Camp Lejeune, which has the largest concentration of sailors and Marines in the world, has been in the headlines, not for the correct reasons. It was in the 1950s that toxic and poisonous compounds got mixed with the region's water wells, which provided water supply to the military base. However, it was only in the 1980s that the contamination came to light.
Military chemists who examined the water in October 1980 found trace levels of organic compounds. Before these chemicals were spotted and wells shut down, the veterans, their family members, and others who lived in this region drank, bathed, and even cooked with the tainted water. It led them to develop various kinds of cancer and chronic ailments that reduced their life span and even caused deaths.
A few years back, the veterans and residents who suffered from the toxic water exposure didn't have the scope to file a lawsuit and seek compensation. However, after introducing the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, which allows victims to recover damages, things seem promising. However, ongoing delays in the claims process often add uncertainty in the minds of people who have or are planning to file a legal claim.
It is a challenge to navigate the legal path alone, especially when you know the cases are facing unwanted delays. But that doesn’t mean you should leave hope. In this article, we will share a few guidelines that will help you stick with your battle to seek Camp Lejeune compensation despite all the challenges.
Know The Reasons for Delay
Over 1,400 lawsuits have been filed, and over 152,000 administrative claims have been filed nationwide. However, for the settlement of the cases, the legal system could only do a little and has been questionably sluggish.
It often makes victims feel they have no hope of recovering their share of compensation. Instead of overthinking your decision to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit, you need to focus on the reasons for this delay.
Jennifer Tennile Karnes, a Navy lawyer, addressed claimants through an email stating that the delays are due to funding issues and staffing shortages. Other factors are also stopping the Navy from proceeding to resolve the claims. The water contamination at Camp Lejeune started in the 1950s and ended in the 1980s. It indicates that several victims comprise older adults whose days are numbered.
However, it is crucial to look towards the bright side as well. The Navy plans to hire more staff to ease the claims process. The military also launched a website to speed up the claims.
Once you know these details, it helps you arrive at a practical decision instead of getting upset about not getting compensated for your losses.
Considering the Elective Option
When victims complained about the delays in claims settlement, the Elective Option was introduced to speed up payouts. Here, the compensation amount is decided based on the victim’s diagnosis and the time of exposure to the toxic waters at Camp Lejeune. Additionally, if a claimant has suffered from various ailments, they can get compensated for only one.
The most crucial question is, should you avail this option? The answer is that it entirely depends on your situation. Suppose you are under financial stress and need money to pay your medical bills and other expenses. This option seems handy in that case, even if you might get a higher compensation by walking the traditional route. Your lawyer will guide you better.
Working closely with a Lawyer
Filing a lawsuit and waiting for your compensation isn’t easy! The path includes challenges and moments of complete stagnancy. Here, a lawyer's guidance is crucial as they provide the support you need to pursue your case. Additionally, the lawyer guides you skillfully so that you don't commit unwanted actions that can cancel out your chances of getting compensated with the desired amount.
According to TorHoerman Law, once you have collected the vital evidence, the lawyer can assess the damages and refine your case. The damages are losses, which are both mental and physical, that victims incur without their fault. The Camp Lejeune lawsuit can compensate for damages such as pain and suffering, medical bills, disability benefits, lost wages, permanent disability, and the loss of companionship.
In conclusion, Camp Lejeune victims must hold on to correct legal guidance and the faith that they will receive their settlement payouts. The current landscape appears challenging, where one might feel more dejected than hopeful. However, you can always contact a lawyer and let them examine your case to decide the best legal route for you and ensure you get your compensation.
