When exposed to hazardous substances, you may have a right to sue for damages. But what kinds of damages can you claim?
You may be able to recover money for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage. The law also gives you a few different limits on how much you can recover.
The Camp Lejeune Settlement Amounts
The Camp Lejeune Water Contamination lawsuit is a class action lawsuit brought against the United States government by people exposed to contaminated water at the Camp Lejeune military base. The plaintiffs are suing for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. The government has set up a $2.2 billion fund to pay out settlements to the plaintiffs.
The Camp Lejeune Settlement Amounts are broad because they cover many different types of damages, meaning that each plaintiff’s case will be different. However, the amounts range from a low of $5,000 to a high of $250,000.
What Can You Claim?
The damages you can recover from a contaminated water case are based on the type of exposure you’ve sustained. If you had occupational exposure, you may be able to recover money for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage. If you had non-occupational exposure, you may be able to recover money for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage.
Money for Medical Bills
If you have been exposed to contaminated water, you may be able to recover money for medical bills. This includes money you spend on health care related to the exposure. You are entitled to recover these expenses whether you have filed a lawsuit. This includes out-of-pocket costs, such as co-pays and deductibles.
You can also recover money if exposed to contaminated water while on active duty in the military. If your military service was from March 1, 2003, or later and you have been diagnosed with a medical condition attributed to your exposure, you may be eligible for a special compensation program called the Military Contaminated Water Program. You may be eligible for this program even if you don’t have a diagnosed medical condition.
Lost Wages
Lost wages are the earnings a person would have received if they had not been injured. This includes wages, salaries, tips, commissions, and bonuses. It can also include the value of lost benefits, such as healthcare and retirement. Lost wages can be compensated for in a personal injury trial by awarding damages for past, and future lost earnings.
Pain and Suffering
If you have been exposed to contaminated water and have suffered pain and suffering as a result, you may be entitled to recover money for pain and suffering compensation. You may also be entitled to receive damages for mental anguish and emotional distress. For these damages, the time frame is different from that of lost wages compensation. You will only be paid for when your exposure caused your pain and suffering—not the time it takes to get over it.
Emotional Distress
This money is intended to cover mental anguish and emotional distress expenses. It’s important to note that these damages differ from lost wages compensation. With emotional distress compensation, you will only be paid for the time when your exposure caused your emotional distress—not the time it takes to recover from the emotional distress.
Property Damage
This can include physical damage to your property and loss of income caused by the damage. If you believe you may have a case, speak with a qualified attorney to discuss your options.
Limits on Damages
The maximum amount you can recover for any one claim is $250,000. This includes all money you have lost, including past and future wages, medical bills, and damages for pain and suffering. Furthermore, you can claim $250,000 in total damages in any lawsuit.
What Is the Limitation Period for a Claim?
If you believe your exposure has caused any of these damages or injuries, you should consult with an attorney immediately. The limitation period is when you have a right to sue for those damages or injuries. This is typically three years from exposure or discovery of injury or damage. But it is different for each type of injury or damage, depending on which statute applies. Some types of injuries or damages are limited by the statute of limitations, while others are not. If you are uncertain about how long it takes to file a lawsuit, it is best to consult with an attorney immediately.
If you have been exposed to contaminated water and have suffered any of the abovementioned damages, you should consult with an attorney. The statute of limitations varies depending on the type of injury or damage. Still, in most cases, it is three years from exposure or discovery of injury or damage.