Recent legal changes allow Marines, veterans, their families, and other civilians to file a lawsuit if they develop severe medical conditions due to exposure to dangerous chemicals at Camp Lejeune.
What is the timeline for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit in this situation? These lawsuits may take several months to several years to resolve, involving multiple legal steps.
You can walk through each potential step with our team at the Fitch Law Firm. We’re ready to discuss Camp Lejeune compensation when you call or complete our online contact form.
How Long will Camp Lejeune Lawsuits Take?
Individuals impacted by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune only recently received the chance to file lawsuits. Previously, veterans and their families had to rely on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to secure benefits for their medical costs.
However, the passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) overrides the laws in North Carolina that prevented lawsuits. Therefore, many people have taken the opportunity to file a claim for compensation.
The recency of the CLJA means that these cases are only getting started in the legal system. However, legal professionals believe they may resolve this in a few months or several years.
What Timeline do Camp Lejeune Lawsuits Follow?
The timeline for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit may vary considerably as these claims move through the court system. However, many legal cases follow the same basic outline and timeline. Therefore, you can expect your lawsuit to involve the following:
Pleadings
At the beginning of your Camp Lejeune lawsuit, your lawyer can file a legal complaint on your behalf. This complaint formally describes the harm you sustained and why you have filed the lawsuit to seek compensation.
The defendant can answer your complaint, potentially entering a counter-claim. This stage of the lawsuit may go back and forth several times.
Discovery
After pleadings, a Camp Lejeune lawsuit may move on to the discovery phase. During this part of the case, both parties gather information to build their claims. In many cases, discovery takes the longest amount of time during a lawsuit.
Your lawyer may gather information to show that you developed a medical condition due to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during this time. Documentation for your claim may include the following:
- Your service records to show you worked or lived at Camp Lejeune
- Housing records or utility bills to confirm your residence in the area
- Medical records showing you have a condition associated with contaminated water
Your Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyer can use these records to build your claim and may also work with expert witnesses.
Trial
After both sides of the case finish their discovery period, your Camp Lejeune lawsuit can move to trial. During the trial, your lawyer presents your case before a judge and jury.
The trial portion of a lawsuit can vary significantly in length, depending on the evidence your lawyer has to present and other factors. Sometimes, lawsuits end during the trial if the other party decides to settle.
In other cases, the trial ends when the jury deliberates and comes to a decision about your case.
Post-Verdict and Appeal
After the conclusion of your lawsuit, your case may continue in some instances. The other party may appeal the verdict, for example. Fortunately, your lawyer can stand up for you throughout the entirety of your legal case.
How Long do You Have to File a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?
Part of the timeline for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit involves filing your claim before the statute of limitations expires. If you wait too long, you no longer have a chance to seek legal compensation in court.
Under the CLJA, individuals have two years from when the President signed the act into law to move forward with their case. Therefore, you have until August 10, 2024, to start your legal claim.
Allow a team member to begin working on your Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit today.
What Is the Average Payout for a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?
Due to the recency of the laws allowing individuals to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit, we are still gathering data on the average payouts. However, legal professionals believe their clients may receive sufficient funds to cover their:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Pain and suffering
We can discuss the possible compensation for your case while going over the timeline for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit when you reach out to us for assistance in Ohio.
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How do Lawyers Help Throughout Your Camp Lejeune Case?
A Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyer in Ohio can help keep your case on track, supporting you through each step of the timeline. Your lawyer can take steps to:
- Investigate the losses you sustained
- Show that your illness came from the contaminated water
- Handle legal communication on your behalf
- Answer any questions you have about your lawsuit
- Take steps to settle the claim or represent you in court
We understand the legal complexities of filing a lawsuit in another state and provide professional care to our clients in Ohio. If you served or lived in Camp Lejeune, we’re ready to review the newly opened legal avenues at your disposal.
Speak to Us about the Timeline for a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit
What is the timeline for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit? The time frame for these claims may vary as they get underway in North Carolina. Our team at the Fitch Law Firm can provide you with information about what to expect from these legal challenges.
Review your eligibility to file a lawsuit by calling us or completing our online contact form. You can also learn more about us today.