Individuals who have lived or worked at Camp Lejeune may have been exposed to hazardous chemicals found in the water. Such toxins are linked to cancer, birth defects, and other serious medical injuries. Learn more about how you can recover for your losses.
On August 10, 2022, President Biden signed a new law called the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. The law will allow veterans and others to obtain compensation for injuries caused by toxic exposure at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. Nearly a million veterans, civilians, and their loved ones may have been exposed to contaminated water at the military site.
People living or working at the Camp Lejeune base may have been exposed to toxic water. Concentrations of the toxins may have been anywhere from 240 to 3,400 times the levels allowed by safety standards.
The new law will allow those affected by the contaminated water to pursue a claim through federal court processes. However, lawsuits will be subject to strict filing deadlines, so it’s important to take action promptly if you think you have a claim.
At The Oshman Firm, our attorneys have experience handling toxic exposure claims, such as those involved in the Roundup Weed Killer lawsuits. Contact us today at (800) 400-8182 to set up a free case evaluation where we can discuss your legal rights and options.
How Do I File a Claim for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
Anyone who served or lived at Camp Lejeune from 1953 to 1987 could be at risk of developing health issues. Those who may be eligible to seek compensation include the following:
- U.S. Marines
- Navy and other military personnel
- Reservists
- National Guard personnel
- Civilian employees
- Family members
If you believe that you or a loved one of yours were injured or affected by the contaminated water, you should take the following steps to prepare for legal action:
- Gather medical records or any other documents or related to your injuries
- Take note of the time period when you lived or served at the Camp Lejeune area
- Make a written account of your injuries and medical symptoms (i.e., when they started, and how they impact your day-to-day life)
- Reach out to a lawyer to discuss your case and potential compensation
We understand that you may be injured or incapacitated and can’t perform all of these tasks on your own. However, don’t worry — it’s our task as attorneys to gather evidence and ensure your case is ready to proceed.
What Contaminants Were Found in the Water at Camp Lejeune?
People living and working at Camp Lejeune may potentially have been exposed to a whole host of toxic substances there. These include:
- Tetrachlorethylene (PCE)
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Vinyl Chloride (VC)
- Benzene
- Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
- Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
- Heavy Metals
- Pesticides
These substances are connected with serious, often deadly health risks, including cancer, birth defects, and wrongful death.
Such exposure points toward the negligence that was allowed to persist at Camp Lejeune, and which needs to be rectified today.
How Did the Water at Camp Lejeune Become Contaminated?
Dangerous chemicals such as TCE seeped into the groundwater from a dry-cleaning business beginning as early as 1953. Other toxic chemicals could have been introduced into the drinking water due to improper storage and disposal of substances on base.
The primary contaminants found in the wells servicing the two main water systems at Camp Lejeune were perchloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE). PCE contaminated the Tarawa Terrace water system which serviced family housing, barracks, base offices, and other areas. The Hadnot Point water system supplied the base hospital and an industrial section of the base. TCE was the primary chemical found in the Hadnot Point system.
At The Oshman Firm, we have the resources and experience needed to handle complex toxic tort lawsuits. Contact us at (800) 400-8182 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation before the chance to file expires.
What Effects Did the Contamination Have on Military Members?
Exposure to the toxic substances at Camp Lejeune may be linked to a whole host of medical conditions. Both military personnel and civilians may be eligible for significant compensation if they developed any of these conditions after living or working at the Camp Lejeune site:
- Bladder Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Esophageal Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Multiple Myeloma
- Myelodysplastic Syndrome
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS)
- Leukemia
- Female Infertility
- Miscarriage
- Neurobehavioral Effects
- Aplastic Anemia
- Bone Marrow Conditions
- Renal Toxicity
- Hepatic Steatosis
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Scleroderma
Compensation may also apply to childhood injuries if they were diagnosed before age 18:
- Birth Defects
- Brain Defects
- Leukemia
- Low Birth Weight
- Other medical conditions
Many people have lost their homes and the ability to earn a living due to the illnesses they developed from toxic exposure. Many others have lost loved ones due to cancer caused by the chemicals.
What Do I Need to Know About the New Act?
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is aimed at ensuring that individuals harmed by water contamination at Camp Lejeune receive fair and just compensation.
The Act creates a legal cause of action for any individual who resided, worked at, or was otherwise exposed to Camp Lejeune’s water for at least 30 days from August 1, 1953 to December 31, 1987.
The Act was passed as part of a package of bills called the “Honoring our PACT” Act. It allows people to file in U.S. federal court for pain and suffering and other losses in connection with Camp Lejeune injuries. The new law removes filing barriers and red tape, and creates a streamlined approach for claims related to toxic chemical exposure with the Veterans Administration.
Pursuing a legal claim can provide a sense of closure, and a monetary compensation award can help families build a better life. At The Oshman Firm, our team has a proven track record of obtaining significant case results on behalf of our clients to improve their quality of life.
Our military service people and their families deserve better treatment than what they have gone through. This bill will help remedy the shortcomings and challenges they previously faced.
Contact a Toxic Tort Lawyer Regarding Your Camp Lejeune Claim
The dangerous toxic chemicals present in the Camp Lejeune drinking water have led to severe injuries, long-term medical conditions, and tragic loss of life. We want to make sure those affected receive the compensation they deserve, so they move on toward an improved quality of life.
At The Oshman Firm, we have the resources and experience needed to handle complex toxic tort lawsuits. Contact us at (800) 400-8182 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation before the chance to file expires. We are available to review your background and records to help you and your loved ones obtain justice.