Question 1

Can you tell me how long it will take before I get my compensation?

Accepted Answer

Every asbestos case is unique and there are numerous factors that might influence the waiting time. Depending on the situation, asbestos claims will result in financial compensation within one month to one year. See more

Question 2

Are baby food companies responsible for the contamination of their products?

Accepted Answer

While baby food companies are not directly responsible for the presence of heavy metals in their products, they can be held liable for having failed to test the food for neurotoxins. See more

Question 3

Are disability benefits available for Parkinson's disease caused by paraquat exposure?

Accepted Answer

Yes. According to the Social Security Administration's Blue Book, the list of health conditions that can qualify someone for disability benefits, Parkinson's disease is considered a disability. Therefore, people who developed it as a result of paraquat exposure can obtain disability compensation. See more

Question 4

Are the health effects of heavy metals in baby food reversible?

Accepted Answer

In some cases, the neurotoxicity caused by exposure to heavy metals is reversible. However, in severe cases, the health consequences are not reversible. See more

Question 5

Are there any regulations concerning exposure to AFFF?

Accepted Answer

The widespread public exposure to dangerous levels of PFAS chemicals has prompted the EPA’s release of a PFAS “Action Plan” in February 2019. The plan focused almost exclusively on perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) the main precursors in AFFF. See more

Question 6

Are there any regulations concerning PFAS?

Accepted Answer

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has the authority to regulate PFAS through the Toxic Substances Control Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, and other regulatory authorities. See more

Question 7

Are trust transparency laws beneficial for asbestos plaintiffs?

Accepted Answer

Trust transparency laws have been enforced by some U.S. states to protect the legal system from fraud and abuse. Some argue that these laws make the process of recovering compensation more difficult for asbestos victims. See more

Question 8

Asbestos exposure: who is responsible?

Accepted Answer

Since asbestos exposure occurred in the workplace, you may think that it is the employer who will be held accountable for the victims' terrible diseases. In reality, the issue of liability is much more complex. See more

Question 9

Can a smoker with lung disease receive compensation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Smokers who struggle with lung cancer as a consequence of asbestos exposure are still eligible for compensation, as the asbestos fibers in their lungs are often the primary cause of their disease. See more

Question 10

Can cities with water utilities participate in the PFAS lawsuit settlement?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Any water utility in which PFAS lurk can join our PFAS Settlement Payout Program to benefit from water testing, remediation, and treatment. While the NRWA mostly represents small and rural communities, it is also involved with larger communities. See more

Question 11

Can firefighters access VA disability due to AFFF exposure?

Accepted Answer

Disability compensation for exposure to AFFF is available only for firefighters who served in the military. However, civilian firefighters can also recover compensation by filing a lawsuit against the company which manufactured the product. See more

Question 12

Can I apply for asbestos compensation as a former industrial worker?

Accepted Answer

Because asbestos was highly prevalent in numerous industries during the last century, former industrial workers who developed cancer as a result of asbestos exposure are eligible for compensation. See more

Question 13

Can I file a 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund claim by myself?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can file a Victim Compensation Fund claim on your own, but the process is very complex, which is why we encourage you to contact a toxic exposure attorney with relevant experience in these cases. They are the only professionals who can help you efficiently file your claim and obtain the maximum compensation you are entitled to. See more

Question 14

Can I file a Camp Lejeune claim even if I am not injured?

Accepted Answer

No. Even if you spent time at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 when the drinking water was contaminated, if you do not have a diagnosis that is related to toxic exposure, you are not eligible to file a claim, as you have not been injured by drinking contaminated water. Only people with certain diagnoses can seek compensation. See more

Question 15

Can I file a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim if I wasn't on the military base for 30 consecutive days?

Accepted Answer

No. One of the eligibility criteria for people who lived at Camp Lejeune when the drinking water was contaminated refers to the time they spent at the military base, which must be at least 30 consecutive days or longer. This is because short-term exposure to toxic chemicals does not have a strong association with the diseases people can develop as a result of drinking contaminated water. See more

Question 16

Can I file a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim in any state?

Accepted Answer

No. The district court for the Eastern District of North Carolina has exclusive jurisdiction over all Camp Lejeune water contamination claims and will be the exclusive venue for litigation. If you want to file a claim, though, you do not have to worry about traveling, as your attorney will take care of filing your claim in North Carolina on your behalf. See more

Question 17

Can I file a claim for cancer if I smoked cigarettes or chewed tobacco?

Accepted Answer

If you are or were a smoker and developed a disease as a result of drinking contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you might still be eligible to file a claim and obtain financial compensation. As long as a medical expert can prove that your cancer is the result of toxic exposure and not smoking or chewing tobacco, you might qualify to file a Camp Lejeune claim. See more

Question 18

Can I file a claim if I developed cancer after living at Camp Lejeune but also have a family history of cancer?

Accepted Answer

No. People who spent time at Camp Lejeune while the drinking water was contaminated and came to struggle with cancer but also have a family history of cancer are not eligible to file a claim. This is because medical experts will be unable to determine whether their disease is the result of toxic exposure or genetic predisposition. See more

Question 19

Can I file a claim only if my child was diagnosed with autism?

Accepted Answer

Yes. This is one of the requirements that, if you meet, you become eligible to file a toxic baby food claim with the companies from which you bought the products. See more

Question 20

Can I file a claim under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act if I already receive VA disability compensation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Veteran Marines whose health was compromised due to drinking toxic water at Camp Lejeune can receive compensation both from the government and from the VA. Receiving disability benefits does not exempt you from filing a claim under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. See more

Question 21

Can I file a PFAS water contamination claim online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If the drinking water source of your community is contaminated with PFAS, you might be eligible to file a water system contamination claim online. Our diligent attorneys will take care of the legal process remotely so that you can obtain the compensation you need for water treatment. See more

Question 22

Can I get my Victim Compensation Fund claim status accelerated?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In cases involving terminal illnesses or imminent financial hardship, you can request that the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund expedite the processing of your claim or amendment. See more

Question 23

Can multiple jobs be responsible for asbestos exposure?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Oftentimes, former industrial workers were exposed to asbestos by more than one employer and, thereby, they have the legal right to seek compensation for all of them. See more

Question 24

Can surviving family members recover compensation on behalf of an AFFF exposure victim?

Accepted Answer

A wrongful death lawsuit can be filed with the help of a specialized attorney by the surviving family members of a victim of AFFF exposure. See more

Question 25

Can those living near military bases also recover compensation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you and your community have been exposed to PFAS and other toxic chemicals due to living close to a contaminated military base and struggle with qualifying diseases, we might be able to help you file a class action lawsuit, which can eventually result in financial compensation. See more

Question 26

Can those near military bases also recover AFFF compensation?

Accepted Answer

If you were exposed to AFFF by living in close proximity to a military base, which used the product, you do not qualify for compensation, as only firefighters and military personnel can take legal action. See more

Question 27

Can you sue for Camp Lejeune water contamination?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can file a lawsuit under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act if you spent at least 30 consecutive days at the military base between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and developed a disease caused by drinking toxic water. Under the law, everyone who lived at Camp Lejeune during that time and was injured by toxic water is entitled to compensation. See more

Question 28

Do hair relaxer manufacturers use false advertising practices?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Like many other companies whose goal is to sell as many products as possible and to gain the trust and loyalty of consumers, hair relaxer manufacturers often use false advertising practices to attract potential buyers. Some good examples of false advertising are misleading advertisements and discriminatory advertising. See more

Question 29

Do I need an attorney to file a toxic exposure claim?

Accepted Answer

While you can file a toxic exposure claim on your own, you will most likely have it denied, as the process of gathering all the necessary information and documents is complex and tedious. Only a very experienced attorney can help you file a toxic exposure claim, as they have the resources and knowledge to navigate the process. See more

Question 30

Do I need to join a class-action lawsuit if I want compensation for paraquat exposure?

Accepted Answer

No, you do not need to join a class-action lawsuit if you want to recover compensation for Parkinson's disease that occurred due to paraquat exposure. However, if this is the situation of one of your family members, you are eligible for filing a claim for compensation on their behalf. See more

Question 31

Does Camp Lejeune claim/lawsuit affect VA disability?

Accepted Answer

No. Recovering financial compensation by filing a lawsuit under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act does not prevent veterans from obtaining VA disability compensation. As long as they struggle with a crippling illness, veterans can get compensation both from the government and the VA. See more

Question 32

For how long do you have to be exposed to AFFF to develop cancer?

Accepted Answer

Although the PFOS and PFOA in AFFF can be harmful to the human body in any amount, exposure needs to occur for several years for a person to develop cancer. See more

Question 33

For what cancers can I access compensation from the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund?

Accepted Answer

Exposure to the toxic chemicals and materials released in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks can result in dozens of cancers, and you can obtain compensation for most of these diseases. Some of the cancers for which you can access compensation from the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund are breast cancer, leukemia, and kidney cancer. See more

Question 34

For what diseases can I file a paraquat claim?

Accepted Answer

While paraquat poisoning can lead to numerous serious health problems, such as heart failure and kidney failure, paraquat exposure has a strong causal relation with Parkinson’s disease. Thereby, only people who have this diagnosis can file a paraquat claim. See more

Question 35

Has any hair relaxer been recalled?

Accepted Answer

No. Although the news regarding the health risks of using chemical hair relaxers is nationwide, with numerous manufacturers named as defendants in lawsuits, no product has yet been taken off the market. Neither the U.S. Food and Drug Administration nor any of the hair relaxer companies took the initiative to recall these products. See more

Question 36

Has any toxic baby food been recalled?

Accepted Answer

Yes. So far, two companies that manufacture baby food have issued voluntary recalls on various lines of products. The companies are Maple Island Inc. and Beech-Nut Nutrition Company. See more

Question 37

How are paraquat and other pesticides regulated in the U.S.?

Accepted Answer

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act is the statute governing the registration, distribution, sale, and use of pesticides in the U.S. It also requires pesticides sold or distributed in the country to be registered by the Environmental Protection Agency. See more

Question 38

How can AFFF exposure affect my health?

Accepted Answer

Exposure to PFOS and PFOA, the toxic chemicals in AFFF, can lead to the development of multiple serious diseases over the years, including kidney cancer and bladder cancer. See more

Question 39

How can I register for the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund?

Accepted Answer

It is important to know that registering for the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund is not the same as filing a claim. Registering means that you are a potential claimant but does not imply any obligation to file a claim. You can register for the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund online or by calling the VCF Helpline. See more

Question 40

How can you remove PFAS from drinking water?

Accepted Answer

A reverse osmosis water filter is one of the most effective tools for removing PFAS from drinking water. Moreover, filters containing activated carbon are also efficient in removing these chemicals from water. Dual-stage filters - activated carbon and reverse osmosis - are also a good option. See more

Question 41

How do asbestos trust funds work?

Accepted Answer

In order to receive compensation, you need to file a claim with the asbestos trust fund set up by the company responsible for your injury. A lawyer will speed up the process significantly. See more

Question 42

How do heavy metals cause autism spectrum disorders?

Accepted Answer

Because they are neurotoxins, heavy metals reach the brain, where they gradually cause damage to certain regions that control various functions. Children are extremely vulnerable to the negative health effects of heavy metals because they are still developing. See more

Question 43

How do I check the status of my Victim Compensation Fund application?

Accepted Answer

If you have questions about the status of your claim, you can call the Victim Compensation Fund toll-free Helpline at 1-855-885-1555 or log onto the online system and check your claim status. There, you will find the information you are looking for regarding the status of your claim. See more

Question 44

How do I file for VA benefits after getting sick on a contaminated military base?

Accepted Answer

Our attorneys can also help you file a claim for VA disability compensation if you were stationed on a military base with known toxic environmental contamination. If you are deemed 100% disabled, you can obtain approximately $3,106 in monthly installments. See more

Question 45

How do I know if I qualify to claim asbestos compensation?

Accepted Answer

The asbestos victims who are planning to file an asbestos trust fund claim must be able to provide the circumstances of their medical claim and connect their symptoms to an asbestos product. See more

Question 46

How do I obtain compensation for a disease caused by military toxic exposure?

Accepted Answer

If you were stationed at a military base with known toxic contamination and developed a qualifying disease, you can file a claim with the help of our experienced attorneys, which might eventually result in financial compensation. See more

Question 47

How do I prove I lived at Camp Lejeune?

Accepted Answer

If you want to file a claim, either as a veteran or a family member of one, you must provide evidence of your stay at Camp Lejeune. To prove that you lived at the military base, you will have to send your attorney leasing agreements or any documents listing your home address as being on Camp Lejeune. This applies both to veterans and family members. See more

Question 48

How do I retrieve my military and medical records to file a Camp Lejeune claim?

Accepted Answer

To file a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim as a veteran, you must retrieve your military and medical records by yourself and send these documents to our attorneys. They will be extremely useful in deciding whether you are eligible to file a claim, and if you are, they will also represent a starting point in building your claim. Retrieving these documents is quite easy. See more

Question 49

How do the last days of a mesothelioma patient feel like?

Accepted Answer

Every person will experience different emotions before death, depending on factors such as their age, how much distress mesothelioma has been causing them, and their spiritual beliefs. See more

Question 50

How do they test for paraquat in blood?

Accepted Answer

There are several methods of testing for paraquat in blood, including ultraviolet spectrophotometry, chromatography, and capillary electrophoresis. The most important step in determining whether someone has paraquat in their blood is extracting the herbicide from the samples. See more

Question 51

How does a lung related diagnosis help my asbestos trust fund claim?

Accepted Answer

Struggling with lung cancer or mesothelioma, the only lung diseases that make you eligible to file a claim, will nearly always make you entitled to financial compensation from asbestos trust funds. See more

Question 52

How does industrial waste get into water systems, and what are its effects?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes, industrial facilities discharge untreated water into nearby public waters, thereby polluting the drinking water of residents in the surrounding area. Contaminated water is associated with the transmission of diseases such as cholera, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid, and polio. However, if the industrial water contains PFAS, those exposed might even develop cancer. See more

Question 53

How does the Camp Lejeune Justice Act differ for those who resided at the military base?

Accepted Answer

By virtue of the bill known as the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which passed in June 2022, not only Marines who were stationed at the military base can take legal action, but their family members who resided there can file a claim to receive compensation, too. The final step to turn the Camp Lejeune Justice Act into federal law is President Joe Biden signing it into law. See more

Question 54

How is the compensation from the Victim Compensation Fund calculated?

Accepted Answer

The compensation amount a 9/11 victim can receive is based on the formula "economic loss + non-economic loss – collateral offset = compensation payout." While the average payout for victims is $250,000, the sum of money can be greater depending on the severity of their injuries. See more

Question 55

How long does it take for heavy metals in baby food to cause autism?

Accepted Answer

According to medical studies, exposure to lead, one of the most dangerous heavy metals, causes distressing symptoms in children between the ages of 1 and 3. Therefore, it takes at least one year for heavy metals to wreak havoc on the neurodevelopment of a child. See more

Question 56

How long does it take for my Victim Compensation Fund claim to be reviewed?

Accepted Answer

Because each 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund claim is unique and there are many variables that can impact the review time, such as the need to contact third parties to collect or confirm information, there is no set timeframe for review. If you are working with a toxic exposure attorney, they can keep you up to date with the status of your claim. See more

Question 57

How long does it take to get sick from drinking contaminated water?

Accepted Answer

Because everybody reacts differently to toxic exposure, it is impossible to know how long it takes for someone who spent time at Camp Lejeune during the last century to develop a disease. There are many key factors that play a role, such as predisposition to certain diseases and overall health. Still, people who spent one month or longer at the military base have a high risk of coming to struggle with a disease. See more

Question 58

How long does the legal process take in a case of AFFF exposure?

Accepted Answer

Because toxic exposure cases are complex and demanding, often involving multiple plaintiffs and defendants, the waiting time is difficult to impossible to predict, but it usually takes several years to reach a resolution. See more

Question 59

How long does the legal process take in a case of toxic exposure?

Accepted Answer

In a case of military base toxic exposure, the legal process can take several months to several years, as these cases are complex and numerous. Nevertheless, our attorneys will do all in their power to speed up the legal process, especially if you struggle with a life-threatening disease such as cancer. See more

Question 60

How long will Camp Lejeune lawsuit take to settle?

Accepted Answer

Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits are expected to take between one and two years to settle, so veterans, family members, and civilians who struggle with a disease should take legal action as soon as possible to be able to obtain the money they deserve. The money secured from a settlement can be used to pay for medical expenses and other costs. See more

Question 61

How long will I have to wait to receive compensation from a toxic baby food claim?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, we cannot tell you with certainty how long you will have to wait until you receive the financial compensation you are seeking, as each case is unique, and there are numerous factors that come into play upon filing a toxic baby food claim. See more

Question 62

How many Camp Lejeune lawsuits have been filed?

Accepted Answer

As of June 2023, up to 60,000 claims have been filed by veterans, family members, and civilians under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. Individuals who pursue a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit will receive lucrative settlements that could be well over $1 million in some cases. See more

Question 63

How many firefighters get cancer due to AFFF?

Accepted Answer

There are over 1.1 million volunteer and career firefighters throughout the country, out of which approximately 20% develop cancer as a result of AFFF exposure. See more

Question 64

How many people are affected by PFAS-contaminated drinking water?

Accepted Answer

Millions of Americans currently drink water contaminated with PFAS, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Up to 45% of drinking water sources nationwide contain at least one of these harmful chemicals, a recent study found. See more

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