Much of the attention that’s paid to the victims of the Camp Lejeune water contamination case is given to the Marines and other military veterans who were stationed there. Camp Lejeune also is and has been home to many service members’ families. Military spouses and their children were also sickened by the toxic water contamination, sometimes in utero. They were left with lifelong illnesses, including many forms of cancer.
The contamination was eventually cleared after 1987, and Camp Lejeune’s water supply is now safe to drink and use. But the damage that resulted from consuming benzene and other carcinogens continue more than 35 years later for those who lived there.
Because family members were usually not military, they would not be ordinarily eligible for disability benefits from the VA. They may have been previously eligible for benefits through Medicaid or other programs. The VA has since established the Camp Lejeune Family Member Program to assist family members in getting medical help for 15 specified related illnesses.
Additionally, The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 provides the families of veterans a way to file their own claims and receive care and compensation for the illnesses and injuries they suffered.
Why File A Claim?
As a non-military resident, you would not be qualified to recover any compensation through the VA as a service member would despite being made ill by the contaminated water. You may or may not have had healthcare coverage when you were diagnosed and may have had to shoulder the costs yourself or turn to Medicaid or Medicare for your healthcare needs.
Filing a claim will allow you to recover the costs of your medical care, lost wages, as well as losses on behalf of children who were sickened by the toxic water. If your military family member has since passed away from the illnesses from the water contamination, you may also be able to file a wrongful death claim to recover financial losses.
The Navy’s Judge Advocate General (JAG) office has a website with information on filing a claim. Those who previously filed related lawsuits and saw them dismissed under the Federal Tort Claims Act must re-file their claims to have them considered under the Camp Lejeune Act.
Qualifying for a Camp Lejeune claim as non-military
Just as you would if you were applying for disability, you will be required to submit documentation that not only shows that you were at Camp Lejeune, but your relationship with a service member. This can include:
• Marriage certificate
• Birth certificate
• Adoption papers
• Other related documents showing a familial relationship (i.e., parents or other dependents)
You will also need to show your dates of residence at Camp Lejeune and a medical diagnosis of your condition.
Camp Lejeune Claim? Contact The Herren Law Firm Today
Until recently, only veterans could request help through the VA for their medical conditions. After the signing of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, family members and civilian workers can now file a claim for compensation due to the harm they suffered from the contaminated water.
If you or someone you know became ill after working or being stationed at Camp Lejeune, contact us immediately for 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.