Research shows that exposure to Camp Lejeune contamination can increase your risk of miscarriage. Via a new law passed in August of 2022, you can pursue damages if you believe your miscarriage is linked to Camp Lejeune.
At Ben Crump, PLLC, we’ve represented many personal injury clients and secured millions of dollars in compensation. We’re currently accepting Camp Lejeune contamination miscarriage cases. Our Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyers can act as your legal representative and guide.
Working With a Camp Lejeune Contamination Lawyer
Camp Lejeune contamination miscarriage cases can be complicated. To receive compensation, you’ll need to understand a variety of legal procedures and terms. For many, navigating this legal landscape can be confusing, stressful, or downright frustrating.
Our legal team is here to help you make sense of your case and bring your stress levels down. We’re proud to represent the victims of Camp Lejeune contamination. These are the services we can provide to those pursuing a miscarriage lawsuit:
- Determine your case eligibility
- Answer any questions you have about your case
- Gather evidence of your miscarriage and build your case
- Explain your best next steps
- Negotiate for a fair settlement offer
- Represent you in the courtroom
Can I Afford a Camp Lejeune Miscarriage Lawyer?
Our team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, works on a contingency fee basis. This means that our payment comes as a percentage of your final settlement offer. The benefits of this payment plan include the following:
- You don’t need to pay us anything up front.
- You don’t need to pay our team unless you win your case.
- Working with our team is completely risk-free.
Can I File a Camp Lejeune Miscarriage Lawsuit?
Before August 2022, victims of Camp Lejeune had one option to receive compensation– benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). However, despite this benefit, Camp Lejeune victims were barred from filing lawsuits against the federal government.
In August of 2022, though, the federal government passed a new law called the “Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022.” This law allows those negatively impacted by Camp Lejeune contamination to file a claim against the federal government. If this claim isn’t settled within a specific period, you can file a lawsuit.
If you believe that your miscarriage was linked to Camp Lejeune, you have the right to pursue compensation.
Am I Eligible?
First, to qualify, you must have been stationed at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. The “Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022” doesn’t just apply to veterans. It also includes Camp Lejeune employees and family members that spent considerable time on base.
Then, according to the “Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022”, to receive compensation, you must be able to prove that your miscarriage was:
- “Caused by exposure to the water;”
- “Associated with exposure to the water;”
- “linked to exposure to the water; or”
- “The exposure to the water increased the likelihood of such harm.”
Without legal experience, it may be difficult to determine your case eligibility. At Ben Crump Law, PLLC, we can provide you with insight during a free case evaluation. During this initial meeting, we’ll explain your options, your eligibility, and your potential next steps.
Understanding Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
Camp Lejeune is a network of military installations south of Jacksonville, North Carolina. In 1982, the Marine Corps found high levels of toxic chemicals in the network’s water supply. Through further research, it was revealed that these chemicals were present for a 34-year period.
The chemicals discovered include:
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)
- Vinyl chloride (VC)
- Benzene
Consumption of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can increase an individual’s risk of developing various medical conditions, including:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Renal toxicity
- Scleroderma
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Female infertility
- Hepatic steatosis (fatty liver disease)
- Miscarriage
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Neurobehavioral effects
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Impacted Areas
“Camp Lejeune” refers to a network of multiple military installations. The following installations in this network were impacted by contaminated water:
- Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
- Marine Corps Air Station New River
- Camp Geiger
- Paradise Point
- Stone Bay Rifle Range
- Tarawa Terrace
- Camp Johnson/Montford Point
- Camp Lejeune Greater Sandy Run
- Hadnot Point
- Holcomb Boulevard
- Onslow Beach
Miscarriages and Camp Lejeune
Research from the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health suggests that PCE exposure increases the risk of miscarriage in pregnant mothers. The researchers behind this study state that “exposure of pregnant women to tetrachloroethylene [PCE] needs to be minimized.”
PCE is the primary VOC of concern with Camp Lejeune miscarriages; however, according to the Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR), exposure to other Camp Lejeune VOCs can cause several birth defects, like:
- Malformation
- Eye defects
- Low birth weight
- Oral cleft defects
- Neural tube defects
How do I Know if My Miscarriage Is Linked to Camp Lejeune?
The likelihood of your miscarriage being linked to Camp Lejeune contaminated water depends on several factors, including:
- Your personal water consumption habits
- The duration of exposure
- Whether or not you were exposed during pregnancy
- The form of exposure
If you’re curious about the eligibility of your case, our team can provide you with clarity during a free case evaluation.
How Can I Receive Camp Lejeune Contamination Compensation?
Currently, there are two types of Camp Lejeune compensation available to miscarriage victims:
- File a claim with relevant authorities: Since the passing of the “Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022,” Camp Lejeune miscarriage victims have the right to file a claim for damages. Currently, the U.S. Navy is overseeing these types of claims. If your claim isn’t settled within six months, you can file a lawsuit in the Eastern District of North Carolina.
- Pursue VA benefits: Via the “Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012,” veterans, service members, employees, and family members can receive cost-free care through VA. To qualify for this care, you must prove that you were stationed at Camp Lejeune for a specific period and have a qualifying health condition.
The type of compensation you choose to pursue will depend on your unique case. As your legal team, we can determine if you should pursue a VA benefits claim or a Camp Lejeune miscarriage lawsuit.
Contact a Camp Lejeune Contamination Lawyer Today
Few things are more challenging than losing a child by miscarriage. Through a Camp Lejeune miscarriage settlement, you could receive compensation for your medical expenses and other losses. Our team is prepared to take a compassion-first approach to your case. Contact our offices today for a free no-obligation case evaluation.
