Were You Exposed to Toxic Water at Camp Lejeune?

Were you stationed at Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base between 1953 and 1987? You may have been exposed to the contaminated water and could be entitled to compensation through the Camp Lejeune water contamination mass tort lawsuit.

This lawsuit comes in response to the recent discovery that two of the eight water treatment facilities supplying drinking water to the base were contaminated with volatile organic compounds during this period. Because of this, veterans, their families, and civilian employees stationed at Camp Lejeune may have developed cancer or other serious health issues.

Find out if you have a case today—contact Onward Injury Law. We represent clients throughout Central Illinois.

What Is the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?

Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps base located in North Carolina, is now the site of much controversy. For over 30 years, those living on or visiting the base were exposed to toxic substances known to cause cancer or other serious health problems.

Researchers found that the Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point water treatment plants had been contaminated with toxic organic compounds (TOC).

The four primary contaminants included:

• Tetrachloroethylene (PCE or PERC)
• Trichloroethylene (TCE)
• Vinyl chloride
• Benzene

These contaminants can be found in dry cleaning solvents, degreasers, cleaning agents, plastics, rubbers, and other materials. Scientific and medical evidence has linked them to various health conditions, including several cancers.

Who Was Affected by the Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune?

Over one million people visiting the Camp Lejeune base between 1953 and 1987 may have been exposed to the toxic water.

Individuals affected by the contaminated drinking water include:

• Veterans
• Family members
• Civilian workers
• Any others that may have visited the site during this period

To be eligible to file a claim for compensation under the Camp Lejeune lawsuit, you must have “resided, worked, or was otherwise exposed” to the drinking water for 30 days or more.

Health Conditions Linked to Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water

Those affected by water contamination at Camp Lejeune have reported many life-threatening health conditions after consuming the toxic chemicals in the water.

The main health conditions recognized include:

• Bladder cancer
• Breast cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Liver cancer
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Adult leukemia
• Aplastic anemia
• Multiple myeloma
• Renal toxicity
• Scleroderma
• Hepatic steatosis
• Infertility, congenital disabilities, miscarriages, etc.
• Lung cancer
• Parkinson’s disease and other neurobehavioral effects

If you have experienced any of the above conditions or other health concerns and were at Camp Lejeune during this period, you may be eligible for compensation for your damages. Call us today for your free case review.

What Is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?

President Joe Biden recently signed sweeping legislation allowing those impacted by the toxic water at Camp Lejeune to seek restitution for their damages—a big win for veterans and their families.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act states that anyone exposed to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987 is eligible to pursue legal action against the government. Keep in mind that this 30-day requirement does not have to be consecutive.

This new legislation also stops the U.S. government from claiming immunity from these lawsuits. This is in response to a case that involved over 850 lawsuits that were denied because of North Carolina’s time limits for personal injury claims.

If you were affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, now is the time to act. Contact an experienced mass torts attorney to discuss your experience and see if you have a claim.

Camp Lejeune and Veterans Affairs

In addition to the ongoing lawsuit, if you were affected by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune or Marine Corps Air Station New River, you can seek disability compensation and healthcare benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Illnesses that are eligible for VA disability benefits include:

• Adult leukemia
• Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
• Bladder cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Liver cancer
• Multiple myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• Parkinson’s disease

Illnesses covered by VA health coverage include:

• Bladder cancer
• Breast cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Female infertility
• Hepatic steatosis
• Kidney cancer
• Leukemia
• Lung cancer
• Miscarriage
• Multiple myeloma
• Myelodysplastic syndromes
• Neurobehavioral effects
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• Renal toxicity
• Scleroderma

Do you have family members that were affected by water contamination? They may also be eligible for health care benefits. Consult our mass tort attorneys to learn more.

How Do I Get Compensation for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?

Before you can file a lawsuit in the Camp Lejeune water contamination case, you must file an administrative claim with the Department of the Navy JAG’s Corps in Norfolk, Virginia. Over 5,000 claims have been filed so far.

The statute of limitations on these claims is two years from the date the Honoring Our Pact Act was signed into law (August 10, 2022) or six months after a claim is denied.

While it’s still being determined how much compensation claimants will be entitled to, it may be substantial. Each case will be weighed separately and compensated based on the individual impact the contamination had on that person.

Put your best foot forward in your claim by contacting Onward Injury Law to handle the claims process. There will be many steps involved in this process and limited time to act. Get a head start on your claim today with a free case review by giving us a call or completing the form on this page.