Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
Lawsuits are being filed for those who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 who were potentially exposed to contaminated water.
Camp Lejeune Lawsuits
From 1953 through 1987, over one million people may have been exposed to toxic substances in the water at the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina and the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River near Camp Lejeune. Those who may have been exposed to contaminated water include veterans, family members, civil service employees, and others who visited the base.
Contaminants such as PCE (perchloroethylene), TCE (trichloroethylene), benzene, and vinyl chloride were found by the federal government to exceed the EPA’s maximum contamination levels by hundreds of times.
Ingesting these chemicals can cause severe health concerns, and healthcare expenses can be costly. If you or a loved one were affected by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Contact an attorney today to learn more.
Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Facts
Injuries & Diseases
- Bladder Cancer
- Birth Defects
- Kidney Cancer
- Kidney Disease
- Leukemia
- Liver Cancer
- Multiple Myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Systemic Sclerosis
Defendants
- United States Federal Government
Status
- Camp Lejeune Justice Act has been passed
- Lawyers are accepting cases
Camp Lejeune Timeline
1942 – Camp Lejeune was founded, becoming a temporary or permanent home for thousands of military service members and their families, and a home or workplace for thousands more civil service employees and contractors.
1985 – Two of the eight water treatment facilities in Camp Lejeune’s own public water system were shut down after environmental testing found hazardous chemicals in the water. Although the contaminated wells were shut down, there was not much action in terms of health care or concern for those affected.
2008 – President George W. Bush signed a bill requiring the US Navy to further investigate the injuries and deaths that resulted from contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
2012 – President Obama signed a bill that promised healthcare benefits to victims and their families provided by the VA.
2016 – Roughly 800 lawsuits were filed against the federal government by those affected by toxic Camp Lejeune water. All cases were dismissed.
2021 – The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was introduced to the House of Representatives.
2022 – The bill was officially passed through Congress on August 2 and was signed into law by President Biden eight days later on August 10. A month later, over 5,000 claims had already been filed.
August 2024 – The statute of limitations on Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits will end.
With the two-year statute of limitations in place, there’s no time to wait. If you or a loved one were a victim of the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River, get in touch with our team today and get started on your free case review.
Were You or a Loved One Exposed to Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune?
If you lived or worked at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 and developed a severe illness, you may be entitled to compensation. Get in touch with an attorney today to tell them your story and find out if you have a case.
Illnesses Linked to Contaminated Water Exposure
Ingesting water contaminated by dangerous chemicals like PCE (perchloroethylene), TCE (trichloroethylene), benzene, and vinyl chloride, can lead to serious health complications and certain forms of cancer.
These illnesses include but are not limited to:
- Bladder Cancer
- Birth Defects
- Kidney Cancer
- Kidney Disease
- Leukemia
- Liver Cancer
- Multiple Myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Systemic Sclerosis
If you’ve suffered from a serious illness or cancer like those listed here after exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you should talk to a lawyer to find out if you have a case.
For more information on the health effects of toxic chemicals found in Camp Lejeune water, see the health studies done by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).
Who Is Eligible to File a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?
Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, anyone exposed to contaminated Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River water will be eligible to file a lawsuit and fight for compensation, as long as
- They lived or worked at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987,
- They did not receive a dishonorable discharge when separating from the military, and
- They have been diagnosed with one or more of the conditions associated with Camp Lejeune’s toxic water contamination.
This includes veterans, reservists, guardsmen, and their family members.
If you meet these requirements and think you may be eligible to file a lawsuit, you should get in touch with an attorney. They’ll discuss your case with you and provide the guidance you need to decide what your next steps should be.
What Options Are Available for Affected Family Members?
If you are related to a veteran who served at Camp Lejeune, you may be entitled to compensation as well. There are three factors you must be able to prove as a family member in a Camp Lejeune lawsuit claim:
- You are related to a veteran who served active duty at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River for at least 30 days between August of 1953 and December of 1987
- You lived at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River for at least 30 days between August of 1953 and December of 1987
- You have been diagnosed with and treated for a qualifying condition
If you fit these criteria and are curious about pursuing a lawsuit, contact one of our trusted partners today.
Camp Lejeune Lawsuit FAQs
Is There a Statute of Limitations for Camp Lejeune Lawsuits?
Individuals will have two years from the date the bill was signed by President Biden to file a lawsuit. That means the statute of limitations will likely run out in August 2024. For this reason, if you believe you have a case you should contact an attorney as soon as possible.
What Caused Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune?
According to the CDC’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, of the two water treatment plants that were contaminated and closed down, one (Hadnot Point) was primarily contaminated by improper industrial waste disposal and the main source of contamination for the other (Tarawa Terrace) was “waste disposal practices at ABC One-Hour Cleaners, an off-base dry cleaning firm.”
What Toxins Were in the Water at Camp Lejeune?
Dangerous chemicals called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) were found in the water serving the base housing and a variety of other buildings on base.
These VOCs included:
- Dry cleaning solvents (e.g. benzene)
- Degreasers (e.g. trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene)
- And other hazardous chemicals (e.g. vinyl chloride)
Will the VA Help With Healthcare Costs Related to Camp Lejeune?
Yes. Thanks to the Camp Lejeune Families Act that passed in 2012, veterans and their families affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination may be compensated by the VA for their out-of-pocket healthcare expenses related to the contamination.
The VA provides a list of 15 conditions for which they will help with healthcare costs:
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Female infertility
- Hepatic steatosis
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Lung cancer
- Miscarriage
- Multiple myeloma
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Neurobehavioral effects
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Renal toxicity
- Scleroderma
It is important to note that there are also disability benefits provided by the VA for Camp Lejeune victims. The disability benefits and the health care assistance will be separate from your Camp Lejeune lawsuit.
How Much Will the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Settlements Be?
Since we’re still in the early stages of filing, it is hard to estimate what the typical settlement amount for a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit would be.
The settlement amount for each individual case will differ based on the injuries suffered, conditions diagnosed, amount of time spent at the base, and other factors.
Lawsuit settlements would also contain damages incurred, which can include medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional damages, and more.
Depending on injuries and evidence, individual settlement amounts for exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune could be significant.
Is There a Camp Lejeune Class Action Lawsuit?
No, there is currently not a Camp Lejeune Class Action Lawsuit.
With the passing of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, lawsuits will be filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. As the number of lawsuits filed is expected to be significant, the cases will eventually likely be consolidated into an MDL class action lawsuit
What Happens Next?
The first step is to fill out our form or give us a call to see if you may qualify.
If you do qualify, the next step is to sign up with one of our participating law firms, and a case review specialist will contact you for more information. They will handle everything from there – gathering documentation, filing paperwork, and working to help you get the justice you deserve.
How Much Will A Lawsuit Cost Me?
Our partnering law firms work on a contingency-fee-basis. This means they are paid from the settlement or verdict amount, not from your pocket.
There are absolutely no upfront or out-of-pocket payments, and they don’t get paid unless you get paid.
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About White Heart Legal
If you or a loved one were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, we want to help. Our participating law firms will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. You don’t owe a dime if they don’t win your case. Time is of the essence though. The sooner you call us, the better your chances are of getting the maximum payout. Get your free, one-on-one consultation today.
Contact Us Today To See If You Qualify
If you were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you deserve justice, and we may be able to help.
Or, give us a call at 866-818-4973
