Have you developed kidney cancer from Camp Lejeune water contamination? If you developed this condition after living or serving in Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, you might have a chance to secure compensation for your losses under the new legislation.
Our team at White Law can step in to assist you. For example, a lawyer could suggest filing a Camp Lejeune claim with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). You may also qualify to file a suit in the North Carolina court system and join an ongoing mass tort.
Can You Get VA Disability for Kidney Cancer?
Multiple studies have shown that the water contamination at Camp Lejeune can lead to kidney cancer, including works in the National Library of Medicine. As such, the VA’s list of health issues associated with Camp Lejuene’s water contamination includes kidney cancer as a presumptive condition it covers for veterans and their families.
In order to get VA disability for a kidney cancer diagnosis, you must file a claim and provide supporting evidence. Generally, lawyers recommend that you provide:
- Copies of your military records to show you served at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River
- Documents that show you served between August 1953 and December 1987
- Medical records showing your kidney cancer diagnosis
You may use medical test results or a doctor’s report to establish your condition. Note that your family members may also receive VA disability benefits if they lived with you in the Camp Lejeune area and developed kidney cancer.
How do You Apply for VA Benefits for Kidney Cancer?
If you developed kidney cancer from Camp Lejeune water contamination, you have to take specific steps to secure VA benefits. First, you can work with a lawyer to collect the appropriate documentation.
After taking this step, consider filing your claim:
- Online
- At your VA regional office
- With the help of a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or another accredited representative
When filing, you provide evidence of your condition. Make sure you note that you’re applying for a presumed Camp Lejeune illness to complete the claim.
What Kidney Cancers Are Associated with Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
According to medical professionals, any cancer originating in your kidneys qualifies as kidney cancer. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) classifies the following cancers as possible kidney cancers:
- Lymphoma
- Renal cell carcinoma
- Sarcoma
- Urothelial carcinoma
- Wilms tumor
Renal cell carcinoma represents the most common kind of kidney cancer. However, a diagnosis with any of these forms of cancer from Camp Lejeune contaminated water could allow you to secure compensation for your losses.
Can Contaminated Water Cause Kidney Problems?
Medical professionals know that mutated cells cause cancers, including kidney cancer. Smoking, kidney failure treatments, and specific inherited syndromes can all contribute to the development of kidney cancer.
Studies have shown that veterans from Camp Lejeune who were exposed to contaminated water may have a higher risk of developing kidney cancer. The dangerous contaminants in the water at Camp Lejeune included trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE)
Scientists found these chemicals in concentrations thousands of times above the safe level determined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at Camp Lejeune. As a result, around a million people experienced exposure to these cancer-causing chemicals.
Do You Have Other Options to Seek Compensation for Kidney Cancer?
You can seek VA benefits if you have kidney cancer from Camp Lejeune water contamination. However, recent legal developments have opened additional avenues for you to seek compensation for your losses.
Previously, North Carolina’s harsh statute of repose prevented individuals from filing lawsuits after they developed health issues from water contamination. Fortunately, the newly passed Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act changes things for veterans.
The PACT Act that was signed into law by President Biden includes the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA). This act allows you to file tort claims for your medical losses and other damages, opening other avenues to secure compensation.
What Compensation Can You Secure for Kidney Cancer from Water Contamination?
The compensation you receive for kidney cancer caused by water contamination at Camp Lejeune varies based on the method you use to seek compensation. A Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyer can help you decide how to proceed with your case.
In many cases, veterans in your situation have a chance to secure funds to cover their medical expenses, which can include:
- Medical testing and assessments
- Surgeries and cancer treatments
- Medications
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
You may receive funds to cover your pain, suffering, and even your diminished earning potential. Your lawyer can assess the losses you sustained to help you build your lawsuit or handle a VA claim.
What Is the Average Compensation for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
The FACT Act (and CLJA) was only passed through the legal system in August of 2022. Therefore, there have not been many kidney cancer lawsuits completed yet, making it difficult to provide an estimate for the compensation you could receive.
However, a Camp Lejeune kidney cancer lawyer could help you estimate possible compensation for your case based on your losses.
Lawyers frequently take on these claims on a contingency basis, meaning you do not have to pay legal fees until they resolve your case. This pricing strategy helps you secure the legal help you want without undue financial pressure.
Speak to Us About a Claim for Cancer Caused by Water Contamination
Are you dealing with kidney cancer from Camp Lejeune water contamination? If you lived or served in Camp Lejeune and later developed cancer, you may have a chance to seek compensation under the PACT Act or from VA benefits.
Find out more about your options in Michigan with our team at White Law. We’ll answer your questions and review your situation when you call us or complete our online contact form.