Taking legal action to seek compensation and justice for the effects caused by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune can seem daunting and overwhelming. Many individuals may feel apprehensive about the perceived complexity and lengthiness of the legal process involved.
In this blog post we aim to provide an overview of how mass tort litigation works, so that you will gain basic understanding on how mass torts and the legal process works. That way we are sure that you will be equipped and ready to take on the responsible parties, and ensure accountability and justice for yourself and your family.
Finding Representation
One of the first steps in your legal venture, is to find professional representation to help you navigate the process from start to finish. At Shamis & Gentile P.A., we are experienced with mass torts in particular, and have extensive knowledge of the ins and outs of what is required in order to litigate successfully.
During our initial conversation, we will discover whether you or your loved ones are eligible for compensation, which revolves around whether or not you or your loved ones were living at Camp Lejeune, or otherwise were in contact witch the contaminated water. In particular during the years around 1950’s to 1980’s.
After that we will then explain how mass torts work in general, and guide you along the steps of what paperwork needs to be filled out in order to filing a claim against the responsible parties. During this process we will be helping you in order to ensure all information is included and correct, as this step establishes the foundation for seeking compensation and finding justice.
Beginning the Case
The next steps involve gathering evidence and supporting documentation to help cement your claims as facts, and build a strong case founded on correct information and details.
For this step you can be asked to collect and share your medical records, including diagnoses, treatment history, and related expenses, so that we can demonstrate the link between the contaminated water and their health issues.
Depending on your specific case and situation, it might also be beneficial to include other supporting documents, such as witness statements, environmental reports, and internal company documents, as these can strengthen the case even further.
Building the Case
Once the initial documentation and records have been gathered, our professional team of lawyers will go over everything, often bringing on expert witnesses and researching scientific studies to further cement the case.
By obtaining statements from medical professionals, toxicologists, and environmental scientists, it becomes possible to provide a full picture of the connection between the contaminated water and the health issues suffered by victims.
Negotiations and Settlements
By now we will have built a strong case, formed a comprehensive legal strategy, and prepared most of the paperwork necessary, in order to take the case to trial. However, sometimes it is possible to negotiate with the defendants at this point, in order to reach a settlement outside of court.
This can be beneficial for our clients, as it can be achieved in a shorter timeframe, while still reaching justice and resulting in fair compensation for the victims involved. During these negotiations, our professionals will advocate on behalf of you and other victims, seeking to get the best deal possible.
Trial Proceedings and Resolution
Sometimes it is not possible to negotiate at settlement outside of court, meaning that the case will then proceed to trial. Here, our legal team will present all the evidence, call our expert witnesses, and in general argue the case on behalf of the victims.
After going through the motions, the court will then consider all relevant information and make a judgment. The resolution may involve a favorable verdict for the victims, leading to compensation for damages suffered, or further legal actions may be pursued, depending on the outcome.
If you wish to seek justice and compensation for the Camp Lejeune incident, please contact Shamis & Gentile, P.A. today for a free case evaluation.
