For the estimated 1 million people affected by Camp Lejeune’s water contamination, the decision to pursue legal action can be complex, emotionally overwhelming, and even life-altering. With the right legal representation, however, you can navigate any claim-related complexities and find the support you need to effectively assert your rights under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA).
If you’re planning to file a lawsuit after being exposed to the toxic drinking water at Camp Lejeune, knowing what to look for in an attorney can help ensure that your voice is heard and that justice is served.
What to Consider When Finding the Right Camp Lejeune Lawyer
Familiarity with Camp Lejeune
For your Camp Lejeune lawsuit to be successful, you need representation from someone who thoroughly understands the Marine Corps base’s tragic history. Because there are limitations on who can file, when, and why, it’s essential to have a lawyer in your corner that is up-to-date with the complete turn of events, from the initial water contamination to the passage of the CLJA.
In particular, your Camp Lejeune attorney’s breadth of knowledge should span the following:
- The specific chemicals that contaminated the base’s water supply
- The duration of the water contamination
- Associated health conditions caused by exposure
- The ongoing federal efforts to address and remediate the problem
- Any terms and stipulations involved with filing a claim
An attorney well-versed in the history of the Camp Lejeune water contamination crisis will be better equipped to build a strong case and advocate for your rights.
Related legal experience
Filing a claim with the federal government is a tedious and technical process governed by strict procedures and rules. Besides, to receive full compensation for your injustice at Camp Lejeune, your lawyer must be able to prove a connection between your health condition and exposure to the contaminated water. Therefore, it’s imperative that the attorney you choose has extensive litigation experience handling government-involved claims.
In addition, your Camp Lejeune attorney should also have experience with personal injury and wrongful death cases involving toxic exposure or water contamination. With this background, your attorney will understand what evidence is needed — including any medical or military documentation — to solidify your claim.
Availability that works for you
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 asserts that the deadline for filing federal tort claims under the law is August 10, 2024. With less than two years left to file a claim, your lawyer needs to be ready to start your case immediately and ensure you’re set up for compensation within the given timeline.
To verify that your Camp Lejeune attorney has availability that fits your schedule, it’s a good idea to check the kind of caseload they’re currently working with. A lawyer with a manageable caseload will likely give maximum attention and time to build your Camp Lejeune case, increasing the chances of receiving full compensation.
Experience with calculating damage amounts
At a baseline, a qualified lawyer knows how to effectively and efficiently calculate the damages and compensation that a client is entitled to. A highly experienced attorney will consider numerous factors — like immediate financial needs to cover medical bills and any long-term impacts on your health and wellness — when determining the compensation you’re owed.
A Camp Lejeune lawsuit is more than just medical expenses. It involves holding the government responsible for decades of neglect and being compensated for various physical and psychological damages. These include anything from lost wages and enjoyment to pain and suffering.
Your Camp Lejeune attorney should be able to recognize the different types of damages you’ve faced and help you arrive at your total award.
Free consultations and legal fees
In a Camp Lejeune lawsuit or any other claim, the attorney you choose to represent your interests should provide a free consultation and review of your case.
Free consultations are a good place to establish trust and confidence with your potential lawyer through questions that most impact your case. For instance, you’ll want to ask the attorney how often you will be updated or consulted during the case process and the types of information you’ll need to strengthen your claim.
Likewise, your Camp Lejeune attorney also shouldn’t request any fees upfront — instead, you should pay your lawyer only when you’re finally compensated. Their earnings will be a percentage of your jury award, which should be indicated in any agreement you sign.
Reviews and reputations
Just like any business you’d shop at, the reviews and reputations of a law firm/individual lawyer matter. When you’re looking to land the right attorney for your contaminated water lawsuit, reading other people’s experiences, opinions, and even first impressions is a sound first step.
The more devoted, respected, and successful an attorney is, the higher the probability of your case succeeding.
To get familiar with any Camp Lejeune lawyer on your list, you can explore their client review pages, Google reviews, or any other search engine for deeper insight into how they execute their practice philosophy.
Contact Our Camp Lejeune Attorneys at Leav & Steinberg LLP
Protecting your legal rights under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act requires an attorney dedicated to your recovery.
At Leav & Steinberg LLP, our team of experienced attorneys is ready to take on your Camp Lejeune case, protect your rights, and fight for proper compensation. We offer free consultations to our clients and only charge attorney fees once you’ve won your case.
Request your free consultation with our Camp Lejeune attorneys today.
