Health issues caused by water contamination can be a complex and challenging process, but with the right knowledge and approach, it’s possible to win your lawsuit. This article will explore six expert insider tips to help you build a solid case and increase your chances of success.
Whether dealing with physical illnesses or mental trauma and suffering, these tips will guide you through getting the compensation you deserve. If you’re ready to take action, read on and discover the key strategies for winning your health issues lawsuit from water contamination.
Table of Contents
1. Pick the Right Lawyer
When choosing a lawyer, you want someone with experience and expertise in this specific area of law and a strong track record of success in similar cases.
Camp Lejeune can be a good example to consider for hiring a lawyer. A lawyer with experience or who know the details of the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit can get your case’s desired outcome. The lawsuit is about the individuals impacted by contaminated drinking water at the U.S. Marine Corps base in North Carolina seeking compensation for their resulting health problems.
In this case, it was essential for the plaintiffs to work with a lawyer who deeply understood the issues related to toxic exposure and water contamination. In response to the case, the government was compelled to compensate persons harmed by the VOC poisoning. Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs for short, are dangerous substances that lead to cancer and other disorders of a similar kind in Camp Lejeune.
To come to a conclusion for cancer cases in Camp Lejeune, ATSDR conducted a study of 71 cases of male breast cancer and 373 other cancer cases to identify the root cause and the controls. Suppose the lawyer can associate your case being linked to such findings and justify that your cancer is due to exposure to polluted water from the area. In that case, there are high chances of getting compensated better.
Remember, cancer treatment requires huge amounts of medical fees and other expenditures and can be covered with the help of this lawsuit.
It’s also essential to consider the lawyer’s reputation and credentials. You want to work with a lawyer who is well-respected in the legal community and has the skills and knowledge necessary to represent your interests effectively.
2. Understand Who You Are Suing
Sometimes, it may be a government agency, a corporation, or a private individual responsible for the contamination. Therefore, it’s vital to carefully research and evaluate the facts of your case to determine who may be liable.
For years, plaintiffs’ attorneys have filed lawsuits alleging that the so-called “forever chemicals,” also known as PFAS, have caused environmental and health harm. In that case, you want to research thoroughly to make it legit and actionable to present.
According to BloombergLaw, between July 2005 and March 2022, about 6,400 PFAS-related claims were filed in federal courts. This number shows that it’s a potential issue that cannot be left aside and requires immense preparation when filing such cases.
Working with a lawyer throughout this process can be beneficial since they have the knowledge and expertise to assist you in comprehending the legal theories and causes of action that can be relevant to your case. Additionally, they may help you find possible defendants and choose the best line of action.
3. Consider Trial vs. Settlement
It’s essential to consider your options for resolution, including trial and settlement. While a trial can provide a more comprehensive resolution and may result in a higher award, it can also be time-consuming, expensive, and uncertain. On the other hand, a settlement may be faster, less expensive, and provide a more predictable outcome. However, settlements often result in a lower award than a trial would.
When deciding between a trial and a settlement, it’s vital to consider your goals, the strengths and weaknesses of your case, the financial costs and benefits, and your level of risk tolerance.
Your lawyer can help you evaluate these factors and make a recommendation on the best course of action. In some cases, a combination of both may be the best approach, with an initial settlement offer being made and the option to go to trial if the offer is not acceptable.
4. Know What You’re Suing For
It’s essential to have a clear understanding of the compensation you are seeking. It can include a range of damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and even compensation for emotional distress.
It’s also important to understand that different types of damages have different legal requirements and standards of proof. For example, you’ll need to provide clear and compelling evidence of the costs you have incurred to recover medical expenses. Similarly, to recover damages for pain and suffering, you’ll need to demonstrate the impact of water contamination on your quality of life.
Working with your lawyer, it’s essential to identify the full range of damages you seek and develop a strategy for proving your claims. You’ll be better prepared to make a compelling case and improve your chances of victory if you know what you’re suing for.
5. Find a Medical Expert
KFF states that as of January, there are around 1,078,681 professionally active physicians in the United States, with 576,464 physicians being experts in the medical field. A medical expert can provide valuable insight into the health effects of water contamination and help establish a causal link between the contamination and your health issues.
When selecting a medical expert, it’s crucial to consider their qualifications and experience. They should have a thorough understanding of the medical conditions related to water contamination and a proven track record of providing expert testimony in similar cases.
Along with their medical knowledge, it’s crucial to consider their reputation and trustworthiness. Working with a medical specialist who is well-known in their profession and able to convey the intricate medical difficulties involved in your situation is something you want to make sure you do.
Your lawyer can assist you in identifying and selecting a qualified medical expert and ensure that the expert’s testimony is properly prepared and presented.
6. Collect Medical Records, Documents, and Other Materials
These materials provide evidence of your health issues and their relationship to water contamination.
Medical records are particularly important, as they provide a detailed record of your health history and treatment, including any diagnoses, medications, and treatments you have received. Therefore, gathering your medical records from your healthcare providers, including hospitals, doctors, and specialists, is crucial.
Other documents, such as lab results and environmental reports, can also provide valuable evidence supporting your case. These documents should be obtained from the appropriate government agencies and private organizations and any other sources that may have relevant information.
Thorough Planning and Tactical Execution Are Required for Success in a Health Issues Lawsuit
Winning a health issues lawsuit from water contamination requires thorough preparation and strategic execution. However, considering these six unique tips, you may enhance your chances of winning and receiving the settlement you are due for the harm you have endured.
Remember to choose the right lawyer, understand who you are suing, consider trial vs. settlement, and know what you’re suing for. Also, find a medical expert, and collect medical records, documents, and other materials. By taking these steps, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the legal process and achieve the best possible outcome.
