Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview

Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune was established in the early 1940s.

This site was home to various residents, including active duty military personnel, veterans, family members, civilians, and contractors.

It wasn’t until 1982, after numerous complaints from the residents, that the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) documented the fatal toxicity of water at Camp Lejeune.

The ATSDR confirmed the presence of various toxic chemicals and volatile organic compounds in the Camp Lejeune water supply.

By then, over a million veterans and civilians had been exposed to the toxic water for several years.

What Toxic Chemicals Were in the Water at Camp Lejeune?

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were found in the drinking 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.

How Did Camp Lejeune’s Water Supply Become Contaminated?

Toxic chemicals made their way into multiple water treatment plants that supplied Camp Lejeune.

The most contaminated water treatment plants at Camp Lejeune were Tarawa Terrace Treatment Plant and Hadnot Point Treatment Plant.

Health Problems Associated with Contaminated Drinking Water at Camp Lejeune

Various health conditions have been linked to the toxic substances found in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune.

Many of these health conditions are life-altering or fatal.

The following health problems were included on the VA disease registry for Camp Lejeune water contamination:

• 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)

Other associated conditions include:

• Ovarian Cancer
• Stomach Cancer
• Birth defects and birth injury
• Miscarriage

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 Is a Class Action Lawsuit?

A class action lawsuit is a legal procedure wherein one victim files a case on behalf of numerous victims facing similar issues, which is the class.

Class members will share the same legal, factual, and economic claims, as well as the associated legal fees.

Class action lawsuits are beneficial in particular circumstances, such as when a wide range of victims suffered similar damages from a company or organization.

This way, plaintiffs can process their claims faster and at lesser costs.

Is the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit a Class Action?

No.

There is not a Camp Lejeune Class Action Lawsuit.

Many law firms on the internet are referring to the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit as a “class action lawsuit”, due to the fact that many people unaware of the legal process are confused about how the Camp Lejeune Litigation is planned.

The Camp Lejeune Litigation entails an administrative claims process in which many people will be compensated quickly.

If their Camp Lejeune claims are not adjudicated (approved) within 6 months, Camp Lejeune victims are entitled to file a lawsuit.

These lawsuits will be filed in the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

The process for the North Carolina Federal Court has not yet been completely nailed down, but having a lawyer to guide you through the process of filing a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit is essential.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

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

Our Camp Lejeune Attorneys are here to help you with the claims process and to represent you in the Camp Lejeune Litigation if your initial claim is unsuccessful.

We have decades of experience holding negligent parties accountable for the harm they’ve caused. Let us help you with your Camp Lejeune claim and seek maximum compensation for what you’ve experienced.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act: History and Implications

For many years, victims of the water contamination in Camp Lejeune were left with no legal recourse.

Many of these victims died tragically without seeking justice for what happened to them.

Throughout the years, Camp Lejeune victims have attempted to legislate change and make it possible for those affected to seek compensation, health care benefits, disability benefits, and more.

It wasn’t until the passing of the Honoring Our PACT Act that victims were entitled to seek compensation from the federal government for the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The PACT Act provides new health care benefits for military personnel impacted by exposure to toxic chemicals during their military service.

The PACT Act includes the Camp Lejeune Justice Act – which allows any person who was exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune to file an administrative claim for compensation.

Below are laws that were passed before the Camp Lejeune Justice Act that helped forge the path for its success:

The Janey Ensminger Act of 2019

The Janey Ensminger Act of 2019, or the H.R.

1742, allowed Camp Lejeune victims to seek healthcare assistance for the lifelong diseases they sustained from the toxic substances.

The name of the law was in honor of Janey Ensminger, a young girl who died from leukemia after long-term exposure to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water.

Janey Ensminger was the daughter of Etsuko and Jerry Ensminger.

Jerry was a retired U.S. Marine veteran who pushed through with the initiative to seek justice for Janey.

Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012

The Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012, or simply the Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012, allows victims and their family members to seek improved healthcare, housing allowances, education benefits, and memorial services.

This law is also known as H.R. 1627.

Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022

Despite the victims’ long-drawn battle for justice, it wasn’t until August of 2022 that the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 was enacted.

This law allows ill and injured veterans, civilian workers, and family members to seek compensation from the government for medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of wages, and other damages sustained due to water contamination.

With this in effect, the number of Camp Lejeune Lawsuits skyrocketed.

How Can You File a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?

If you or a close family member lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between 1953 to 1987, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the U.S. government for damages related to the water contamination.

Find a Camp Lejeune Lawyer Immediately

While Camp Lejeune victims are able to file an administrative claim on their own without the help of a lawyer (pro se), we highly recommend hiring an experienced Camp Lejeune Lawyer to help with the filing of your claim and a potential Camp Lejeune Lawsuit if your claim is not adjudicated within 6 months.

Our Camp Lejeune attorneys are knowledgeable about the specifics of the laws related to this case, and they can provide valuable information and assistance throughout the process.

Moreover, they can help you accurately estimate your damages and determine how much compensation you should rightfully receive.

If the settlement offered to you is unfair, an experienced lawyer can help you take necessary legal actions to get the amount your case deserves.

Prove You Were Stationed at Camp Lejeune

The first proof you must present when filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit is your residence at the height of water contamination.

According to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, former Camp Lejeune residents who lived or worked at the military base for 30 days or more between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, are entitled to pursue compensation.

The best way to prove your residency is through military records, employment records, medical records, or other documents from government agencies.

Your Camp Lejeune Lawyers can help you secure crucial evidence and guide you in the right direction.

Preserve Documentation of Your Illness

The next critical evidence you must preserve is your medical documents.

You should be able to produce scientific and medical evidence that you suffer from a severe or life-long medical condition because of your exposure to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water.

Most diseases associated with Camp Lejeune’s toxic water exposure are cancer, liver disease, congenital structural disabilities, leukemia, anemia, and other illnesses.

Build a Case and File With the VA

Once you have all your evidence and paperwork organized, your first legal step is to file a claim to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and prove your case.

This is where an experienced attorney’s help comes in again. They can help you understand the process of filing a claim to the VA and assist you with the claims process.

As mentioned, they can also help you identify if your Camp Lejeune settlement is below what you’re entitled to receive for your damages.

An experienced lawyer can help you fight for your rights and demand a reasonable settlement amount.

Prepare Your Lawsuit if the Claim Fails

Most Camp Lejeune claims with solid evidence are readily accepted with little to no questioning.

However, if your claim fails to get approved, you can file a lawsuit against the federal government in the U.S. District Court: Eastern District of North Carolina.

For most cases, it could take up to six months before finalizing their decision for your claims request.

If you have a lawyer on your side, they can help you build a robust case and appeal the VA’s decision for your case. This process might take some time, but it’s worth the effort.

Potential Camp Lejeune Settlement Amounts

The average dollar amount for Camp Lejeune settlement payouts is not yet known.

Camp Lejeune settlements are determined on a case-by-case basis.

Our Camp Lejeune lawyers estimate that the average Camp Lejeune settlement amounts may fall between $10,000 and $500,000 depending on the strength of your case.

These estimates for Camp Lejeune settlement amounts are only estimations based on the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) budget for Camp Lejeune claims.

These estimates are not a guarantee by any means of certain compensation for Camp Lejeune settlements.

Your Camp Lejeune claims will outline a settlement demand, determined with the help of your lawyer.

The Navy’s Tort Claims Unit is not allowed to give legal advice and will not provide a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit payout higher than what is demanded on your initial claim, so it is important to have an experienced lawyer help you with your claim and use their expertise to maximize your potential Camp Lejeune settlement.

Do You Qualify for the Camp Lejeune 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 occurring, 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: Your Camp Lejeune Lawyers

TorHoerman Personal Injury Lawyers are dedicated to achieving justice and rightfully deserved compensation for those exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune.

Our Camp Lejeune Attorneys can help you through the Camp Lejeune Administrative Claims Process and also provide you legal representation in the event of a potential Camp Lejeune 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 us for a free legal consultation or use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify for a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit instantly.

Any confidential or sensitive information you provide, such as medical records authorizations, is safe with us.

We value the attorney client relationship and will ensure that your information and claims are kept safe and secure.