members and civilian workers can now file a claim for compensation due to the harm they suffered from the contaminated water. If there was a death from Camp Lejeune exposure, they can also file on behalf of a loved one who died before the act was signed.
Contact us today if you need help filing your claim.
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 our consultation is free, and you won’t owe us a fee until we win your case.
