INJURED FROM WATER CONTAMINATION
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claim and Settlement Information
If you or a loved one lived at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between 1953 and 1987 and subsequently were diagnosed with a health condition that could be related to water contamination, you may be eligible to file a claim.
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune has been a coveted military training facility since it was established in 1941, with millions of military service members, their family members, civilian workers, and countless others living and working on the base throughout its history.
Unfortunately, the water supply at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with a host of toxic chemicals that have been linked to cancer, birth defects, and countless other severe health conditions.
With the signing of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act into law, former military base residents can sue and recover damages for exposure to contaminated water.
If you or a loved one lived at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between 1953 and 1987 and subsequently were diagnosed with a health condition that could be related to water contamination, you may be eligible to file a claim.
Contact the Camp Lejeune Lawyers at Great Plains Injury Law for a free consultation, or use the chat feature on this page to see if you qualify to file a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit instantly.
Patrick R. Burns quoted in an article from South Dakota News Watch — "Camp Lejeune contamination leaves South Dakota Marines with cancer — and resentment"
Frequently Asked Questions
What contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune?
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the water at Camp Lejeune contained over 70 chemical contaminants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other dangerous toxic substances.
Who was exposed to water contamination at Camp Lejeune?
Over one million people consumed and used contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987. Those exposed include Marine Corps veterans, other military personnel, family members living on base, civilian workers, government contractors, and others.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act outlines that any person who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more may be eligible to seek compensation.
Where is Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune?
Camp Lejeune is located in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River is also located nearby Camp Lejeune.
What are the average Camp Lejeune settlement amounts?
Currently, it is too early to estimate how much an average Camp Lejeune settlement is worth. This is because there are multiple factors that determine how much the federal government will pay out for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit, such as medical records and information, the amount of time spent at Camp Lejeune, and other factors.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has allocated $6.7 billion from the PACT Act budget to handle Camp Lejeune claims, so individual settlements could be significant.
The Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit
Toxic chemicals contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune for more than 30 years, and residents have experienced a number of tragic health conditions as a result.
Legislative action has been attempted in the past, but with the new Camp Lejeune Justice Act, victims of toxic water contamination are able to seek compensation for their injuries and diagnoses and achieve long-awaited justice.
Those who lived or worked at the base for 30 days or more between 1953 and 1987 and were diagnosed with a related health condition may be eligible to file Camp Lejeune lawsuits.
What Health Conditions are Linked to Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
Camp Lejeune water contamination has been associated with a host of health conditions in former residents of the Marine Corps base.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released a list of presumptive diseases for Camp Lejeune. The conditions on the VA list will be recognized as resulting from toxic water exposure at Camp Lejeune.
Listed below are reported health conditions linked to water contamination at Camp Lejeune:
CANCER
Bladder cancer
Liver cancer
Kidney cancer
Esophageal cancer
Adult leukemia
Multiple myeloma
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Lung cancer
Breast cancer
Cervical cancer
Ovarian cancer
Stomach cancer
NON-CANCER
Parkinson's Disease
Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
Renal toxicity
Scleroderma
Miscarriage and fetal death
Birth defects
Hepatic steatosis (fatty liver disease)
What Was Found in the Camp Lejeune Water Supply?
Significant amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other toxic substances were found in multiple water treatment plants that supplied drinking water to Camp Lejeune residents.
The four main toxic chemicals found in the Camp Lejeune water supply include Tetrachloroethylene (PCE or PERC), Trichloroethylene (TCE), Benzene, and Vinyl Chloride. All four of these primary chemical contaminants have been linked to cancers and other tragic health conditions.
The water contamination at Camp Lejeune was found to have originated in multiple areas, including through the dumping of toxic substances in waste disposal sites, leaking from underground storage tanks, seeping into groundwater from an off-base dry cleaner, and in countless other ways over the 30-year contamination period.
Two of the eight water treatment plants used to supply water at Camp Lejeune were found to have high levels of toxic substances. The two plants in question are Tarawa Terrace Water Treatment Plant and Hadnot Point Treatment Plant.
Tetrachloroethylene (PCE or PERC)
Tetrachloroethylene, known as PCE or PERC, is a manufactured chemical used in manufacturing and also as a dry cleaning chemical. Exposure to PCE is highly dangerous.
Studies involving workers exposed to PCE and scientific and medical evidence on the water contamination at Camp Lejeune have linked PCE to the following conditions:
Bladder cancer
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
End-stage renal disease
Multiple myeloma
Liver cancer
Kidney cancer
Trichloroethylene (TCE)
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a volatile organic compound used in dry cleaning and also in cleaning metal parts of cars and in other industrial settings. TCE exposure is dangerous for human health.
Health conditions linked to TCE exposure include:
Kidney cancer
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Leukemia
Liver cancer
Multiple myeloma
Parkinson's disease
Scleroderma
Benzene
Benzene is a flammable liquid naturally present in oil and gasoline but is also used to produce plastics, resins, nylon, and synthetic fibers. Exposure to benzene impacts human health by causing cells to not function properly. Benzene can also disrupt the immune system.
Health conditions related to Benzene exposure include:
Leukemia
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Multiple myeloma
Blood disorders
Immune system disruption
Vinyl Chloride
Vinyl chloride is a colorless, flammable gas used to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes, wire coatings, vehicle upholstery, and other everyday plastic items. Exposure to vinyl chloride can have devastating consequences on human health, potentially damaging the nervous system, immune system and the strength of bones in extremities.
Health conditions related to vinyl chloride exposure include:
Liver cancer
Hepatic steatosis (fatty liver disease)
Lung cancer
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act
On August 10th, 2022, President Biden signed the PACT Act into law. The PACT Act grants new health care benefits, disability benefits, and other help to veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service.
Included in the PACT Act is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is a bill that allows veterans, their family members, civilian workers, and others who were exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune to file suit and recover damages for their related health conditions.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is the most comprehensive bill addressing the water contamination at Camp Lejeune. The previous Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 was criticized for denying claims and being relatively ineffective for veterans and their family members.
Filing a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit
In order to file a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit, victims must first go through the administrative claims process outlined by the Navy's Tort Claims Unit. This involves the filing of an administrative claims form called the CLJA Claim Form.
The Navy TCU has six months to accept or deny the administrative claims form. If denied, a claimant will likely file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit in the US District Court: Eastern District of North Carolina.
An experienced personal injury lawyer, Patrick Burns represents people who have suffered the deleterious effects of contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
What Evidence is Needed for a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claim?
If you or a family member worked or lived at Camp Lejeune and was exposed to contaminated drinking water, you must try your hardest to gather evidence to support your claim.
The initial administrative claims form does not require medical records and other forms of evidence to be reviewed, but if a claim is denied or the Navy TCU requests more information, the following forms of evidence will help support your Camp Lejeune claim:
Medical records
Military service records and employment records
Proof of residence at Camp Lejeune
Other healthcare information and medical evidence
VA benefits and disability records
What Can Be Claimed for a Camp Lejeune Settlement?
Damages refer to the total cost of losses relating to an incident. With the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit, punitive damages will be excluded.
Damages for Camp Lejeune water contamination may include:
Medical bills and expenses
Future medical expenses
Lost wages and earning capability
Previously denied disability benefits
Other relevant damages
Contact Great Plains Injury Law Firm for the Camp Lejeune Water Lawsuit
The Camp Lejeune attorneys at Great Plains Injury Law are accepting clients from all 50 states.
Our law firm has decades of experience securing compensation for people harmed at no fault of their own, and we'll fight hard to make sure your voice is heard, and your case is won.
Contact us for a free consultation or use the chat feature on this page to see if you qualify for a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit instantly.
Protecting Your Rights and Well-Being
There is no charge for our help unless we help you win money form the government for your claim. Taking on the United States Government and large companies is no simple matter. You can discuss your case with a lawyer by calling 612-877-6400 or emailing our office today.
“Assessing and Managing Chemicals Under TSCA: Risk Management for TCE.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency.
“Benzene.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4 Apr. 2018.
“Camp Lejeune Claims | Admiralty & Claims Division.” Judge Advocate General (JAG) of the US Navy.
“Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2021.” H.R.2192 - 117th Congress (2021-2022).
“Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Health Issues.” Veterans Affairs.
Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate.
“Contaminated Water Supplies at Camp Lejeune.” NCBI Bookshelf.
Modenese, Alberto, et al. “Evaluation of Occupational Exposure to Perchlorethylene in a Group of Italian Dry Cleaners Using Noninvasive Exposure Indices.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, MDPI, 8 Aug. 2019.
“Tetrachloroethylene (Perchloroethylene).” Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
“Vinyl Chloride.” Wisconsin Department of Health Services, 15 June 2022.
Were you at Camp Lejeune?
Contaminated water victims nationwide who were at Camp Lejeune have an advocate in attorney Patrick Burns. Our firm currently is helping over 240 individuals with Camp Lejeune claims against the US Government.