Most people need to know the many benefits they can get if they win a Camp Lejeune lawsuit. These benefits include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
To get the maximum settlement amount, you will need to take specific steps beforehand to ensure that your case is handled correctly by an experienced lawyer at all times. The following tips will help you win your case.
See a Doctor Right Away
It’s essential to see a doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor can advise you on how to proceed, help document your injuries and get copies of your medical records. If you have suffered from any health problems associated with Camp Lejeune water contamination, you should see a doctor regularly.
According to Zippia, more than 55,501 doctors are currently operating in the US. It should be easy to find an expert for your Camp Lejeune-related illness. Find the one nearest to you with the most experience to get started on a treatment immediately.
Report the Illness Immediately
The most crucial step to take when filing a claim is to report your illness immediately. You have three years from the date of discovery when you first become aware that you have been exposed to harmful chemicals. Although there may be exceptions, it is best to report the illness as soon as possible so that the VA can start investigating your case and ensure you are eligible for benefits.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2021, a section of the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, was passed by the American government in June 2022.
The Honoring Our PACT Act addresses veterans who were exposed to dangerous compounds while serving. After years of being denied justice, people exposed can now seek compensation by submitting a Camp Lejeune lawsuit due to this new statute.
Document Everything You Do
The best way to ensure you get the maximum settlement amount for your Camp Lejeune lawsuit is to document everything that happens. You need to keep a detailed diary of your symptoms and a log of every appointment you attend with your doctor or any other medical professional.
Also, ensure that any communication between yourself, your attorney, family members, or friends related to these lawsuits is included in this documentation process. There may come a time when someone wants proof that they were helping out along the way.
Get Copies of All Your Medical Records
You must get copies of all your medical records. You want to be stuck with them when it comes time to file a claim or at trial. Your attorney can help you obtain these records, but even if you have no lawyer, it’s crucial to get the ball rolling on obtaining your medical records right away to avoid losing out on any potential settlement money down the line.
Getting copies of all your medical records is crucial because they can be used as evidence against the government in court. Medical experts can use these documents to prove that people stationed at Camp Lejeune have been sick because of their exposure to toxic chemicals like trichloroethylene (TCE). It is also possible for an expert witness to use them as proof of how long someone has been sick and what kind of illness they have suffered from as a result of their exposure.
Keep Track of Lost Wages and Expenses Related to the Injury
You must also keep track of these if you have lost wages or expenses related to your Camp Lejeune illness. Lost wages are money a person does not make because of the injury. Expenses include things like medical care and travel costs. If you are still determining if you have lost wages or expenses, talk with an attorney about how to get a record of those amounts before sending a claim for damages to the government.
Once you have gone through all three steps mentioned above, it’s time to send your claim for damages in. The best way to ensure that all information is accurate is by using legal services from professionals who know how this process works and can help guide you through each step until you receive all compensation you deserve.
Speak With a Legal Expert
You will be relying on your attorney to help you navigate the process of filing a lawsuit, so it is essential to find an attorney who is experienced in handling Camp Lejeune’s toxic exposure cases. According to IBISWorld, there are 62,881 personal injury lawyers in the US in 2023, an increase of 4.1% from 2022.
Look for attorneys with extensive experience in toxic exposure cases, preferably those who have handled similar cases at Camp Lejeune. An experienced attorney can tell you what types of evidence can help your case and provide advice on gathering this evidence.
Look for attorneys who have high ratings and positive feedback from previous clients as well as other members of the legal community. The best way to learn about an attorney’s reputation is through word-of-mouth and online reviews from past clients and other lawyers or judges who have worked with that person.
An attorney should also explain fees upfront, so there are no surprises after hiring them. Also, make sure that billing rates are fair as some lawyers charge by the hour while others charge by the project or retainer fee, so there aren’t any surprise expenses, at least until settlement discussions begin.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned all there is to know about how to get the maximum settlement amount from your Camp Lejeune lawsuit, it’s time to put those tips into practice. Start by contacting a lawyer who has experience with these types of cases. Then, follow their advice and go through the process with them.