Camp Lejeune is a U.S. Marine Corps Base located in Jacksonville, North Carolina. It was established in 1942 and is where many military members and their families called home. Unbeknownst to the heroes who lived there, it was also the source of water contamination so extensive that it led to many people developing cancer and other serious illnesses. The CDC’s Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registration estimates that up to one million military members, families of military members, and civilian staff might have been exposed to the contaminated water.
We Have Some of the Best Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawyers
A new federal law will finally allow victims to file a claim and seek a settlement for the harm they’ve suffered due to the contamination. Butler Kahn can guide you through the claim process and answer any questions you have. Contact us today to talk to a Camp Lejeune water contamination attorney for a free case evaluation to see if you may be entitled to compensation.
When Did the Groundwater Contamination at Camp Lejeune Occur?
The groundwater contamination is believed to have occurred between January 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registration (ATSDR) found that people living on or working at the base during this time period were exposed to contaminated water that caused death, injuries, and chronic health conditions. The contamination was discovered in 1982, but it took more than three years for the source of some of the contamination to be shut down.
What Are Some of the Toxic Compounds That Have Been Found in the Water at Camp Lejeune?
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) were found at Camp Lejeune, likely from the degreaser and dry-cleaning solvents. Studies revealed that the water was contaminated with:
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)
- Perchloroethylene (PCE)
- Methylene chloride
- Benzene
- Vinyl chloride
- Mercury and other heavy metals
- Pesticides
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
There were more than 70 other chemicals found in the contaminated water that was linked to adverse health risks, with some toxic compounds found to be at rates 240 to 3,400 times safe levels.
What Are Some of the Diseases that Are Related to the Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune?
The ATSDR has linked water contamination to various diseases and illnesses, including:
- Adult leukemia
- Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
- Birth defects, major malformations, and birth defects
- Female infertility
- Hepatic steatosis
- Impaired immune system function
- Liver cirrhosis
- Miscarriage and fetal death
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Neurobehavioral performance deficits, including confusion, delayed recall, and visual perception deficits
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Parkinson’s disease
- Renal toxicity
- Scleroderma
- Various cancers, including bladder, brain, breast, cervical, esophageal, kidney, liver, lung, ovarian, prostate, rectal, and soft tissue cancer
Sadly, some people have died from their exposure to the toxic drinking water. A Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyer can help.
What Are the Causes for the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
The water contamination at Camp Lejeune was linked to a nearby dry-cleaning company that used dangerous solvents. Industrial spills, leaking underground storage tanks, and negligent waste disposal practices of nearby businesses also contributed to the contamination. The ATSDR reported that wells that supplied the base with water surpassed acceptable levels of toxic compounds. It took more than three years to shut down these wells after contamination was discovered in the groundwater.
What Are the Side Effects of the Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune?
The ATSDR says the water contamination at the base likely increased the risk of the following to the infants, children, pregnant mothers, military members, and civilian workers who lived and worked on the base:
- Death
- Cancers
- Neurobehavioral effects
- Adverse birth outcomes
- Infertility problems
- Miscarriage
- Other adverse health effects
What Is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022?
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows individuals who were adversely affected by water contamination at Camp Lejeune to file a claim against the government for the losses they suffered because of contamination. The bill was signed into law in August 2022.
Who Can Sue for Injuries Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022?
Veterans who were on the base for at least 30 days during the contamination period between 1953 and 1987 and developed diseases linked to contamination may be able to file a claim. Current law establishes a presumptive service connection for certain conditions and illnesses associated with the water contamination problem at Camp Lejeune. Therefore, you only need to show you were there for at least 30 days and developed a certain medical condition, not how the contamination was related to your service.
Anyone who resided at the base during the contamination period, including those in utero, is eligible for the payment of medical services, hospital care, and nursing home care through the VA for the treatment of illnesses caused by exposure to the contaminated water. The Butler Kahn is actively reviewing cases for eligibility to file a claim under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Claim?
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was signed into law on August 10, 2022. You have two years from this date to file your claim for compensation under the act.
What Forms of Compensation Are Available for a Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Claim?
Victims can recover compensation for losses stemming from their illness caused by water contamination at Camp Lejeune, including:
- Medical expenses – You can receive compensation for your past, current, and future medical expenses associated with illnesses caused by contamination.
- Lost income – You can also recover compensation for lost wages while you were receiving treatment for your conditions and lost earning capacity if the illness caused a permanent disability.
- Funeral and burial expenses – If your loved one died due to an illness stemming from water contamination, you may be able to recover compensation for funeral and burial expenses.
- Pain and suffering – You can also recover compensation for pain and suffering, lost quality of life, and similar losses.
Contact a Georgia Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawyer Today
If you are reading this page because you or a loved one suffered adverse health effects caused by water contamination at Camp Lejeune, we hope you are receiving the medical care you need. The newly passed law provides a limited window to make a claim, so if you would like to talk to us about your situation, call us or contact our Camp Lejeune water contamination attorney online. There is no charge for your consultation and we can walk you through your options.
