Camp Lejeune Accident: The Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Lawsuit

Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Accident Overview

From approximately 1953 until 1987, Camp Lejeune in North Carolina was the site of a massive water contamination crisis.

The water, which was used to serve the base’s residents and personnel for decades, was found to be laced with toxic chemicals that caused serious health problems for many exposed to it.

Now, after years of legal battles, the victims of the Camp Lejeune water contamination accident are finally getting some justice. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act has been signed into law and Camp Lejeune victims are now able to seek financial compensation for their damages and injuries.

Best Lawyers for Camp Lejeune Lawsuit; Best Lawyers for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

The victims of the Camp Lejeune water contamination accident finally began to get some justice in 2012, when the U.S. government reached a $2.2 billion settlement with the companies responsible for the pollution.

The settlement will provide compensation to those who were exposed to the toxic water and will fund medical treatment for those who have been affected by the contamination.

If you or a loved one lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Lawsuit. 

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation. You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit instantly. 

Reach out to us today to learn about your legal options and how our Camp Lejeune attorneys can help you.

Frequently Asked Questions

16 DISEASES & SYMPTOMS OF CAMP LEJEUNE WATER contamination

The following conditions have been determined to be presumptively service-connected for veterans who served at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and who later developed any of the following conditions:

  • Bladder Cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Cervical Cancer
  • Esophageal Cancer
  • Kidney Cancer
  • Liver Cancer
  • Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
  • Adult Leukemia
  • Aplastic Anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
  • Multiple Myeloma
  • Renal Toxicity
  • Scleroderma
  • Hepatic Steatosis
  • Infertility In Women (and other birth effects)
  • Lung Cancer
  • Neurobehavioral Effects (like ALS & Parkinson’s Disease)

VA presumes that these ailments are linked to veterans’ contact with tainted drinking water at Camp Lejeune, so there is no need for a medical nexus.

The presumptions are important because they make it easier for veterans to get disability benefits for these conditions.

If you served at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days during the time period of interest, and you now have one of the presumptively service-connected conditions listed above, you may be eligible for disability compensation and other VA benefits.

The following (15) conditions have been determined to be associated with exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune:

  1. Esophageal cancer
  2. Breast cancer
  3. Kidney cancer
  4. Lung cancer
  5. Bladder cancer
  6. Myelodysplastic syndromes
  7. Hepatic steatosis
  8. Multiple myeloma
  9. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
  10. Leukemia
  11. Scleroderma
  12. Renal toxicity (kidney problems)
  13. Infertility in women
  14. Miscarriage
  15. Neurobehavioral effects

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has determined that these conditions are associated with exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

It is important to note that these determinations are based on scientific evidence and not all of these conditions have been recognized by VA as presumptively service-connected.

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.

These VOCs included:

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

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!

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

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit
Learn More

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

Table of Contents

The Camp Lejeune Accident: Toxic Water Contamination for Over 30 Years

People who lived at United States Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, may have been exposed to contaminated drinking water. This water was not safe to drink and contact with it may have increased the risk of developing cancer and other diseases.

The United States government has recognized the link between exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and certain health conditions.

The toxic water at Camp Lejeune was first discovered in the 1980s when a private well used by the base’s residents was found to be contaminated with trichloroethylene (TCE), a chemical used in dry cleaning and metal degreasing.

The well was immediately shut down, but it was too late for the people who had been using it.

Over the ensuing years, more and more evidence emerged that the water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with a variety of toxic chemicals, including TCE, benzene, and vinyl chloride.

These chemicals are known to cause serious health problems, including cancer, birth defects, and liver damage.

What Was in the Water at Camp Lejeune?

What Was in the Water at Camp Lejeune?

Several volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other toxic substances were found in the water at Camp Lejeune.

Toxic chemicals found in the water at Camp Lejeune include:

  • Tetrachloroethylene (PCE or PERC)
  • Trichloroethylene (TCE)
  • Vinyl Chloride
  • Benzene
  • Up to 70 other toxic chemicals

How Did Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Happen?

Toxic substances found their way into Tarawa Terrace Treatment Plant and Hadnot Point Treatment Plant, two of the water treatment plants that funneled into the Camp Lejeune water supply for decades.

Toxic substances leaked from underground storage tanks, an off-base dry cleaner, Hadnot Point fuel farm, waste disposal sites, and other potential contamination sites, impacting the water supplies for Camp Lejeune, Marine Corps Air Station New River, and other nearby areas.

Who Was Exposed to Contaminated Drinking Water at Camp Lejeune?

Over one million people lived or worked at Camp Lejeune in the years that drinking water and groundwater was contaminated with toxic substances.

Camp Lejeune residents and workers who may have been exposed to contaminated drinking water include:

  • Military personnel and service members
  • Military family members
  • Civilian workers
  • Contracted employees
  • Marine Corps veterans
  • National guard members
  • Others who lived, worked or visited for 30 days or more

Camp Lejeune Linked Illnesses and Injuries

Scientific and medical evidence have linked the toxic substances in the water at Camp Lejeune to several fatal medical conditions and illnesses. These medical conditions have caused irreparable damage to the lives and families of Camp Lejeune victims.

Camp Lejeune Linked Illnesses and Injuries

Serious health conditions related to toxic substances in Camp Lejeune’s water include:

If you or a loved lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for more than 30 days between 1953 and 1987 and developed one of the illnesses above, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation. You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit instantly.

Our law firm is working hard to make sure that veterans exposed to toxic substances in the water at Camp Lejeune secure the financial compensation they deserve. We can help you file your Camp Lejeune Justice Act claim, and if it is not adjudicated, file a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit on your behalf.

Reach out to us for more information and find out how our law firm can help you.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was signed into law by President Biden in August 2022 as part of the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. This new law provides an avenue for victims of water contamination to secure a Camp Lejeune settlement that covers health care benefits, medical expenses, and other damages associated with Camp Lejeune injuries and exposure.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act factors in the Federal Tort Claims Act and overrides North Carolina statutes that previously barred legal action for toxic water contamination at Camp Lejeune.

Victims must file a Camp Lejeune Justice Act claim, either with the help of a law firm or on their own. The claim is filed with the Navy JAG, which has six (6) months to review and adjudicate the claim.

If a decision is not made on a claim within six months, victims are afforded the ability to file a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit in the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

Our Camp Lejeune lawyers are here to help you file your claim correctly, maximize your compensation demand, and secure the compensation you are rightfully owed.

Do You Qualify for the Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation. You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify to participate in the Camp Lejeune litigation instantly.

Do You Qualify for the Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Lawsuit?

With filing a Camp Lejeune Justice Act claim,

Our Camp Lejeune attorneys can help guide you to gather crucial evidence such as medical records, military service records, housing records, and other information that proves your exposure to toxic water contamination at Camp Lejeune.

Our law firm will also help calculate and assess your damages so that your settlement demand accurately reflects what your experience.

Gathering Evidence for Camp Lejeune Claims

Gathering Evidence for Camp Lejeune Claims

Evidence is important in any personal injury lawsuit, but is especially important with Camp Lejeune Lawsuits and claims.

Evidence in a Camp Lejeune 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
  • Other information proving exposure to Camp Lejeune water contamination

Assessing Damages for Camp Lejeune Claims

Assessing Damages for Camp Lejeune Claims

Damages refer to the total amount of losses, economic and non-economic, incurred as a result of a diagnosis, incident, or accident.

Damages in Camp Lejeune Lawsuits may include:

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

TorHoerman Law: Your Camp Lejeune Lawyers

TorHoerman Law is currently accepting clients for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit and helping victims through the Camp Lejeune claims process.

If you or a loved one lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit and get compensated for what you’ve gone through.

Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options. You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit instantly.

We understand the attorney client relationship and are here to help when you need it most. Reach out to us today and learn about your legal options from our trusted Camp Lejeune attorneys.

Camp lejeune water contamination lawsuit

Tor Hoerman

Tor Hoerman

Owner & Attorney - TorHoerman Law

Share

Litigation Updates

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Update June 2022

June 16, 2022

June 16, 2022

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Update June 2022

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Update May 2022

May 19, 2022

May 19, 2022

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Update May 2022

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

September 7, 2023
Learn More

September 7, 2023

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

Camp Lejeune Parkinson’s Disease Lawsuit

May 15, 2023
Learn More

May 15, 2023

Camp Lejeune Parkinson’s Disease Lawsuit

Camp Lejeune Accident: The Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Lawsuit

April 12, 2023
Learn More

April 12, 2023

Camp Lejeune Accident: The Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Lawsuit

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement Amounts [2023 Easy Guide]

April 10, 2023
Learn More

April 10, 2023

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement Amounts [2023 Easy Guide]

Camp Lejeune Justice Act Of 2022

April 3, 2023
Learn More

April 3, 2023

Camp Lejeune Justice Act Of 2022

Camp Lejeune Multiple Myeloma Lawsuit [2023 Update]

January 23, 2023
Learn More

January 23, 2023

Camp Lejeune Multiple Myeloma Lawsuit [2023 Update]

CLIENT REVIEWS

quotation
Tom Lewis

TorHoerman Law was responsible for handling a medical case for our family. I was extremely impressed with their professionalism and ability to react quickly. They also did a nice job keeping us updated with the case throughout the process. This was the first time experiencing a situation like this and Tor Hoerman law did an excellent job from start to finish.

quotation
Jordan Terry

TorHoerman Law is an extraordinary law firm – a firm that truly makes the client’s best interests the primary concern. Their team of personal injury lawyers are experienced, personable, and well versed in a range of litigation areas. They are supported by a dedicated team of staff that are as equally friendly and helpful. I would recommend TorHoerman Law for any personal injury litigation needs.

quotation
Dave Woodley

All of my questions were answered quickly and in a way I could understand. Steve and the entire staff were friendly and professional.

quotation
Jordan Butler

I highly recommend this law firm! The attorneys and staff at THL worked hard, communicated every step of the process, kept me well informed at all times, and exceeded all expectations! The staff is kind, considerate, professional, and very experienced. Look no further, call now!

quotation
Maddy Moeller

Top-notch, hardworking attorneys!

quotation
Karen Hersman

A wonderful and professional legal team. They helped me when I needed expert legal representation! Thank you TorHoerman Law!

quotation
Angel Truesdale

They contacted me the next day. Very nice people!

quotation
Paul Graegin

The firm went above and beyond. Thank you for everything.

We'll Help You Balance The Scales of Justice

We're ready to fight for you. We're ready to be your ally. And we're ready to start right now.

Dont' waste time, contact our law offices today.

Edwardsville, IL

Chicago, IL

St. Louis, MO

Disclaimer: The contents of this webpage have been prepared by TorHoerman Law, LLC for informational purposes only. None of this information is intended as either legal or medical advice or opinions. No attorney/client relationship is established with use of this website. Sending or receiving information through this site, posting to our blogs/news site does not establish an attorney/client relationship. An attorney/client relationship with TorHoerman Law is established only by an express and written agreement by TorHoerman Law to represent you. Our attorneys make a case-by-case assessment of any claims and results may vary depending on the facts concerning any case. The attorneys at TorHoerman Law are licensed to practice in Illinois, Missouri, and California. In some circumstances, cases may be sent to other qualified lawyers. In those circumstances, TorHoerman Law maintains joint responsibility.