Camp Lejeune contamination lawsuits are among the most complex legal matters in the US. These claims apply to military veterans, their families, and other residents of the Camp Lejeune Marine Base. Many of them suffered due to exposure to contaminated water supplies. Although the event dates back to the eighties, victims have suffered for decades, battling severe medical issues. Many couples lost their children due to miscarriage, and many children were born with severe birth defects.
You can imagine the trauma of the victims and their loved ones, considering their suffering was preventable had the authorities acted on time. Thankfully, things have changed now that they can legally claim compensation from the government under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. Besides the financial compensation for your suffering, you must also find ways to deal with your physical and emotional trauma. Here are some legal tips Camp Lejeune victims can rely on.
Prioritize your health
Legal experts recommend prioritizing your health and staying regular with your treatment appointments. Exposure to toxins in the Camp Lejeune water supplies increases the risks of several types of cancers, cardiac damage, kidney problems, Myelodysplastic Syndromes, fatty liver disease, and Parkinson’s Disease. You may not have encountered them right away, but they may surface years later. Be regular with preventive checks and treatment procedures once you get a diagnosis. Also, maintain records of tests, medication, and therapies as they can strengthen your claim.
Know your rights
Knowing your rights is crucial to self-care when it comes to dealing with the trauma of Camp Lejeune contamination. Things have changed after the recent legislation on Camp Lejeune Justice, so you may be in a good place to file a claim. But you must understand your eligibility before claiming your right. It requires you to prove that you lived or worked in the area for at least a month between 1953 and 1987. Additionally, you should have a current diagnosed medical condition linked with exposure to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune.
Seek justice
Although seeking justice may not seem to have much to do with dealing with suffering, it actually makes a difference. You can collaborate with a law firm for water toxicity to prove your eligibility for compensation and claim the rightful value for your suffering. Money can be valuable as it enables you to get the best treatment for yourself or a loved one. You may even seek compensation for a miscarriage, stillbirth, or birth defect of your child if they are connected with the toxin exposure. Apart from the money factor, knowing that the government has to pay for its negligence gives you mental peace.
Address your stress
Nothing is more crucial than your mental well-being when handling the trauma of a life-threatening condition. Likewise, losing a child or raising one with birth defects can also be mentally taxing. Legal specialists suggest going the extra mile to address your stress so that you can retain your sanity and follow your claim. Opening up about your trauma is the best way to start. Talk about your pain and suffering with a partner, friend, or family member. Consider seeing a therapist if you experience symptoms of depression, PTSD, or anxiety. Do not overlook your mental health because it is as significant as a medical treatment for your disease. Moreover, a strong spirit takes you a step closer to recovery.
Plan for long-term care
Most health conditions linked with toxin exposure are chronic, so there is a good chance they will stay with you for a lifetime. Even if you resolve the condition for the short term, a relapse is likely with diseases like cancer and kidney toxicity. Camp Lejeune lawyers emphasize planning for long-term care when seeking compensation for your suffering. You can expect huge medical bills, multiple treatment cycles, and repeated hospitalization down the line. Ensure that you get enough compensation to cover these costs and end-of-life care. These costs can easily burn a hole in your wallet, but knowing that you have them covered with your claim reduces the stress.
Legal aid is available for Camp Lejeune water contamination victims, but claiming it requires a good understanding of the law. You can collaborate with an expert to seek the compensation value you deserve. Do not skimp on legal expertise, and bring the best lawyer on board to ensure you get a value that covers your treatment and long-term care. Also, you must fight for justice as it is your right, no matter how big or small your suffering is.
