Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit

April 20, 2023

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit

According to Top Class Action, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which was passed by the Biden administration in 2022, allows veterans to initiate legal proceedings against the federal government for injuries and illnesses resulting from water contamination at Camp Lejeune. 

This legislation enables veterans and their family members who were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days to file a lawsuit. Filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit may result in the recovery of compensation for medical expenses, wrongful death, and other damages.

Filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit can be a complex and challenging process, and there are many common mistakes that plaintiffs can make that can jeopardize their case. Whether it is failing to meet eligibility criteria, missing deadlines, or not providing adequate documentation, these mistakes can result in the loss of the right to file a claim or reduced compensation. 


In this article, we will discuss some of the common mistakes to avoid when filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit and how to increase your chances of a successful outcome.

Failing to Meet Eligibility Criteria

To file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit, plaintiffs must meet specific eligibility criteria, such as being a former resident, worker, or dependent of a worker at the base during the contamination period. 

Additionally, plaintiffs must have been exposed to the contaminated water and suffered from one of the health conditions linked to the toxic chemicals found in the water.

According to TorHoerman Law, LLC (THL), a law firm involved in the Camp Lejeune cases, individuals who lived at Camp Lejeune (NC) for at least 30 days between 1st August 1953, and 31st December 1987, may qualify for the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit. The law firm confirms that this legal action is open to individuals, their family members, or loved ones who suffered health consequences due to the long-term water contamination at Camp Lejeune (North Carolina).

Failing to meet these criteria could result in the dismissal of the case, and the plaintiff could lose the right to file a claim. It is crucial for potential plaintiffs to carefully review and understand the eligibility criteria before filing a lawsuit.

Missing Deadlines

Missing deadlines is one of the common mistakes that plaintiffs make when filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit. There are strict deadlines for filing a claim, and failing to meet these deadlines can result in the loss of the right to file a claim. 

According to Legal Reader, the personal injury lawsuit related to Camp Lejeune contamination must be filed within two years from the date of the enactment of the act, which is until August 11, 2024. However, it is important to consult with a lawyer promptly since they need time to evaluate your case and gather relevant medical records that link your health issues to the exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

Not Providing Adequate Documentation

It’s important to provide all of the documents the court requires and any additional documents that may help your case. If you believe there are other relevant documents, but don’t have them in front of you, talk with an attorney about how best to proceed.

After providing all necessary information and documents, keep copies of everything sent to either yourself or your lawyer so there is no confusion later on down the road if needed by accidentally losing something important along the way.

Choosing the Wrong Lawyer

Verify in a report states that according to the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps, eligible individuals are not required to hire a lawyer to file a claim under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022. While the law permits lawyers to file on behalf of eligible individuals, they are also allowed to file independently. Therefore, hiring a lawyer is not a requirement to file a claim.

Choosing to file your case or choosing the wrong lawyer is one of the most common mistakes people make when filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit. 

This can be very dangerous because an inexperienced individual will likely not know what evidence needs to be collected or how best and quickly it should be collected (i.e., through public records requests). 

Not Disclosing Relevant Information

You need to be honest with your attorney. If you’re not, it could cause serious problems for your case. For example, if a lawyer doesn’t know about all of your medical issues and has no idea how much money those issues will cost the defendant, then they can’t properly estimate how much compensation should be awarded. 

They also won’t understand what kind of settlement offer might be acceptable or unreasonable based on the evidence at hand.

However, it’s not just about disclosing information related directly to Camp Lejeune poisoning. Your attorney needs all relevant details regarding other legal cases that may impact yours (like pending litigation against other defendants) as well as personal matters (like marital status).

Settling for Less Than You Deserve

One of the common mistakes that plaintiffs make when filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit is settling for less than they deserve. In some cases, defendants may offer a settlement amount that is lower than the true value of the damages suffered by the plaintiff. 

Without the guidance of an experienced lawyer, plaintiffs may not fully understand the extent of their damages or the amount of compensation they are entitled to receive. It is essential to work with a lawyer who can assess the full extent of your damages and fight for fair compensation.

Failing to Follow Up on Your Case

Failing to follow up with your lawyer is one of the most common mistakes people make when filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit. When you hire a lawyer, you must stay in touch with them throughout the process. This can be done through phone calls, emails, or even text messages if necessary.

You should also check on the status of your case regularly so that you aren’t surprised by any delays or changes in strategy. If something happens that makes you unhappy with how things are going, contact your attorney immediately and let him/her know what has happened so they can take action as needed.

Conclusion

If you or someone you love was exposed to toxic chemicals at Camp Lejeune, acting as soon as possible is important. You could be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and other losses, but only if you file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires. 

Contact an attorney today for more information about the Camp Lejeune lawsuit.





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