Camp Lejeune Water Lawsuit FAQ

Camp Lejeune Water Lawsuit FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Navigating the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit can feel overwhelming. To help you understand the process and your rights, we’ve compiled answers to some frequently asked questions.

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Q: I heard the deadline for filing a claim is getting extended. Is that true?

A: Unfortunately, that’s not accurate. The court clarified on June 1, 2024, that the deadline remains firm. All claims must be filed with the Department of the Navy by August 10, 2024.

Q: Do I need a lawyer to file a claim? I’d rather handle it myself.

A: While you’re not legally required to have a lawyer to file the initial claim, time is of the essence with the deadline fast approaching. More importantly, on June 5, 2024, the court ruled that proving causation is essential for your claim. This means you must demonstrate where you lived on base, what contaminants you were exposed to, and how those specific exposures caused your illness.

Experienced legal professionals, like those at Berry Law, have dedicated years to developing “Water Modeling” with scientific experts. This research helps pinpoint which chemicals were present in different water sources on base and their corresponding health effects. Given that an estimated 1.5 million people resided at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period, but only 230,000 claims have been filed, it’s clear that proving these claims is complex.

Q: I’m concerned about lawyer fees. I don’t want to pay 40%.

A: We understand your concern. Rest assured, the court has already addressed this issue. In October 2023, they limited attorney fees to 20% for non-litigated cases and 25% for litigated cases. While our agreements initially state 40%, the court’s order supersedes this, and we are bound by those limits. We’re happy to provide you with a copy of the court order upon request.

Q: With so many people involved in the lawsuit, won’t the payout be minimal?

A: This is a common misconception. The Camp Lejeune water lawsuit settlements are paid from the U.S. Judgment Fund. This fund has no cap and is specifically designed to compensate victims of government negligence.

Q: I’ve heard the case has stalled and lawyers aren’t making progress. Is that true?

A: The case is actively progressing. To streamline the process, claims have been divided into “Tracts” based on the type of injury. Plaintiff lawyers have recently completed depositions for 100 bellwether cases in Tract 1, with 25 cases selected for trial in the fall of 2024. This indicates significant movement in the legal proceedings.

Q: Why should I choose your firm over other law groups involved in the case?

A: At Berry Law, we have a long and proven history of advocating for veterans, dating back to 1965. We’ve successfully assisted over 14,000 veterans in securing the disability benefits they deserve. Our firm offers:

- Extensive experience in representing veterans.

- Personalized attention with a smaller client base, ensuring greater accessibility and communication.

- Co-counseling, meaning two sets of legal experts review your case for thoroughness and accuracy.

Q: Is it really worth my time to pursue a claim?

A: While we cannot guarantee outcomes, the potential benefits are significant. As of today, 58 settlements have been paid, totaling $14 million, averaging approximately $241,000 per case. Furthermore, the process is designed to be straightforward:

1. Initial phone call to discuss your situation.

1. Follow-up call to review your medical history and time at Camp Lejeune.

1. Settlement discussion.

Q: I’m currently receiving VA benefits. Will filing a Camp Lejeune water lawsuit affect them?

A: The VA has issued clear statements assuring veterans that filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit will not negatively impact their existing VA compensation benefits. Here’s what you need to know:

- No reduction in benefits: Filing a claim will not lead to a reduction or termination of your VA benefits.

- Potential offset: If you receive a Camp Lejeune settlement for conditions already covered by your VA disability, the settlement amount may be offset by the amount you’ve already received from the VA. However, with current settlements ranging from $100,000 to $550,000, the net benefit is still substantial.

You control the decision: You are not obligated to accept any settlement offer. You can always consult with a VA attorney to review the terms before making a decision.

Don’t miss your chance to seek justice. The deadline to file is August 10, 2024. Contact us today for a free consultation.