Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Lawsuit
You may have been exposed to contaminated water if you spent time at the U.S. Marine Corps base Camp Lejeune between 1957 and 1987.
As a result, you or your loved ones could qualify for the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit if you lived or worked at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina military base for 30 or more days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and have since developed an illness or injury related to your exposure.
The United States government acknowledged contamination in the water at Camp Lejeune and lawmakers recently introduced the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022. The Act provides relief for those exposed to toxic water at the base. The Act was signed into law as part of the Honoring our PACT Act. It enables those who lived and/or worked on the base for the years in question to file claims in federal court for illnesses linked to toxic water.
Previous Exposure to Camp Lejeune’s Water Puts You at Risk of a Variety of Health Issues
What Caused the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
There are several reasons why the water at Camp Lejeune was dangerous.
First, there were high levels of contaminants in the water, including chemicals like benzene and vinyl chloride.
Some believe that the contamination was linked to an industrial solvent called trichloroethylene (TCE). Exposure has also been linked to seepage from underground fuel tanks. These tanks stored gasoline and other petroleum products that possibly leaked into the water supply. Additionally, the pipes that carried the water were old and in poor repair, allowing additional contaminants to leach into the water
The combination of these factors made the water at Camp Lejeune incredibly dangerous. Potential exposure numbers in the thousands and many may have suffered serious health problems as a result.
Anyone stationed at Camp Lejeune should speak to their doctor about their risk of exposure to contaminants. You may also be eligible for benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
In addition to veterans exposed to the contaminants, others at Camp Lejeune during this time might be eligible for compensation. This includes employees and military family members. More than a million people at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987might have been exposed to toxic substances in the water.
What Should You Do If You Were at Camp Lejeune during the Period in Question?
To file a lawsuit, you will need to prove that you were exposed to the contaminated water and that your health problems are a result of that exposure. This can be a difficult task, but an experienced attorney can help you gather the evidence you need to build a strong case.
To be eligible for compensation, you’ll need to show:
- You resided or worked at Camp Lejeune during the time in question
- You were exposed to water “that was supplied by, or on behalf of, the United States” for at least 30 days
- You suffered harm “that was caused by exposure to the water at Camp Lejeune”
Have you been diagnosed with any of the following illnesses after your time at Camp Lejeune?
- ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
- Bladder cancer
- Brain cancer
- Breast cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Leukemia
- Lung cancer
- Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Miscarriages and birth defects
- Multiple Myeloma
- Other types of cancer
- Other diseases and injuries, especially bone marrow disease or a neurological condition
Legal experts expect the number of lawsuits related to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune to be significant. The cases will likely be consolidated into an MDL class action lawsuit, which saves plaintiffs and the government time and money.
The expected settlement amounts for Camp Lejeune lawsuits will vary depending on the individual case. Some factors that will affect the amount of the settlement include:
- Severity of the illness or injury
- Expenses incurred as a result of the illness or injury
- Ability to prove that exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune was the cause of the illness or injury
If you or a loved one were exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune, contact us at 888-897-5377for a free consultation.
Every case is unique, so it’s important to speak to a knowledgeable lawyer as soon as possible. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act supersedes any prior laws governing these claims, and even if your claim was previously denied, you may be able to file a lawsuit under the new law. Legal action does not affect your existing VA benefits.
