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Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit | December 2024 Update

Use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify for a Camp Lejeune claim instantly.

You can also contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Key takeaways:

  • Camp Lejeune, a military base in North Carolina, experienced water contamination between 1953 and 1987, exposing residents to harmful chemicals.

  • The contamination has been linked to various health issues, including cancers, birth defects, and other diseases.

  • Victims of the contamination can join the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit to seek compensation for their injuries.

Most Recent Updates:

  • TorHoerman Law is now halting new client intake for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit.

  • Over 546,500 claims have been filed for compensation related to the contaminated water at the Marine Corps base.

  • The first trials are expected to begin next year.

The #1 Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Lawyers

Over one million people, who were present at Camp Lejeune (North Carolina) between 1953 and 1987, may have been exposed to toxic substances in the water.

People who may have been exposed to water contamination at Camp Lejeune include:

  • Veterans
  • Family members
  • Workers
  • And others

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit April 2023 Update; Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit; Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawyers; Camp Lejeune Water Lawsuit; Camp Lejeune Water Lawyers; Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Attorneys; Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit September 2022 Update; Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit August 2022 Update; Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit July 2022 Update; Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit June 2022 Update; Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit May 2022 Update
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It’s worth noting that Camp Lejeune is also home to the I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF), who provide the Marine Corps with an internationally responsive, expeditionary, and fully scalable Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF).

You may qualify for the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit if you lived or worked at Camp Lejeune (NC) for 30+ days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987.

The Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Lawsuit can apply to you, a family member, or a loved one who lived at Camp Lejeune (North Carolina) and suffered health effects from the decades of water contamination that occurred.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free, no-obligation case consultation to discuss your legal options and find out how filing a lawsuit for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination can help you or your family members.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for a Camp Lejeune Water Lawsuit instantly. 

ATTENTION

TorHoerman Law is no longer accepting clients for this litigation.

Table of Contents
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit April 2023 Update; Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit; Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawyers; Camp Lejeune Water Lawsuit; Camp Lejeune Water Lawyers; Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Attorneys; Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit September 2022 Update; Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit August 2022 Update; Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit July 2022 Update; Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit June 2022 Update; Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit May 2022 Update

Lawsuit Updates

September 26, 2024

A bipartisan group of U.S. Senators recently introduced the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act, which aims to address ongoing issues with the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022.

The original law was meant to provide veterans and families affected by toxic water contamination at Camp Lejeune a clear path to compensation, but victims have faced bureaucratic delays and legal challenges that have hindered their ability to access justice.

The new legislation makes several key changes, including clarifying the right to a jury trial, adjusting the burden of proof for victims, and capping attorney fees to ensure fairness.

It also expands jurisdiction beyond North Carolina, allowing cases to be heard in any of the U.S. District Courts within the 4th Circuit, which covers states like Virginia and South Carolina.

By removing legal roadblocks and addressing ambiguities in the original legislation, this new act seeks to ensure that veterans and their families can receive the compensation and care they deserve for the harm caused by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The bill is supported by multiple veteran organizations, emphasizing its importance in providing long-overdue relief.

Our Camp Lejeune lawyers will continue to fight for justice for our clients. 

September 26, 2024

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

In 1982, toxic chemicals that can potentially cause cancer were found in drinking water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune on the coast of North Carolina.

Which Water Treatment Plants Supplied Contaminated Water To Camp Lejeune?

According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other toxic chemicals were found in two (2) of the eight (8) water treatment plants that supplied the Marine Corps Base.

VOCs and other toxic chemicals were found in the following two (2) water treatment plants that supplied Camp Lejeune:

  • Tarawa Terrace Treatment Plant
  • Hadnot Point Treatment Plant

The chemicals found in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune can result in a number of health issues in people of all ages.

Health Effects of Contaminated Drinking Water at Camp Lejeune

health conditions related to camp lejeune toxic water

Drinking water contamination at Camp Lejeune has potentially affected upwards of one million people.

Disastrous health effects have been seen at high rates in the area surrounding Camp Lejeune.

A CDC study found that Children at Camp Lejeune had higher rates of birth defects and childhood diseases, such as:

  • Leukemia
  • Lymphoma
  • Neural tube defects

Another CDC study found that people stationed at the base had elevated risks for cancers of the kidney, liver, esophagus, cervix, multiple myeloma, ovaries, Hodgkin lymphoma, Parkinson’s Disease, and ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease).

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) conducted a similar study on the specific birth defects and childhood cancers linked to exposure to contaminated drinking water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

Their findings echoed those of the CDC.

What Health Issues And Symptoms Have Been Linked To Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?

16 Diseases & Symptoms of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

The main health issues and symptoms linked to Camp Lejeune water contamination include:

Other associated conditions include:

The ATSDR is also conducting a more general healthy study of the several cancers and chronic conditions linked to Camp Lejeune because people were exposed to chemicals known to cause those ailments.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced a list of presumptive conditions related to water contamination at Camp Lejeune.

The Veterans Administration allows members of the armed services to seek benefits for the conditions outlined on the aforementioned link.

Please Note:

  • Disability benefits secured through Veterans Affairs are available to only former military personnel, and not family members.

What Toxic Substances Were In The Water At Camp Lejeune?

camp lejeune water contaminants

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were found in the water serving the base housing and a variety of other buildings.

These VOCs included:

  • Dry cleaning solvents
  • Degreasers
  • And almost seventy (70) other hazardous chemicals

Scientific and medical evidence has linked these chemicals present in water to a number of serious health conditions.

The sources of contamination at Camp Lejeune are varied, but the sources of a few chemicals can be pinpointed.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), water from the Tarawa Terrace Treatment Plant was primarily contaminated by PCE (perchloroethylene or tetrachloroethylene), which reportedly originated from a dry cleaning business off-base.

The following four (4) chemicals were found in Camp Lejeune water sources:

1. Tetrachloroethylene (PCE or PERC)

Tetrachloroethylene (also known as Perchloroethylene) is an industrial chemical used in:

  • Dry-cleaning fabrics
  • Degreasing metal machinery
  • Manufacturing other chemicals
  • Producing paint
  • And more

Exposure to Tetrachloroethylene can lead to bladder cancer and other health effects.

2. Trichloroethylene (TCE)

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is used as a degreaser product for metal machinery.

Ingested, inhaled or absorbed through the skin, exposure to Trichloroethylene (TCE) can potentially lead to:

  • Kidney Cancer
  • Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
  • Other cancers
  • Cardiac effects

3. Vinyl Chloride

Vinyl Chloride is an odorless gas used in the production of many plastic products including PVC pipes and wire coatings.

Vinyl Chloride was previously used in products like makeup, refrigerants, and household aerosols.

Vinyl chloride has been heavily linked to liver cancer and other cancers.

4. Benzene

Benzene is an organic compound commonly used in industrial chemical operations.

In the ATSDR assessment, it was found that consuming water contaminated with Benzene is linked to Leukemias and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Benzene may also be linked to Multiple Myeloma.

Camp Lejeune Justice Act

camp lejeune water contamination lawsuit

A new bill that affords new benefits for veterans has been officially signed into law by President Biden.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is a massive step forward for qualifying service members, family, workers, and others affected by toxic water in recovering disability compensation for their ailments.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act would allow individuals to file a claim in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Northern Carolina and recover damages for harm from exposure to contaminated water at the Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987.

The bill outlines that anyone exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune for 30 days is able to pursue legal action.

The 30-day threshold can be met in a non-continuous manner:

  • If a family member visited at various times totaling 30 days between 1953 and 1987 – they have a viable claim.

The bill also prohibits the United States Government from “asserting specified immunity from litigation in response to such a lawsuit.”

It also overrides a North Carolina state law that has made actions such as this previously impossible.

How Did The Camp Lejeune Justice Act Come About?

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the Department of Defense found that upwards of one million people present at Camp Lejeune were exposed to contaminated water that can lead to devastating health effects.

Years prior to these recent developments, a number of lawsuits were filed over water contamination at Camp Lejeune.

Over 850 cases were consolidated into an MDL, but the lawsuits were dismissed due to a North Carolina law known as a statute of repose, which stated that legal action could not be brought since the alleged water contamination occurred more than three (3) years prior to filing suit.

The resulting public outrage led to the proposal of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act years later.

For those who resided at Camp Lejeune, how is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act different than other bills?

In 2012, Congress passed H.R.1627 – Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act, which granted some benefits to those who were exposed (both veterans and family members) if they met certain standards.

This bill would provide health care benefits to a family member, not VA compensation benefits.

A veteran would be able to secure health care benefits and VA compensation benefits.

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

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is different than previous bills in that it does not only provide health care or disability benefits, it provides a legal route for affected individuals to seek compensation for their exposure-related medical issues.

Filing a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

Filing a lawsuit for your or your loved one’s injuries or conditions can seem incredibly daunting.

With the help of experienced legal representation, the process can be simplified.

Filing a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

Who can file a claim in the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?

As stated in the Veterans Administration release and the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, anybody who resided at the marine corps base for at least thirty (30) days, while the Camp Lejeune accident was occuring, may be eligible to file a claim.

This includes active duty and former service members, family members living on base, non-military staff, families of deceased, and even in-utero victims who were not yet born when their mother was residing at Camp Lejeune.

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

Families of dishonorably discharged military personnel are also not eligible to file suit or apply for benefits.

Gathering Evidence

Quality evidence is the cornerstone of any successful personal injury or mass tort case.

Evidence relating to water contamination can include a number of documents relating to your or a loved one’s time spent at the marine corps base.

Evidence in a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit may include:

  • Documents proving residence at Camp Lejeune
  • Military service records indicating dates and locations served
  • Medical records and diagnoses
  • Medical bills
  • Travel records
  • Health care information
  • Records on disability benefits or VA compensation benefits

Hiring a Lawyer and Assessing Damages

When you have gathered pieces of key evidence, a lawyer will help you to refine your case and assess damages.

Damages are any losses, both physical and mental/emotional, that a person incurs as a result of an injury at no fault of their own.

Damages are the total amount the defendant is liable to pay to the plaintiff to compensate for the damage that they have caused.

Damages in a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit may include:

  • Medical bills
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost wages
  • Disability benefits
  • Loss of companionship, consortium, enjoyment of life, and earning capacity
  • Permanent disability

Determining Liability

Camp Lejeune Lawyers will also establish liability in the case.

In a Camp Lejeune contamination case, the liable parties or defendants may include, but are not limited to:

  • The federal government
  • Other governmental or regulatory agencies
  • Businesses that may have contributed to tainted water supplies
  • Any other person or group that acted in a negligent manner that contributed to an injury or diagnosis

TorHoerman Law - Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawyers

camp lejeune water contamination lawyers

TorHoerman Law is currently investigating the facts of the case and strategizing legal action against the defendants.

With over $4 billion won in monetary compensation for people injured at no fault of their own – our prior results speak to our expertise at TorHoerman Law.

Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options.

We understand the attorney client relationship and are here to help when you need it most.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What caused Camp Lejeune water contamination?

    Water contamination at Camp Lejeune was caused by spills or leaks from underground storage tanks, waste disposal sites, businesses, and more.

    Because of this, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) were found in the water serving the base housing and a variety of other buildings.

    What caused Camp Lejeune water contamination?

    These VOCs included:

    • Dry cleaning solvents
    • Degreasers
    • And almost seventy (70) other hazardous chemicals

  • How do I file a claim for the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?

    The Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which has been signed into law by President Biden as part of the PACT Act, will allow victims who meet the qualifying criteria to pursue a claim and/or legal action.

    The Camp Lejeuene Justice Act allows victims to file an administrative claim with the Navy JAG/Tort Claims Unit.

    If not adjudicated and settled within six (6) months, claimants are able to file a lawsuit in the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

    You can see if you qualify for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit in 1 minute by using our chat bot below!

  • What are the expected Camp Lejeune lawsuit settlement amounts?

    Currently, it is hard to estimate what the typical settlement amount for a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit would be.

    When Camp Lejeune Justice Act claims are adjudicated or lawsuits are initiated and settled, more detailed information will be released on payout amounts over time.

    The settlement amount for each individual case would differ based upon the injuries suffered, conditions diagnosed, time spent at the base, and more.

    Lawsuit settlements would also contain damages incurred, which can include medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional damages, and more.

    Depending on injuries and evidence, individual settlement amounts for exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune could be significant.

  • Is there a Camp Lejeune Class Action Lawsuit?

    Currently, there is not a Camp Lejeune Class Action Lawsuit.

    If Camp Lejeune Justice Act claims are not adjudicated within six (6) months of filing, lawsuits are able to be filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

  • Where is Camp Lejeune located?

    The base is located in southeastern North Carolina in Onslow County – along the Atlantic Coast.

    Camp Lejeune can be found in the city of Jacksonville, North Carolina.

  • How far is Camp Lejeune from Wilmington NC?

    Camp Lejeune is roughly 46 miles northeast of Wilmington, North Carolina.

    In other words, it takes around one (1) hour to drive from Wilmington, NC to Camp Lejeune – and vice versa.

  • How far is Charlotte NC from Camp Lejeune?

    Charlotte, North Carolina is found roughly 240 miles west of Camp Lejeune.

    In other words, it takes around four (4) hours to drive from Charlotte, NC to Camp Lejeune – and vice versa.

  • How far is OAJ Airport from Camp Lejeune?

    Albert J Ellis Airport (OAJ Airport) is roughly 20 miles northwest of Camp Lejeune.

    In other words, it takes around thirty (30) minutes to drive from OAJ Airport to Camp Lejeune – and vice versa.

  • How far is Cherry Point from Camp Lejeune?

    Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point is found roughly 55 miles northeast of Camp Lejeune.

    In other words, it takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to drive from MCAS Cherry Point to Camp Lejeune – and vice versa.

  • How far is Camp Geiger from Camp Lejeune?

    Camp Geiger is actually part of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune – although, they are not geographically connected.

    Camp Geiger can be found about 10 miles north of Camp Lejeune.

    It takes roughly 15 minutes to drive from Camp Geiger to Camp Lejeune – and vice versa.

  • How far is MCAS New River from Camp Lejeune?

    Marine Corps Air Station New River can be found roughly 9 miles north of Camp Lejeune, and directly west of Marine Corps Base Camp Geiger.

    It takes roughly 15 minutes to drive from MCAS New River to Camp Lejeune – and vice versa.

  • How can you be exposed to contaminated water?

    Exposure to contaminated water can happen in many ways.

    Four (4) ways you can be exposed to contaminated water are:

    1. Drinking water
    2. Bathing
    3. Using contaminated water in cleaning
    4. Cooking with tainted water

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Tor Hoerman

Tor Hoerman

Owner & Attorney - TorHoerman Law

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