The Damages Available To Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Victims: The water supply at Camp Lejeune, a U.S. Marine Corps facility in North Carolina, was contaminated with hazardous substances from the 1950s to the 1980s. The thousands of military personnel, their families, and civilian workers who stayed on the base during that time suffered from various fatal diseases such as cancers, birth defects, and other health issues.
In 2012, the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act was approved by Congress. The purpose of the act is to provide health care to the victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination. The U.S. government has recognized its involvement in the contamination. There are various settlement amounts for the victims depending on different factors. These include damages incurred, medical diagnoses, lost wages, and emotional trauma. You need to contact an experienced attorney if you intend to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit.
Following are the different types of damages available to Camp Lejeune water contamination victims.
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Disability Benefits
Veterans qualify for disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs if it is proven they got exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and have been diagnosed with one of the presumptive conditions, which includes specific kinds of cancer and other illnesses (VA). There are a lot of victims who have suffered permanent disability due to water contamination, and their compensation amount depends on their suffering over the years.
Loss of Companionship
It is also referred to as a loss of consortium. It is a type of damage available to Camp Lejeune water contamination victims who have lost the companionship, affection, and love of their spouses due to the diseases or injuries they have sustained as a result of consuming contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
Lost wages
A victim may be eligible for compensation for lost wages if their disease or injuries have forced them to miss work, reduced their earning potential, or forced them to retire early. The victim would need to present evidence of their lost earnings in the form of documentation and proof. It could range from salary slips to tax returns to medical documents to seek a claim for lost wages damages. The extent of the victim’s injury or sickness and how it has affected their capacity to work and make a living will all be considered when determining the amount of lost wages damages that are awarded.
Compensation for Emotional Trauma
Victims of the Camp Lejeune water contamination who have experienced psychological harm due to their medical condition are eligible for emotional trauma damages. Anxiety, melancholy, PTSD, and other psychological issues are just a few of the possible manifestations of emotional trauma.
It is important to remember that the amount of compensation provided to Camp Lejeune water contamination victims will depend on several factors, including the extent of their exposure, the seriousness of their illness, and the particular strategy they choose to seek compensation. Victims should consult a lawyer or other qualified expert to determine the best course of action for their unique situation.
