Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

For years, the residents of Camp Lejeune drank, cooked with, and bathed in water that was contaminated with a host of dangerous chemicals.

The water used by residents and families living on the base was contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which have been linked to a number of serious health conditions.

The sources of the contamination are varied, but one the most likely culprit is a dry cleaning facility that operated on the base for many years.

Since the facility closed, the levels of VOCs in drinking water have decreased dramatically.

However, the damage has already been done, and the residents of Camp Lejeune are now facing a range of health problems.

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Studies of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

The presence of VOCs and other toxic chemicals in the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune was first discovered in 1982.

Since then, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has been investigating the potential health effects of exposure to the water.

The ATSDR has found scientific and medical evidence that the chemicals can cause a number of serious health problems, including many types of cancer.

The health effects of exposure to the contaminated water are especially serious for infants and children, who are more susceptible to the toxic effects of the chemicals.

It is incredibly important for people who were exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune to be aware of the potential health risks.

Chemicals Found in Water Sources at Camp Lejeune

A variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other dangerous chemicals were found in drinking water that supplied base housing and buildings at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River.

MCAS New River is located just minutes away from Camp Lejeune.

The potential sources of these chemicals include the aforementioned off-base dry cleaner, military disposal of industrial chemicals, and more throughout 30+ years of recorded contamination.

Tetrachloroethylene (PERC)

Tetrachloroethylene, also known as perchloroethylene, PCE or PERC, is a powerful industrial solvent.

It’s used in a variety of applications, including dry-cleaning fabrics, degreasing metal machinery, and manufacturing other chemicals.

PERC is also a common ingredient in paint strippers, spot cleaners, and adhesives.

Although it’s an effective cleaner, PERC poses a serious health risk to humans.

Exposure to high levels of PERC can lead to bladder cancer, liver cancer, and kidney cancer.

In addition, PERC exposure has been linked to birth defects and other pediatric health risks.

PERC contamination at Camp Lejeune can be traced to Tarawa Terrace Treatment Plant and Hadnot Point Treatment Plant.

Trichloroethylene (TCE)

Trichloroethylene, or TCE, is a chemical solvent commonly used as a degreaser for metal machinery.

TCE can be incredibly dangerous to human health.

When ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin, TCE can potentially lead to kidney cancer, non-hodgkin lymphoma, and other cancers.

In addition, exposure to TCE has been linked to cardiac effects such as arrhythmias and heart failure.

TCE at Camp Lejeune can be traced to Hadnot Point Treatment Plant.

Vinyl Chloride

Vinyl chloride is a synthetic compound used in the production of many consumer products, from food containers and water pipes to cosmetics and cleaning products.

Despite its widespread use, vinyl chloride has been linked to a range of serious health problems, including liver cancer, hepatic steatosis, brain cancer, and other cancers, as well as certain neurobehavioral effects.

Studies have also found that exposure to vinyl chloride can damage the nervous system, cause birth defects, and lead to fertility problems.

Benzene

Benzene is a colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet smell.

It is used as a solvent in the chemical industry and is present in crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke.

Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen, and exposure to high levels of benzene can cause leukemia and other blood cancers.

The ATSDR has conducted an assessment of the health effects of benzene, and their findings indicate that consuming water contaminated with the chemical has been linked to leukemias, non-hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma.

These findings are concerning, and further research is needed to better understand the health risks associated with Benzene exposure.

With over 70 chemical contaminants found in the water at Camp Lejeune, it can be difficult to tell just how many medical conditions have resulted from toxic exposure.

The scientific and medical evidence thus far suggests that those who were exposed to Camp Lejeune water contamination are at an increased risk for the following health problems:

• Bladder Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Cervical Cancer
• Esophageal Cancer
• Kidney Cancer
• Liver Cancer
• Lung Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer
• Stomach Cancer
• Multiple Myeloma and other myelodysplastic syndromes
• Adult leukemia
• Aplastic anemia and other bone marrow conditions
• Parkinson’s disease
• Renal toxicity
• Birth defects and birth injury
• Miscarriage and fetal death
• Neurobehavioral effects

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced a list of presumptive conditions related to water contamination.

The VA will now allow members of the armed services who were stationed at Camp Lejeune during the relevant time period to seek compensation for these conditions.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is a new bill, part of the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, that has recently been signed into law by President Biden.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows individuals who were exposed to toxic water at the base between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 to file a claim and recover damages for any harm they suffered as a result of the exposure.

The new law would override current North Carolina law that bars actions such as these.

This is a significant step forward for those affected by the toxic water at Camp Lejeune, and it will provide much-needed compensation for those who have been suffering for years without any recourse.

For years, no help or benefits were afforded to veterans exposed to volatile organic compounds and other toxic chemicals during their time at Camp Lejeune.

Now, veterans, their family members, civilian workers, and any other person who was exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune may be eligible to file a claim for compensation.

What is the Honoring Our PACT Act?

The Honoring Our PACT Act is the bill that encompasses the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. The PACT Act provides new VA benefits to people exposed to toxic chemicals during their military service.

The PACT Act also outlines presumptive conditions for a number of situations in which military personnel were exposed to dangerous chemicals, including at military burn pits in the Middle East, Agent Orange Exposure, and more.

The Honoring Our PACT Act went through many legislative hurdles in order to be signed into law, but now over 3 million military service members are able to get the health care benefits and compensation they rightfully deserve.

Previous Attempts by the Federal Government to Provide Benefits to those affected by Water Contamination

In 2012, Congress passed the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act (H.R. 1627) in order to provide benefits to those who had been exposed to tainted water.

H.R. 1627 granted health care benefits and disability benefits to veterans and their family members who met certain standards, as well as VA compensation benefits for veterans.

While the bill has helped many people, some have argued that it does not do enough to address the long-term health effects of the exposure.

In particular, some families have been left without any financial assistance if they do not meet the eligibility requirements for health care benefits or disability benefits.

Moreover, the VA compensation benefits are only available to veterans, not to their family members.

As a result, some families are still struggling to get by after being exposed to toxic chemicals in drinking water.

In 2017, Congress passed an additional statute that granted more benefits and expanded upon the conditions associated with exposure.

The amended statute associates even more presumptive conditions with contaminated water exposure.

None of these legislative actions have been as forward-thinking or comprehensive as the newly passed Camp Lejeune Justice Act.

The claims process for a Camp Lejeune water lawsuit is handled first by an administrative claim process, and if not settled through that administrative portion, they will then be handled in a judicial process through the North Carolina courts, particularly the U.S. District Court: Eastern District of North Carolina.

The administrative claim process entails submitting a Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) Claim Form.

The claim form can be found on the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General (JAG) website.

Who Can File a Claim for Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune?

Active duty and former military personnel, family members living on base, civilian workers, families of deceased, and even in-utero victims who were not yet born when their mother was residing at the base may be eligible to file Camp Lejeune lawsuits.

It’s important to note that if you were dishonorably discharged, you may not be eligible for disability benefits or disability compensation.

The release and act also notes that if you have a service-connected disability, you may be able to receive free health care and prescriptions through the VA.

If you think you may be eligible, it’s in your best interest to file a claim as soon as possible.

Who is Liable for My Injuries?

The liable parties may include the United States Navy, other governmental or regulatory agencies, businesses that may have contributed to contaminating water supplies, and any other group that may have contributed to an injury or diagnosis.

What are the Average Camp Lejeune Settlement Amounts?

Specific dollar amounts for Camp Lejeune settlement payouts are not yet available.

Camp Lejeune victims seeking legal help should be wary of any website advertising certain numbers for settlement amounts.

We will soon know the average settlement amount for Camp Lejeune lawsuits once the administrative and judicial processes for filing claims becomes clearer.

Hiring legal representation that understands the attorney client relationship and can effectively fight for rightful monetary compensation is essential in a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit.

An attorney will help you gather evidence, add up your total damages, and put together a strong claim for compensation.

Evidence

Evidence is important in any personal injury or mass tort case, and the water contamination at Camp Lejeune is no different.

Evidence for your or case may include:

• Documents proving residence at Camp Lejeune
• Military/Marine Corps service records indicating dates and locations
• Medical records and diagnoses of certain diseases
• Medical bills
• Travel records
• Health care information
• Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits records
• Records on disability benefits or disability compensation

Damages

Damages in a Camp Lejeune water contamination case may include:

• Medical bills and costs
• Lost wages or lost earning capacity
• Loss of enjoyment of life and other intangible factors
• Permanent disability and life-altering medical conditions

If you, a loved one, or a family member was exposed to toxic chemicals in water at Camp Lejeune, consider contacting TruLaw for a free consultation and to discuss your legal options.

We’re connected to the leading Camp Lejeune lawyers and understand the devastating impacts that toxic water contamination has brought to people who lived on the base.

Camp Lejeune victims deserve justice and compensation for their exposure to dangerous, toxic chemicals. Our Camp Lejeune attorneys can help attain that justice.

Contact us or use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify for legal action instantly.