Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

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Water Contamination from Toxic Chemicals

During years 1953-1987, Camp Lejeune's water supplies were found to be contaminated with several hazardous chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects, ALS, and other potentially life-threatening conditions.

  • During this period, over a million people lived at Camp Lejeune, including active duty military, former military, families, and non-military personnel.
  • The contamination affected all areas of the base, including the housing and buildings on the base, as well as the Marine Corps Air Station New River.
  • It is regarded as one of the worst cases of water contamination in the history of the United States.
  • For more than three decades, the water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune contained volatile organic compounds (VOCs):
  • Dry cleaning solvents
  • Degreasers
  • Chemicals used on heavy machinery
  • Almost seventy (70) other toxic substances

Water contamination at Camp Lejeune has been studied at length by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). Numerous pages were published detailing the connection between water contamination and a host of illnesses that can be fatal.

How did the toxic chemicals end up in the water?

The contaminated water came from two of the eight water treatment facilities that supplied Camp Lejeune and its surrounding areas:

  • Tarawa Terrace Treatment Plant
  • Hadnot Point Treatment Plant

Toxic chemicals from waste disposal sites, underground storage tanks, and businesses nearby contaminated more than a million people's drinking water.

Toxic Substances that Contaminated Drinking Water at Camp Lejeune

There have been several toxic chemicals discovered in the water of Camp Lejeune, including:

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

Tetrachloroethylene (PCE or PERC)

Among its many uses, tetrachloroethylene is also known as PCE or PERC, and is used for dry-cleaning, degreasing metal machinery, and manufacturing other chemicals. Recent studies have linked PERC exposure to bladder cancer, multiple myeloma, or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, as well as neurobehavioral effects. PERC likely entered the water supply via a nearby dry-cleaning business.

Trichloroethylene (TCE)

The chemical trichloroethylene (TCE) is used as a degreaser for metal machinery. There is a possibility that TCE exposure can lead to kidney cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and other cancers, as well as cardiac complications.

Vinyl Chloride

Many plastic products, including PVC pipes and wire coatings, are made from vinyl chloride, a colorless gas. The chemical has also been used in cosmetics, refrigerants, and household consumables. Vinyl chloride exposure has been linked to multiple myeloma, liver cancer, and other cancers.

Benzene

The organic compound benzene is found in many industrial chemicals. Exposure to benzene over an extended period has been linked to cancer. Several types of leukemia, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), have a strong association with it.

A Number of Health Effects Have Been Linked to Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune, Including:

  • Bladder 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
  • Neurobehavioral effects

In 2012, the Department of Veterans Affairs released a list of presumptive conditions related to water contamination at Camp Lejeune..The conditions on the list include cancer, kidney disease, and liver disease.

It is possible for Veterans of Camp Lejeune who served during the relevant period to claim disability benefits.

FAQs on Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuits

Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022: Who qualifies for compensation?

  • Between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987, you or a family member served, worked, resided or were otherwise exposed to water at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more;
  • After living or working on base, you or a family member were diagnosed with cancer OR any of the following conditions; or
  • A birth defect or other major fetal malformation was diagnosed in you or your child, or your child died shortly after birth;
  • You miscarried a pregnancy during or after your time on base, or suffered infertility

Is there anything that can be done if a potential claimant has already passed away?

The family and/or representative of a deceased individual, regardless of how long ago they passed away, may be eligible to file a claim. There is still a chance for their family to recover if the death was a result of contaminated water.

A few helpful pieces of information to gather for dependents or residents are:

  • Proof of your status as a veteran's dependent (such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate)
  • Evidence of your residency at the base between 1953 and 1987 (tax forms, military orders, housing records, etc.).
  • VA Form 10-10068b Camp Lejeune Family Member Program Treating Physician Report (your doctor must complete this form)
  • Additionally, you must prove that you have medical expenses associated with a qualifying condition. In most cases, this means showing your medical records from the relevant dates.

What if I already receive VA disability benefits? Will I be able to file a claim under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022?

According to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, lump sum compensation is available regardless of other benefits you may receive. There will be NO effect on your other benefits if you take advantage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.

What Does It Cost to Hire a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawyer?

There is no attorney's fee or expense unless we are successful in recovering compensation for you. Currently, our firm is handling all cases involving Camp Lejeune water contamination on a contingency fee basis. The only fee you pay will be if we are able to recover for you on your claim. In any case, you will not have to pay anything out of pocket, and we will only collect a fee once we recover just compensation.

Contact a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Attorney Today

If you, a family member, or a loved one have suffered health effects due to Camp Lejeune water contamination, you may be eligible to participate in the lawsuit. Cases like these can be challenging. However, the right personal injury and product liability attorney can make a world of difference in your case.

The attorneys at our firm have decades of experience dealing with injuries caused by no fault of the victim. You can count on us to provide professional assistance from start to finish, helping you decide what steps to take next.

You can contact us by phone at 412-394-1000, chat, or the form at the top of the page. All consultations are free and come with no obligation to use our services.

And "There's never a fee unless we get money for you." So that means that unless and until your case is successful, you do not owe us a dime.

You can contact us by phone at 412-394-1000, chat, or the form at the top of the page. All consultations are free and come with no obligation to use our services.

Note: Litigation may involve co-counsel.