The Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit has been the largest case of this year so far, and there is no sign of it slowing down any time soon. More than a million people who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 were exposed to contaminated water. This water is now known to have been full of dangerous chemicals.
Many people have been put at serious risk because of this. The people that were exposed to the toxic water include military members, their relatives, workers, and visitors. The toxic substances that were found in the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune have led to countless diseases and injuries. Thousands of affected people are now demanding their rights by filing for compensation.
The compensation in question may be monetary or in the form of health care benefits. As for the monetary amount, it could reach up to a million or more, depending on the severity of the case.
What is Camp Lejeune?
Here is a brief history of the “Home of Expeditionary Forces.” Camp Lejeune is a military base in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The story of Camp Lejeune starts all the way back in 1941. That was when the first base camp was set up. It was named after a general in WWII. Since then, many people have trained there for many more years to come.
The base has been an active military training facility since it was founded. It is actually still active to this day. However, many people who are not training simply live their lives there. Camp Lejeune holds a population of around 150,000 marines, sailors, employees, workers, retired people, and many civilian families.
Starting from the early 1950s until the late 1980s, the base’s water was heavily contaminated with toxic substances. This means that all of these innocent people who had been living there were put at risk for a very long time. Most of the contaminated sites were shut down in 1985, but sadly, many people are still dealing with the effects of this water contamination to this day.
For this reason, citizens are starting to come together in order to reclaim their rights and demand justice. A lot of people are beginning to receive hefty compensation for their injuries and suffering. The importance of this is felt nationwide.
What Caused the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
The contamination of the water at Camp Lejeune was caused by many reasons. Here are some of the main reasons, though:
- Spills from underground tanks used for storage
- Disposal sites for dumping waste
- Businesses and corporations
- And more.
In addition to the waste from generator tanks and other spills, a dry cleaner that opened in 1953 also used to dump all of its waste into the water supply of the area. This was only the beginning of the contamination, though. After a few years, the chemicals started to build up.
Needless to say, the water was very contaminated. Two of the wells that were shut down on the base had chemicals such as TCE, PCE, benzene, vinyl chloride, and more in them. These chemicals are known to cause serious health issues. This is especially the case for people who have been using the tainted water for years. One of the main issues with the contaminated water is that the chemicals are colorless. That is the primary reason it took decades for anyone to realize it was tainted.
Learn more about Camp Lejeune’s water contamination here.
Who Was Exposed to the Camp Lejeune Water?
Many people have been exposed to the toxic Camp Lejeune water in North Carolina from 1953 until 1987. The people who could have come in contact with the life-threatening water at Camp Lejeune include:
- Military members
- Relatives
- Employees
- Visitors
All of the people mentioned above are eligible to file a tainted water exposure claim. We believe that every single person who has been through any suffering because of the water contamination at Camp Lejeune needs to see the justice they deserve. Today, there are a million people who have been affected by the toxic Camp Lejeune water. This means that way too many people are still suffering because of this.
Those who were exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune contracted a slew of diseases. If you or someone related to you is a victim of the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, then you need to know your rights.
Learn more about Camp Lejeune’s water contamination here.
History of Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune
The story of the Camp Lejeune water contamination starts more than seven decades ago. So, here is a simplified timeline of what happened.
Timeline of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
In 1952, the Tarawa Terrace Water Treatment Plant began operating. This led to a lot of toxic substances getting mixed in with the water supply that was being dispersed. By 1953, the Hadnot Point Water System had started to become contaminated as well. Also, in that same year, a dry cleaner opened up very close to the area of the base.
Another factor that led to the contamination was the cleaning of the base’s military equipment with strong chemicals. This also made its way into the water supply. Within the next couple of years, a good portion of the water supply being dispersed was wildly contaminated. By 1980, the water at Camp Lejeune had been tested. These tests revealed that the water was indeed tainted.
By 1985, the government started shutting down the most contaminated wells. With time, all contaminated sites were shut down. Regardless, many people are still living with the aftermath. In 2017, former military members who had been exposed started filing VA benefits claims. Shortly after that, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was signed and passed in 2022. This is certainly a momentous victory for many.
Learn more about Camp Lejeune’s water contamination here.
Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Settlement Amounts
If you or a loved one were at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days during 1953–1987, then you may be entitled to receive a very large sum of money. Some people may even get up to one million dollars, or more. The Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit can be filed by anyone who meets the conditions.
With that being said, anyone who was in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and suffered harm or loss from the many years of water contamination exposure in the area can file a claim. A Camp Lejeune settlement typically ranges from more than $1 million to about a minimum of $25,000. A lot of lawyers believe that most of the payouts will be very high, though.
In 2022, a person who had been affected by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune got $100,000 in compensation from the VA. Depending on each person’s case, someone could get more or less than that. There are billions at stake, and people who believe they were affected are urged to act now.
When Will the Settlement Amounts Be Paid Out?
Many of the people who have been affected by or exposed to the water at Camp Lejeune are wondering when the US government will pay the settlements. However, since this is still a relatively new lawsuit, it is too soon to know when the first settlements will be paid out. A lot of people have made some good estimations.
What is most likely to happen is that the most serious cases will be paid out in around six months. Cases that are not as strong will probably take a few years. With almost $7 billion set aside by the US government for Camp Lejeune victims, anyone who needs to protect their future health is urged to act now. The compensation amount could cover all medical bills.
Families are entitled to ask for reimbursement as well. The sooner a claim is filed, the sooner the payout will be. This is why it is recommended not to wait too long to act. The Camp Lejeune lawsuit will not be around forever.
Learn more about Camp Lejeune compensation here.
Lawsuit Timeline and Camp Lejeune Justice Act
The Marine Corps began letting former residents of Camp Lejeune know about potential health risks back in 1999. Since then, many people have come forward with claims.
The first Camp Lejeune lawsuit was made back in 2007. It was dismissed right away. Then, the first mass tort case was in 2009. At this time, not many people knew about Camp Lejeune or the water contamination scandal.
There were many legal issues that ruined any chance of success for the earlier lawsuits. One of the main reasons was the statute of repose in North Carolina. This did not stand in the way for too long, though. In 2012, President Obama signed the Camp Lejeune Families Act into law. Sadly, not much has changed.
Just when it looked like all hope was lost for getting justice for thousands of people, things turned around. In August 2022, President Biden signed the PACT Act. With this law in motion, it is very important to know that the window to file a claim for this lawsuit is very limited in time. If someone thinks that they may qualify, then they need to act ASAP. This opportunity will not always be around.
If you think that you or someone you know may have a chance, you will need to hurry because the time is now. Waiting any longer may put you at risk of losing this opportunity to obtain your rights.
Who Qualifies for Compensation?
The U.S. government is offering financial aid to the people who were present at Camp Lejeune during the years of water contamination there. So, without further ado, here are the criteria that will need to be met in order to have a valid case.
The first condition is that the person in question must have been present at Camp Lejeune within the timeframe of August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. This includes the satellite locations, too. It does not matter whether the person was a veteran or not. The most important thing is that this person has lived, or at least worked, there for at least one month (30 days). In other words, to qualify, the person in question will need proof that they have done one of the following:
- Actively served at Camp Lejeune for a minimum of 30 days.
- Lived at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days during that period.
These are the qualifications covered under the CCLFA. Of course, both of these must take the timeframe into account. The second condition is that the person has a diagnosis of one of the health issues presumed by the VA.
The water at Camp Lejeune was very contaminated with chemicals and toxic substances for over 30 years. If you or someone you know was exposed to the water at Camp Lejeune during that time, then you are allowed to sue the U.S. government. This is because the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was passed in August 2022.
Learn more about Camp Lejeune compensation here.
No Fee Until You Win Policy
The vast majority of Camp Lejeune lawyers do not take a fee until after the client has gotten their settlement. What this means is that in most cases, you are not at any risk of losing money.
In other words, you either earn your money in the best-case scenario or do not lose any of it in the worst case. Since there is no real risk of losing any money, the only real question left is: what have you got to lose? By filing a claim as soon as possible, you will be making sure that you have made your claim within the set time frame. This is important since there is a deadline for the lawsuit.
If your case does win, and it will if you meet all of the requirements, then you will stand to gain a great deal of money. Some people may even be able to get over $1 million. However, if you do not win for any reason, you will not be required to pay. That is because most lawyers have a “no fee until you win” policy. When looking for the right lawyer to help you win your case, make sure they have this policy in place.
Top Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Lawyers
Finding a lawyer that can help win your case may be hard. It is even harder to find an expert product liability lawyer. There is no need to fret, though. We can help you get in touch with the top Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyers.
After people file their Camp Lejeune water contamination claims, the lawyers will check their cases and evaluate them. These expert attorneys will be with them every single step of the way. As mentioned above, a really good lawyer will have a “no fee unless you win” policy. So, you do not need to worry about losing any of your money, even in the worst-case scenario.
Camp Lejeune’s water was contaminated with toxic substances for more than three decades, from 1953 to 1987. During this period, over one million soldiers were stationed at the base. Their families there were exposed to the contaminated water as well.
Anyone who was exposed at that time is qualified to apply for Camp Lejeune water contamination compensation. If you are looking for a really good water contamination lawyer, then we can help narrow down the choices for your case. This means that you do not need to worry about the hassle on your own. Scroll to see how you can find the perfect lawyer for your case.
How to Choose a Lawyer
If you are looking for a good Camp Lejeune lawyer but are having some trouble finding the right one for your case, we can help. Here is how you can narrow down your options and make sure you choose the right one.
First, make sure they have a free, no-obligation case consultation. This is important because a good lawyer will not ask for a fee when it comes to a case consultation. Next, check that they have years of experience with Camp Lejeune and mass tort cases. You will want a real professional to take charge of your case. The more years of experience they have, the more knowledgeable they are.
Another thing you can do is look at online reviews. There is nothing wrong with reading authentic reviews and feedback online when you are looking for a lawyer. It is very important that you know everything about the person who is taking care of the most important case of your life. Check the BBB for their ratings as well. It is also vital to make sure that the website you are getting your data from is a trusted one.
Another thing to do is check their professional license. Not only do they need to see your documents, but you will also need to see theirs as well. Next, you will really need to meticulously review their retainer.
Lastly, look at how many cases they have taken. You do not want to get stuck with a lawyer who has very few cases. This could be an indicator that they are not the best option to take. Likewise, you do not want a lawyer who has a surplus of cases on his or her hands.
How Much Will You Pay Your Lawyer When You Win?
There is a popular demand for personal injury lawyers for Camp Lejeune cases today. The real question, though, is: how much will you have to pay your lawyer when you win your case?
The Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) has limited the contingency fee a lawyer can take. Most lawyers will ask for a 40% contingency fee. This is normal for these types of cases. The cap, however, is only a quarter of your settlement amount. So, instead of only keeping 60% of your settlement, you will get to keep 75%.
It is very important to mention that you do not pay your lawyer anything upfront, no matter what. The time to take legal action is limited. That is why it is so crucial to know that the time to act is now. The Justice Act that was signed in August 2022 says that claimants have to follow through within the specified time before the deadline.
If you or a relative have been exposed to the tainted water at Camp Lejeune, then you are 100% entitled to make a claim against the US government. Family members and relatives who have lost a loved one because of the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune are also urged to seek compensation.
Learn more about Camp Lejeune compensation here.
Camp Lejeune Lawsuit: What Areas Qualify?
Geography has been an issue of contention for Camp Lejeune victims. That is, many are wondering which areas qualify in order to make a valid claim for the lawsuit. This means that affected people will need to know what the geographical borders of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act are.
Camp Lejeune is located in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The borders are not as simple as that, though. The main issue is whether or not all of the Camp Lejeune areas are covered under the Act or just the Camp Lejeune Military Base. Other than the main base camp, there are six satellite locations. These include the Marine Corps Air Station New River, Courthouse Bay, Camp Geiger, Camp Johnson, the Greater Sandy Run Training Area, as well as Stone Bay.
Those six constitute the entirety of the Camp Lejeune area. This is the area that was listed as the area of coverage ten years ago, in 2012. However, does the statute mean to offer a claim to this whole area? This remains unclear for now, as the lawsuit is still very new. There is still much to know about the geographical limitations as well.
Camp Lejeune Water Treatment Plants
We now know that one of the main reasons for the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune is the water treatment plants. The first water treatment plant to open was Tarawa Terrace. This was in 1952, one year before the contamination was confirmed to have started.
In summary, Camp Lejeune has eight total water treatment plants. They include Tarawa Terrace, Holcomb Boulevard, Hadnot Point, Rifle Range, Onslow Beach, Montford Point/Camp Johnson, Courthouse Bay, and New River.
With that being said, only three of these have been confirmed to be contaminated. They are Hadnot Point, Holcomb Boulevard, and Tarawa Terrace. Even though all known sources of toxic water at Camp Lejeune were shut down years ago, many are suffering from the contamination to this day. People who were affected are urged to act now.
How to File a Claim for Camp Lejeune
If you or a loved one were stationed at Camp Lejeune, then you were most probably exposed to contaminated water. Victims of Camp Lejeune have the right to file for financial benefits. Protect your future health now by taking action. Here are the steps you need to take to file your claim.
First, provide evidence that you were actually at Camp Lejeune during the years of water contamination. If you have lived, served, or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days, then you are qualified. Also, the 30 days do not have to be consecutive. It is important that you have proof since you will need to provide it in order to have a valid claim. This could be military documents, work records, etc.
After that, you will need to have some sort of proof of illness. You or your relative will need to show medical records for one of the illnesses that are presumed to have been caused by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune. Then, you can file your Veterans Affairs (VA) claim. You can file a disability claim by doing one of the following:
- File online by visiting VA.gov
- Going directly to a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for help
- Going to a VA office for help
Next, you will need to wait for the decision the VA will make. Now, this is also the perfect time to start looking for good Camp Lejeune lawyers. After you have a lawyer, you can file a lawsuit even if your claim was denied by the VA. If it is accepted, your lawyer will take care of everything.
Limited Time to File a Claim
Camp Lejeune water contamination has taken the nation by storm for many reasons. Now, the people affected by it need to know their rights. This is a crucial time and should not be wasted. An important thing to know about the Camp Lejeune trials is that there is limited time to act. That is why it is imperative that you take legal action as soon as possible.
The deadline for filing is two years after the date the legislation was signed into law. So to speak, the deadline is August 9, 2024. With a 6-month timeframe to respond to claims, the final date a person can file in court will be on February 9, 2025. It is highly recommended to submit claim forms as soon as you can, though.
With $6.7 billion set aside by the US government for victims of Camp Lejeune, qualified individuals need to act as soon as possible in order not to miss out. The sooner a claim is made, the sooner the payout will be.
Most Common Health Issues Related to Camp Lejeune
If you or a family member have lived at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, you may have been exposed to some very toxic chemicals in the water there. Medical research has revealed that there is a link between contact with this contaminated water and some serious health issues.
The toxins that were found in the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune have led to countless diseases and injuries. As it were, any person who has a current diagnosis of one of the diseases or conditions listed qualifies for compensation. These people may also get VA benefits, including free healthcare.
Camp Lejeune water diseases:
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Lung cancer
- Other cancers
- Female infertility
- Hepatic steatosis
- ALS
- Miscarriage
- Birth defects
- Multiple myeloma
- Myelodysplastic syndrome
- Neurobehavioral effects
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Renal toxicity
- Scleroderma
- Parkinson’s disease
- Other health conditions
In addition to that, the toxic water at Camp Lejeune can damage the body’s nervous system. This means it can cause behavior, learning, or even emotional issues.
The neurobehavioral problems include the following:
- Memory problems
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Trouble concentrating
- Dementia
- Anxiety
- Parkinson’s disease
Victims of the water contamination at Camp Lejeune who meet the conditions needed to pursue legal action should do so ASAP. People can also ask for money because the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune has caused them emotional pain and trauma.
What the Government Has to Say
As of 2022, anyone “who resided, worked, or was otherwise exposed (including in utero exposure) for not less than 30 days during the period beginning on August 1, 1953, and ending on December 31, 1987, to water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina” is entitled to ask for compensation.
For decades, the people who have been exposed to toxic water during their military service at Camp Lejeune have been fighting the US government for their right to compensation. The federal government, as well as the Marine Corps, are finally doing their part. In addition to monetary recovery, the victims are finally getting the recognition they deserve.
Back in 2012, President Obama signed legislation that provided $2 billion in Medicare and benefits to the people who had been affected. That was only the beginning, though. There was still a lot that needed to be done.
A whole ten years later, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) was passed in 2022. This law gives all victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination the right to sue the federal government. The law is seeing mass support from both Republicans and Democrats. If you have been affected by the bad water at Camp Lejeune, you have the legal right to pursue compensation. We urge everyone to act now and not wait any longer.
Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022
The “Honoring Our PACT Act” is a very important one. Anyone who was affected by Camp Lejeune and its water contamination needs to know about it. This Act will let anyone who has lived or worked at Base Camp Lejeune for at least thirty days from 1953 to 1987 make a claim and sue. The affected party will have two years from when the Act was signed to file their claim.
In June 2022, the federal government passed the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. Underneath this act was the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. This act was passed to address all issues that had affected the people who had been exposed to the contaminated water. President Biden signed the Act in August 2022. This gives everyone a window until August 2024 to take legal action.
This act also adds to the VA benefits related to health care. This includes all veterans who have been exposed to dangerous areas, including burn pits, the notorious agent orange, and other toxic substances (such as contaminated water at Camp Lejeune).
This Act of Congress was passed with the intent of improving access to healthcare for all military members who came into contact with dangerous substances during their years of service. After being denied justice for too many years, the veterans are finally getting what they deserve.
How Lawyers Choose Which Camp Lejeune Cases to Take
Different law firms have different ways of assessing cases. Each lawyer will have a different metric. In regards to the Camp Lejeune cases, a lawyer will naturally look at the following factors when taking into consideration whether or not a case is valid:
- The claimant
- The exposure duration
- The diagnosis
There are many other factors that different lawyers will look at. However, the ones mentioned above are the main three. Some lawyers and law firms will take any claim so long as there is proof that they were at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days. Some do not even care if the 30 days were consecutive or not.
Other firms, though, are only taking a limited number of cases that have a higher chance of winning. So, for instance, they will only take claims that have proof of at least 30 days of exposure to the water and a diagnosis of one of the conditions listed above. As the lawsuit is still very new, it is unclear how each case will do. However, cases that meet all of the conditions will definitely receive high payouts. That has been confirmed by many official sources.
Victims in Utero
Some of the claimants were in utero when they were exposed to the contaminated Camp Lejeune water. So even though they were still in the womb, they were affected by the toxic chemicals.
Science has proven that the water at Camp Lejeune has led to a lot of birth defects. Here are the health issues found in infants that have been exposed to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune:
- Neural tube birth defects
- Spina bifida
- Anencephaly
- Oral clefts
- Childhood hematopoietic issues
So with that being said, not only can adult victims sue, but also victims who were infants at the time of exposure. These people and their families also have the right to file for compensation.
VA Benefits
The toxic material in the Camp Lejeune water supply severely affected the drinking water. Many of the people who had lived there believed that their current health issues were due to the water contamination. As it were, the water had indeed caused many health issues, and many are suing the US government for any damages. Victims of this are entitled to VA benefits, such as health care.
These issues also led to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act being passed. According to the Act, victims of water contamination are eligible for a variety of disability benefits.This will depend on many things, such as how long the person was exposed. Veterans, reservists, and guardsmen are all covered when it comes to VA benefits. Past military members are urged to file claims and get the benefits they deserve after their many years of service.
Countless people are still fighting for justice to this day. If you or someone you know has been affected, join them now.
Federal Tort Claims Act
The Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) will basically allow anyone to sue the US government for most torts. This includes the water contamination at Camp Lejeune. Under the FTCA, people can sue for all of the following:
- Property damage
- Personal injury
- Death (caused by a federal employee)
The form used for these sorts of claims is Standard Form 95. Camp Lejeune, as of late, is classified as a mass tort case.
Filing Camp Lejeune Claims
It is very important to know a few things before filing a case in court. First, you will need to file a claim. This is done with the Department of the Navy. The form you will need is available online. Basically, it is just another FTCA claim form.
Now, it is crucial to know that this form has to be submitted and the dispute resolved before the lawsuit can be filed. At this stage of the process, there is no need for any medical records or such to be submitted with the claim form. After this step is taken care of, you may move forward with your case. Make sure that you have all the required documents that you will need on hand and ready. This includes proof of staying at Camp Lejuene during the time of the contamination epidemic.