CAMP LEJEUNE WATER CONTAMINATION

 

 

 

An estimated one million Marines, their family members, and other people who were stationed or worked at Camp Lejeune from August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 can now seek compensation for certain cancers, birth defects, Parkinson’s Disease, and many other health issues that may have been caused by contaminated water at the Base.

What You Need to Know

  • The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on March 4, 2022, approved by the Senate on June 16, 2022, and signed by the President on August 10, 2022.
  • The new law allows certain individuals exposed to water contaminants at Camp Lejeune to file a claim with the government for harm from exposure to the contaminated water. Individuals who do not resolve their claim with the government can now file a lawsuit in federal court.
  • Individuals, including veterans and surviving family members, who resided, worked at, or were otherwise exposed to water at Camp Lejeune for no less than 30 days from August 1, 1953 to December 31, 1987 are eligible to pursue a claim.
  • Claims filed pursuant to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 are for damages in addition to any disability or medical treatments that have already been awarded by the VA.

How Can We Help

If you were exposed to water contamination at Camp Lejeune, you may have a legal claim. If you would like more information about your legal options, please give us a call at 800.755.0098 or fill out our free case review below. All consultations are free and confidential.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022

The contamination of water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is a tragic story that began over 60 years ago and continues to affect the lives of those who were exposed to the contaminated water. In 2012, the U.S. government acknowledged the harm that was caused by the contamination and passed the Camp Lejeune Health Care Act, which provided healthcare for some of the victims. However, many people were still left without any compensation for their injuries.

Now, almost 10 years later, victims of water contamination at Camp Lejeune finally have options.  Specifically,

On August 10, 2022, the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) of 2022 was signed into law.  This Act includes a provision known as the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 that specifically addresses those who had been stationed at Camp Lejeune and allows any individual who believes they were (1) exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 consecutive days between 1953 and 1987, and (2) have suffered injuries due to exposure to (or ingestion of) contaminated water may file a claims with the Office of the Judge Advocate General of the Navy’s Tort Claims Unit (TCU) in Norfolk, VA.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act now allows Individuals who are denied or who do not resolve their claims with the government to file a lawsuit in Federal Court.

Filing a Camp Lejeune Justice Act Claim

It is important to understand that the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 does not guarantee compensation. Eligible individuals must submit a claim pursuant to 28 USC § 2675 before filing a lawsuit in federal court.  It’s possible that claims may be resolved directly with the government making a lawsuit unnecessary.  Our legal team can assist you in this process.

The Office of the Judge Advocate General posted a claim form that must be submitted to start the process. The claim form requires individuals to provide certain information about the claim, including but not limited to:

  • The location where the exposure occurred, including Tarawa Terrace Housing, Hospital Point Housing, other on base housing, or outside of Camp Lejeune;
  • Whether the individual worked at Hadnot Point Industrial Area in Camp Lejeune; and
  • The injury that forms the basis of the claim.

The claim form also requests the person include the amount of compensation sought. The Tort Claims Unit then reviews the claim and either makes an offer of compensation, denies the claim, or rejects the claim as improper. We understand that this can be confusing process; we are glad to work with you through the claims process.

Only after a claim is not resolved or denied can an individual file a lawsuit in federal court, pursuant to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022.

Important: If you previously filed a claim that was denied, you must refile for consideration under the new Camp Lejeune Justice Act.

Health Effects of the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

Exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune can cause a number of serious health problems, including certain cancers, kidney disease, liver disease, and birth defects. If you were exposed to the contaminated water, it is important to discuss with your doctor and get tested for these conditions so that you can get the treatment you need.

According to the VA, “Scientific and medical evidence has shown an association between exposure to these contaminants during military service and development of certain diseases later on.”  When filing a lawsuit pursuant to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, each individual has the burden to prove that a causal relationship between the injury and water contamination is at least as likely as not.  Those injuries may include:

  • Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
  • Birth Defects
  • Bladder cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Female infertility
  • Hepatic steatosis
  • Kidney cancer
  • Leukemia
  • Liver cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Miscarriage
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Myelodysplastic syndromes
  • Neurobehavioral effects
  • Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
  • Renal toxicity
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Scleroderma

Camp Lejeune TV Commercial

Law firms and advertisers are running Camp Lejeune TV commercials encouraging people exposed to water contamination at Camp Lejeune to call a number to speak to an attorney. Often, the Camp Lejeune TV commercial is sponsored by an advertising company or law firm that will refer the case to someone else.

If you don’t like the feeling of being passed around, or are unsure about who will actually represent you, then give us a call. You can speak directly to one of our Camp Lejeune litigation team members who will be working with you throughout this process.

Are we the right fit for you? Give us a call, let’s talk about it.

Talk to a Lawyer

If you were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune from August 1, 1953 to December 31, 1987, you may be entitled to compensation. Complete the case review form above or call 800.755.0098 for a free and confidential consultation.