Get the Truth About Your Camp Lejeune Case
You’ve probably heard about Camp Lejeune cases in the news. Law firms and other legal organizations are marketing these cases nearly constantly.
That’s because the government estimates there may be a million claims. And yet only a small percentage of people impacted have come forward.
In our experience, a few myths may be causing this lag. Below, we explain the top three misunderstandings about Camp Lejeune cases we see at our Memphis law firm.
The Basics:
Between August 1952 and December 1987, over one million people served at the Camp Lejeune military base in North Carolina. During that time, toxic VOCs in the water may have led to serious health complications including:
- Cancer
- Neurological defects, like Parkinson’s and ALS
- Miscarriages
- Birth defects
- Other injuries
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 passed in August 2022 set aside $6 billion for anyone impacted by this chemical poisoning at the base.
However, to this day, only a fraction of the people who might qualify have started their claims. Among other reasons, misinformation may impact whether people know they have a case.
Myth #1: The Government Will Automatically Know If You Were Stationed at Camp Lejeune
This common misconception could destroy people’s chances of a successful claim.
It may seem obvious the government should know everyone who served on a military base during a certain period of time. But in fact, the law requires you to register your case with your own legal claim. They won’t contact individuals who served there or let you know you’re owed anything—every individual has to figure that out for themselves.
Nothing here will happen automatically. So if you or a loved one served at Camp Lejeune any time between 1952-1987 and had health complications at any point, you should contact an experienced Camp Lejeune attorney.
Myth #2: You Have However Much Time You Need to File a Claim
Considering it took the government decades to set up this relief program, you may think you can take your time getting back to them.
Unfortunately, that’s not the case.
Camp Lejeune cases have a statute of limitations. This helps the courts handle everything in a timely manner, and it keeps costs down by making sure government employees aren’t working on these cases for years. In addition, it helps make sure you or your loved one gets compensation as quickly as possible.
But it also means some people might miss out by not filing fast enough.
Beginning August 2022, you have only two years to file. Remember, your attorney will need to put together the information for your case, so you don’t want to wait until the last minute to contact someone you trust.
Myth #3: You Need to Have Served in the Military to Qualify
The relief act for Camp Lejeune victims doesn’t just include military members. You can also be a military spouse or staff member at the base. Anyone who lived or worked on the base from 1952-1987 may qualify.
For example, we have a client who was married to a Marine, and they lived at Camp Lejeune for two years. She didn’t serve, and they aren’t even married anymore, but she now has stomach cancer related to her time there.
In addition, the law includes close loved ones of people who served at Camp Lejeune but have since passed away. In some cases, victims may have died from health complications due to their time at Camp Lejeune, but because they served there so long ago, no one is thinking to file a claim on their behalf.
Finding the Right Attorney for Your Camp Lejeune Case
If you think you might qualify for a settlement, or even if you aren’t sure yet, make sure to talk with an attorney you like and trust.
As a Marine veteran myself whose brother served at Camp Lejeune, I take these cases personally. I fight for veterans every day at my Memphis law firm, and I would be honored to answer your questions and help you with your case.
To get started, you should call or write me for a free conversation about your situation. If you have a case and decide to move forward with us, I’ll work with you to gather the information you need for a successful claim.
Remember, we don’t win anything unless you do, so there’s no harm in reaching out. Contact me today at 901-327-2100 or use the form on this page. I look forward to talking with you.