How to Determine the Monetary Value of Your Camp Lejeune Claim
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 acknowledged the suffering of thousands of victims due to exposure to toxins at the military site. For decades, they raised voices and concerns over the aftermath of the disaster to no avail. Finally, the government decided to do its bit for these victims and their families.
In October 2023, the government initiated the first settlement offers and payments more than a year after the enactment of the CLJA as a federal law. Three people accepted settlements totaling $850,000, and two of them have been paid. According to US Justice Department lawyers, compensation claims filed by veterans and victims already total nearly $3.3 trillion.
However, as a victim, you cannot expect a one-size-fits-all approach to the claim values. TorHoerman Law notes that settlement amounts for Camp Lejeune water contamination cases could be between $10,000 and over $1,000,000. The exact value depends on the circumstances and strength of your case. Before filing a claim, you must understand the basis of calculations so that you do not settle for less.
In this article, we will highlight how the monetary value of Camp Lejeune’s claims is determined.
Document Your Exposure
Before calculating your claim’s value, you must determine your eligibility. It boils down to your presence on the site of exposure during a specific timeline. You may be eligible for compensation only if you were at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987. Start the process by documenting your time spent at the affected site and potential exposure to contaminated water.
You will need several documents and records to validate the claim. These include military orders, housing assignment documents, and medical records indicating your presence at the base during the contamination period. Also, document the exposure of your family members if they lived with you on the base and subsequently developed health issues.
Assess Your Health Condition
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) studies about Camp Lejeune, people exposed to toxic chemicals in the supplies are at risk of several cancers and chronic conditions. These include birth defects, neurological disorders, and other chronic illnesses. A recent study stated that victims exposed to these toxins have a 70% higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
Your medical condition decides the value of your compensation. If you have one or more of these health conditions, seek documentation of diagnoses, treatments, and prognosis from medical professionals. Get documentation to establish the link between the disease and exposure to toxins in Camp Lejeune water supplies.
Calculate Medical Expenses
Perhaps the most crucial step for determining the value of a Camp Lejeune claim is the calculation of medical expenses. This can be complicated because the medical expenses related to the treatment extend beyond doctor visits, hospitalizations, medications, and surgeries. You must also consider the cost of rehabilitation services and home modifications to arrive at the correct figure.
Seek expertise of the best lawyers for Camp Lejeune lawsuit cases with relevant experience. According to the CLJA, claimants can pursue legal action if their claim is not settled within six months of submission. More than 1,100 cases are already in the Federal Court, and trials are expected to begin in 2024. A seasoned lawyer can do the math for you and ensure you have detailed records of invoices and insurance claims to support your case for reimbursement of medical expenses.
Consider Non-Medical Damages
Besides the cost of medical treatment and rehab, compensation for a Camp Lejeune victim includes non-medical damages. These include the cost of pain and suffering, emotional distress, diminished quality of life, loss of consortium, and damaged relationships. These damages should not be undermined, only because they are not visible and tangible.
Despite being more challenging to quantify, non-medical damages can significantly impact the overall value of your claim. Once again, an experienced Camp Lejeune lawyer can estimate the exact value of these factors and calculate the compensation you deserve.
Determine Lost Wages
Most health issues related to Camp Lejeune exposure are severe enough to affect a victim’s capacity to work and earn. Lost wages are an additional burden for a person already struggling to stay afloat amid medical treatment expenses and other bills. They can have a far-reaching financial impact and compound the suffering of your family.
Fortunately, you can seek compensation for this element of damages, provided you establish the point firmly. It involves estimating the income you may have earned if not for the health condition. Factor in reduced work hours, missed workdays, or inability to work in certain occupations due to illness or disability.
In summary, determining the monetary value of your Camp Lejeune claim seems a complicated task. However, an expert can help you add every element and calculate the compensation value you deserve. You should not settle for less just because justice has arrived decades after the disaster. You must still get fair compensation for the harm and suffering caused by Camp Lejeune water contamination.