What we know thus far is that the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune is linked to a number of types of cancer, including breast cancer and lung cancer, among others. The scope of victims affected is so far-ranging that the issue led to the enactment of a bill, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, in order to seek help for those affected by the toxic water.
If you’re a veteran, military member, or family member who was exposed to Camp Lejeune water during this time period, and you later developed cancer or another dangerous health effect, you may have options.
With help from a personal injury lawyer, you can seek compensation for your injuries and join a growing number of victims seeking justice for the harm they’ve endured due to unsafe water from Camp Lejeune.
How Water Contamination Began at Camp Lejeune
To understand why water contamination is now linked to so many health risks, it’s important to first understand how the contamination began. Here is an overview of how the water supply at Camp Lejeune became contaminated:
- An off-base dry cleaner improperly disposed of its waste and contributed to spills. This took place from the time the dry cleaner (ABC One-Hour Cleaners) opened until the contamination was discovered in 1982.
- Water supply sources became contaminated as a result. Two water-supply sources were determined to be contaminated in 1982. They were supplied by the water treatment plants, Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point.
- Main toxic substances are discovered: trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE).
- Other sources of contamination are revealed. These included not only the dry cleaner spills, but many on-base sources as well: industrial site spills, underground leaks from storage tanks and drums, and more.
The Link Between Cancer Rates and Camp Lejeune’s Toxic Water
Did the water contamination at Camp Lejeune really cause military personnel and their family members to develop cancer? While expert opinions are widely mixed, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that between 500,000 and 1 million people were exposed between 1953 (the first point of contamination) and 1987, when the last of the contaminated wells were closed.
Of the people exposed to the contaminated water, thousands have reported development of cancers and other health issues. For example, one report by the ATSDR studied cases of cancer among 12,500 children born on the base.
It is, of course, impossible to determine which victims may not have developed cancer if they had not been exposed to the toxic water supply at Camp Lejeune. However, it’s important to understand that most of the toxic substances found in the water during that time period were known probable or certain cancer-causing agents, according to NBC News.
Water Treatment Plants That Supplied Contaminated Water to Camp Lejeune
The water treatment plants were the largest supply of water to the base, and determined to be the largest source of toxic chemicals, next to the dump waste from the dry cleaners. Water treatment plants involved in the contaminated water supply at Camp Lejeune include:
- Tarawa Terrace
- Hadnot Point
- Holcomb Boulevard
These treatment plants supplied water to housing units on-base, water which was later discovered to contain the toxic chemicals which led to the contamination, also known as volatile organic compounds (VOC).
Toxic Substances Found in the Water At Camp Lejeune
A number of volatile organic compounds were found in the water at Camp Lejeune, both when the contaminants were first discovered and in the years to come. The main VOCs include the following:
- TCE (trichloroethylene): the main contaminant in the contaminated groundwater affected by the dry cleaner and from the Hadnot Point water treatment plant. This is a solvent mainly used for cleaning metal parts.
- Tetrachloroethylene: an ingredient used mainly in dry cleaning.
- PCE (perchloroethylene): the main contaminant found in the Tarawa Terrace treatment plant, used in dry cleaning and metal degreasing.
- DCE (trans-1,2-dichloroethylene): used mainly in cleaners and degreasers.
- Vinyl chloride: used to make wiring, PVC pipes, wire coatings, and more.
- Benzene: used in plastic manufacturing to make resins and nylon synthetic fibers.
Types of Cancer Linked to Camp Lejeune Water Sources
A number of types of cancer have now been linked to the compromised water at the United States Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune:
- Adult leukemia
- Bladder cancer
- Blood cancer (multiple myeloma)
- Breast cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Childhood hematopoietic cancers
- Esophageal cancer
- Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Ovarian cancer
If you or a loved one have developed any of these types of cancer and were stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you may have legal options.
To get help for you, your child, your partner, or another family member, reach out to one of the experienced personal injury attorneys at Florin|Roebig to learn your legal options.
Other Health Issues Caused by Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune
Various types of cancer are not the only dangerous health conditions that may have been caused by the usafe waters at the Camp, according to medical evidence. The contaminated water sources were also found to increase the risk for a number of birth defects, health risks in utero, breast cancer in men, and others.
Some adverse health effects experienced by people exposed to Camp Lejeune’s water include:
- Neural tube defects (NTD)
- Oral clefts
- Parkinson’s disease and other neurobehavioral effects
- Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
- Nephrotoxicity (renal toxicity)
- Miscarriage
- Female infertility
- Spina bifida
- Anencephaly
- Scleroderma
- Hepatic steatosis
Disability Benefits for People Affected by Camp Lejeune Water
Due to the prevalence of cancer and other adverse health conditions among people exposed to Camp Lejeune water contamination, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) approved disability benefits to compensate victims.
Eligibility requirements for these benefits, which are separate from VA healthcare benefits, include having lived in base housing at Camp Lejeune sometime between August 1953 and December 1987. You must also not have received a dishonorable discharge.
Disability compensation through the VA for Camp Lejeune victims who meet all eligibility criteria are available for reservists, guardsmen, and veterans. Current health conditions approved for VA benefits include:
- Adult leukemia
- Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Parkinson’s disease
Taking Action: The Camp Lejeune Justice Act
In January 2022, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 was first introduced to the House of Representatives. This bill has now passed both the House and Senate, and is on the way to becoming federal law.
In March 2022, the House of Representatives passed the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022, which encompassed both the Camp Lejeune Act and other legal issues related to toxic exposure in service members.
Why This Bill Was Enacted
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was enacted in order to help protect people who were active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy and lived in base housing at the time of toxic exposure to contaminated water (1953-1987).
If the bill is signed into law by President Joe Biden, it would give military members affected by the unsafe water supply at Camp Lejeune the right to pursue legal action during a two-year time frame.
How The Lejeune Justice Act Affects Water Contamination Victims
Essentially, the Act allows people to file lawsuits against the liable parties for the injuries they suffered due to Camp Lejeune contaminated water exposure. This law is crucial, because it allows affected service members and their affected family members to get around federal law that would bar them from seeking compensation, such as North Carolina’s statute of repose.
Typically, you can only file a personal injury lawsuit within the named statute of limitations (which is three years, in North Carolina). This Act, if passed by the federal government, will supersede that limitation.
How to File a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Injury Lawsuit
Qualifying military service members affected by the water toxicity at Camp Lejeune may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the parties responsible. If you were stationed at the Camp for at least 30 days during the above-named timeframe, you may be able to file a claim.
To begin a lawsuit, it helps to begin working with an experienced personal injury lawyer, such as ours at Florin|Roebig law firm.
We will perform a thorough case evaluation and help you understand if you are eligible to seek compensation. From there, we will begin building the foundation for your case. Our firm is backed by decades of experience and outstanding case results.
Our personal injury lawyers will take care of all the details of your case from start to finish. This includes gathering evidence, conducting interviews, poring over your medical records, communicating on your behalf for legal issues, and much more.
When it’s time to file your claim, we will ensure it is filed within the statute of limitations and backed by the details necessary to prove your claim.
Who Is Liable for the Water Toxicity at Camp Lejeune?
The Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits are unique cases. That is, there may be several liable parties involved. The federal government may be held liable for your diagnosis and health condition, since they are responsible for military base housing.
Other liable parties may include any businesses which contributed to the tainted water, other federal agencies who were negligent, and any other negligent party who had a hand in the water contamination.
If you are unsure who your claim will be filed against, this does not mean you cannot file your claim. A lawyer can help you determine the appropriate party.
Types of Damages You May Be Able to Claim
The first step in your case after gathering evidence is assessing damages. Damages can take many forms, beyond the medical bills you have to pay for your condition. Some damages you may be able to claim in a water contamination injury lawsuit include:
- Medical bills: This can include both your current medical bills and any past medical expenses directly related to your diagnosis.
- Lost wages/lost earning capacity: If you have had to miss work or stop working due to your health condition, you may qualify for damages to cover lost wages.
- Disability benefits: The same is true if the health condition is considered a catastrophic injury that will affect you in the long term.
- Loss of consortium: Spouses and other loved ones affected by the loss of a family member due to a diagnosis caused by contaminated water may be able to claim damages.
- Pain and suffering: The effects on your health may not only be physical, and pain and suffering damages account for this impact.
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Who Is Eligible to File A Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?
If you lived on base for at least 30 days at Camp Lejeune during the time period of August 1953 to December 1987 and have a medical diagnosis listed on this page, you may be able to file a claim for damages. Eligible persons who meet this criteria include:
- Active duty service members
- Veterans
- Family members of active duty service members or veterans
- Non-military staff members
- In-utero victims
- Family members of deceased victims
Dishonorably discharged service members do not qualify.
Average Settlement Amounts for Water Contamination Cancer Lawsuits
A number of factors will be considered when determining settlement amounts for those affected by Camp Lejeune. The first and most critical factor is typically the diagnosis. For example, a cancer of Parkinson’s disease diagnosis will tend to garner a higher settlement than a less severe health condition.
However, the severity of the diagnosis is not the only factor. The duration of the condition, amount of medical bills, and ways it has impacted your or your loved one’s life will also be considered.
Because of this, the average settlement amount for a Camp Lejeune water contamination injury lawsuit could range from $20,000 up to $1 million or higher. Florin|Roebig injury lawyers can help you determine maximum damages for your claim to help ensure you receive fair compensation.
Do You Need An Attorney to File A Water Contamination Lawsuit?
Due to the vast number of victims affected by the contaminated water supply at Camp Lejeune, it is crucial to have expert legal representation when filing a lawsuit for damages. With that said, victims always have the right to represent themselves in court during a personal injury claim.
Yet self-representation will not provide you with the years of experience that comes with working with a personal injury lawyer, such as those at the law offices of Florin|Roebig. Our lawyers are trained in personal injury law, and have won millions to date in case results for their clients.
For a case that is so critical to obtaining the compensation you or your family member deserve for the pain and suffering you’ve endured, it’s best to work with an attorney.
FAQs for Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Lawsuits
Do you still have questions about Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits? Find answers below to commonly asked questions.
How do I file a claim for Camp Lejeune water contamination?
The easiest way to file your claim is by contacting a reputable injury lawyer. They can help you determine important details for your case, such as the evidence you need, damages to claim, and liable parties involved.
When it’s time to file, your lawyer will file your claim within the court system and by the appropriate deadlines.
What caused contamination in the water at Camp Lejeune?
Contamination of the water supply at Camp Lejeune from 1953 to 1987 was caused by several volatile organic compounds (VOC).
These VOCs made their way into the water supply via multiple sources, including by being dumped into the ground from a nearby dry cleaning business, ABC One-Hour Cleaners, and through industrial site spills and underground leaks from nearby water treatment plants.
What are the symptoms of Camp Lejeune water contamination health effects?
The water at Camp Lejeune has been linked to a number of adverse health conditions, which means that symptoms caused by these conditions will vary widely. Here are some general symptoms which may be experienced:
- Extreme fatigue or tiredness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Eating issues, such as lack of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tremors of the hands, jaw, legs, arms, or head
- Muscle stiffness
- Decreased urine
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Weakness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Slowed movements
- Impaired balance and coordination
- Inability to conceive
Is the water at Camp Lejeune safe now?
According to the U.S. Marine Corps, the water at Camp Lejeune is safe to drink and use today and has been considered safe since March 1987. The water is checked quarterly now for VOCs, which is more often than federally required.
Water for Camp Lejeune is in compliance with both federal and state regulations to ensure safe drinking water at all times.
What factors affect settlement amounts for Camp Lejeune lawsuits?
One of the greatest factors that affects settlement amounts for Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits is the severity of the diagnosis. If you have cancer linked to the water at Camp Lejeune, your settlement amount may be much higher than someone who received a less dangerous diagnosis.
Other factors that may affect the payout for a Camp Lejeune personal injury claim include the amount and types of damages listed, duration of the condition, and how it has impacted your life.
How much will it cost to hire a lawyer for a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit?
The amount you will have to pay a lawyer to represent your case depends on whether they work on a contingency fee basis. Lawyers who work on contingency fee terms will not receive payment unless they win your case. All Florin|Roebig attorneys work for a contingency fee — we won’t get paid unless we help you secure compensation for your injuries.
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Find the Right Attorney for Your Water Contamination Case Today
Are you ready to seek justice for cancer, Parkinson’s disease, or another health condition you’ve endured due to your time spent at Camp Lejeune? Florin|Roebig law firm can help.
Our personal injury lawyers have represented clients with cases just like yours numerous times. We know personal injury law, and we will not back down from seeking justice for our clients. Our reputation precedes us with multiple clients walking away with million-dollar settlements for their pain and suffering.
Let us help you today. Call the law offices of Florin|Roebig to get in touch with a personal injury attorney for a free consultation to discuss your case.