Do you think you or a family member became ill because of the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC? Are you wondering how to file a lawsuit?
If the answer is yes—then read this. Per the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, you have two years from August 10, 2022 (the date President Biden signed the Honoring Our PACT Act into law) to start the process of filing a lawsuit. These are the steps to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit:
1. Prove you were at Camp Lejeune. You lived, worked, or were present at Camp Lejeune for 30 days (it doesn’t have to be consecutive days) between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. You will be required to show proof (i.e., military records, work documentation, affidavit, etc.)
2. Show documentation of illness. You or a family member have medical records stating you developed one of the presumptive illnesses caused by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
3. File a VA claim. You must file a disability claim with Veterans Affairs (VA) by either:
- Filing online at VA.gov
- Asking for assistance from a Veterans Service Officer (VSO)
- Go to a VA Regional Office for assistance
4. Wait for the VA’s decision. The average number of days for the VA to complete a claim in July 2022 was 125.3 days (that was before Biden signed the PACT Act). This is an excellent time to start researching lawyers accepting Camp Lejeune water contamination cases.
5. Lawyer up. If you receive a denial from the VA, file a lawsuit. Choose a lawyer you trust with solid client reviews and schedule a free consultation. You shouldn’t have to pay any money for a consultation.
6. File your lawsuit. Your lawyer will help you file a lawsuit in federal court in the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Everyone who has suffered because of Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water deserves justice. Additionally, family members who have lost loved ones due to the chemicals in Camp Lejeune’s water should also receive compensation. The Justice Act includes a process that claimants must follow within a specific time period. If you have questions, talk to a lawyer.
Gemma Law Associates, Inc. is available to answer your questions during a free consultation. Our attorneys have experience working on other cases involving toxic substances like mesothelioma claims and lead poisoning cases. Let us help you navigate the process of filing a lawsuit. Contact us or call 401-336-6577 to talk to an experienced lawyer today.