camp-lejeune-map-for-water-contamination-attorneyDuring the time between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, the water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with toxic chemicals, including Trichloroethylene (TCE), Perchloroethylene (PCE), Benzene, Vinyl Chloride, and other dangerous chemicals. The Marine Corps discovered the dangerous compounds around 1982. However, by then, a significant amount of damage had already been done. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), as many as one million military and civilian staff members and their families were potentially exposed to the contaminated drinking water in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. As a result, many people have suffered.

On August 10, 2022, the Camp Lejeune Act of 2022 was passed as a part of the Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022. The PACT Act allows victims who were harmed by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune to seek compensation for their injuries. It also allows families to seek compensation for their loved ones who died as a result of the harmful chemicals at Camp Lejeune.

Whether you or a loved one were harmed by the toxic chemicals at Camp Lejeune, we are here to help. Our law firm is honored to help the men and women of our military get the justice they deserve. If you or your loved one needs our help, feel free to call us at (321) 352-7588 if you live in Florida or Georgia, or you can call us at (843) 638-6590 if you’re in South Carolina or North Carolina.

What is the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Timeline?

The relevant timeline for the Camp Lejeune lawsuit is August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987. If you or a loved one spent 30 days at Camp Lejeune between those dates, you may be eligible for compensation. Keep in mind, the requirement is 30 days total. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act does not require that you spent 30 consecutive days at Camp Lejeune during that time between August 1953 and December 1987.

How Much Money Has Been Set Aside for Folks Injured or Damaged by Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune?

The Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022 provides somewhere around $6.7 billion in funds for Veterans who have suffered from a disease or illness as a result of being exposed to the dangerous compounds in the water at Camp Lejeune.

What Chemicals Were in the Drinking Water at Camp Lejeune?

Two water wells at Camp Lejeune that were eventually shut down contained dangerous levels of the following chemicals:

  • Trichloroethylene (TCE);
  • Perchloroethylene (PCE);
  • Benzene;
  • Vinyl chloride; and
  • Other compounds.

What Conditions, Illnesses, or Diseases Have Been Linked to the Dangerous Chemicals and Compounds Found in the Water at Camp Lejeune?

There have been a number of serious illnesses, diseases, and conditions associated with the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune. If you or your loved one has experienced a serious condition, like cancer or any of the conditions listed below, you may be eligible for compensation under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022. Below is a list of conditions that have been connected to the dangerous chemicals at Camp Lejeune.

  • Adult leukemia;
  • Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes;
  • Bladder cancer;
  • Kidney cancer;
  • Liver cancer;
  • Multiple myeloma;
  • Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma;
  • Parkinson’s disease;
  • Breast cancer;
  • Esophageal cancer or esophageal carcinoma;
  • Renal toxicity;
  • Lung cancer;
  • Bladder cancer;
  • Leukemia;
  • Myelodysplastic syndromes;
  • Hepatic steatosis;
  • Female infertility and miscarriage;
  • Scleroderma;
  • Neurobehavioral effects.

If you or a loved one spent at least 30 days at Camp Lejeune and experienced any of the above illnesses or diseases, or if they experienced some other serious condition or sickness because of contamination exposure, you should consider reaching out to an attorney right away. The clock is ticking on filing for benefits under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. You must file within 2 years of the passage of the Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022, which was August 2022. We offer free consultations, and you don’t pay anything unless we win. We take all the risk on your Camp Lejeune case.

Who is Eligible for Compensation Under the Camp Lejeune Act of 2022?

The Camp Lejeune Act of 2022 provides that anyone exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune for a total of 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and who has an illness or condition that can be linked to the contaminated water may be able to file a claim. This includes some of the following:

  • Veterans;
  • Spouses;
  • Children (including unborn children);
  • Civilian staff and family.

Can I Bring a Claim on Behalf of a Family Member That Died as a Result of a Disease, Illness, or Condition Caused by Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune?

Yes, you can. If your loved one died as a result of a condition caused by exposure to the contaminates in the water at Camp Lejeune, the personal representative of your loved one’s estate can bring a claim on behalf of your diseased loved one. The language from Subsection (b) of the Camp Lejeune Act of 2022 is below:

(b) In General. An individual, including a veteran (as defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code), or the legal representative of such an individual, 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, that was supplied by, or on behalf of, the United States may bring an action in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina to obtain appropriate relief for harm that was caused by exposure to the water at Camp Lejeune.

As you can see, if your loved one spent 30 days at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and died as a result of a condition that can be linked to the contaminants in the water at Camp Lejeune, you may be able to bring a wrongful death claim on behalf of your deceased loved one.

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How Do I Connect Injuries to the Contaminated Drinking Water at Camp Lejeune?

There are several presumptive conditions that have already been linked to the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune. Therefore, these are conditions that would require the least amount of proof to connect the condition to contaminate exposures. The presumptive conditions include the following:

  • Adult leukemia;
  • Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes;
  • Bladder cancer;
  • Kidney cancer;
  • Liver cancer;
  • Multiple myeloma;
  • Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma; and
  • Parkinson’s disease.

For all other conditions, you will likely need to submit proof that your condition was caused by your exposure to the contaminates at Camp Lejeune. Thus, the key to getting you compensation will be to properly link your condition to the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune. Like any other personal injury lawsuit, this boils down to medical opinions and proving causation. In other words, this is an area we are very familiar with.

When Can I File a Claim Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 or the Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022?

You have until August 10, 2024 to file a claim for damages. The Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022 was signed into law on Wednesday, August 10, 2022. Within the Honoring Our PACT Act was the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022. The PACT Act gave people 2 years to file a claim for damages. Therefore, beginning on August 10, 2022, injured folks and their families could begin filing claims for damages for exposure to contaminants at Camp Lejeune, and people may continue to file claims until August 10, 2024. However, after that, it’s over. Therefore, there’s no reason to wait to file your claim if you think you’re eligible.

What Benefits or Other Forms of Compensation Are Available Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act provides a way for folks injured by contaminated drinking water to receive disability benefits, healthcare, and compensation for their illnesses through the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit.

Disability Benefits for Members Disabled by Their Conditions Linked to Contamination

The disability benefits are available to Veterans, Reserve, and National Guard members that (1) served at Camp Lejeune for 30 cumulative days from August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987; (2) who did not receive a dishonorable discharge; and (3) who suffered one of the following 8 health conditions:

  • Adult leukemia;
  • Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes;
  • Bladder cancer;
  • Kidney cancer;
  • Liver cancer;
  • Multiple myeloma;
  • Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma;
  • Parkinson’s disease.

Healthcare Costs Associated with a Condition Caused by Exposure to Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune

The VA has said it will cover the costs associated with treating the conditions linked to water contamination at Camp Lejeune for Veterans with the following conditions:

  • Certain cancers (esophageal, breast, kidney, lung, and bladder cancer);
  • Multiple myeloma;
  • Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma;
  • Leukemia;
  • Renal toxicity;
  • Female infertility;
  • Scleroderma;
  • Myelodysplastic syndromes;
  • Hepatic steatosis;
  • Miscarriage;
  • Neurobehavioral effects.

For these conditions, family members of military personnel who lived at Camp Lejeune are eligible for reimbursement for their medical expenses not already covered by another healthcare plan.

Compensation Through the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

Military members and their families, as well as civilian staff members and their families, who have a condition, illness, or diseased that can be linked to exposure to the harmful chemicals at Camp Lejeune may be able to receive compensation through the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022.

What is the Average Payout for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?

As with any other personal injury lawsuit, the payout for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit will depend upon a number of factors. Some of the more critical factors are as follows:

  • The strength of the connection between the medical condition and exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune;
  • The particular medical condition and the severity of that condition;
  • The amount of exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune;
  • The damage the medical condition or illness has caused in terms of physical pain, emotional pain, loss of enjoyment of life, and any other harms or damages caused by the medical condition.

The key to building a good case is to perform a proper investigation and to put in the work. That’s how we maximize the value of a case. The stronger the evidence, the better your case, and the better your case, the more compensation you will qualify for.

Once I Hire a Camp Lejeune Attorney, What Happens Next?

Once you hire a Camp Lejeune attorney to help you get maximum compensation for your water contamination injuries, there will be several steps to take to work towards resolving your case.

Talk About Your Time at Camp Lejeune and Your Medical Conditions

First, we’re going to talk on the phone or meet in person and talk about your experience at Camp Lejeune and learn more about why you were there, what you did while you were there, and how long you were there. We’re going to talk about what conditions you have suffered as a result of your exposure to the water contaminants. We’re going to ask about how those conditions have caused you pain suffering and other difficulties.

Work With Medical Experts to Determine the Link Between Your Condition and the Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune

Depending on your condition, we may need to work with medical experts to establish a connection between your illness or disease and the time you spent at Camp Lejeune. In other words, we will need to see if your illness is linked to your exposure to the dangerous chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune.

Talk To Your Family and Friends About Your Battle with Your Illness

A critical part in understanding the impact your condition has had on your life will be to talk to witnesses. Many people, especially military folks, have a hard time complaining about things and talking about just how much they have been through. However, witnesses, like family members, friends, church members, and other people close to you, can sometimes give a fantastic description of how your condition has impacted your life.

Submit a Claim for Damages

Once we have all the information and evidence we need, the next step is to file a claim for damages with the proper federal entity.

If Your Claim is Denied, File a Lawsuit

If your claim is denied or if the offer for settlement is not reasonable and fair, we can file your lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. Keep in mind, we do not believe this will be necessary for many cases. However, because the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits are new, there is no way to predict whether a lawsuit will be necessary in your case. In other words, we need to be ready for anything, and we need to prepare as if we’re going to trial, just like we do for any other case. We need to take this seriously from day 1.

What is the Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012?

To avoid confusion, the Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022 is different from the Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 and provides additional money to injured folks who spent time at Camp Lejeune. On August 6, 2012, the President signed the Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 (“Camp Lejeune Families Act”). The Camp Lejeune Families Act provides for cost-free medical care for veterans and their families who were exposed to contaminated drinking water while stationed in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Veterans who served 30 days of active duty at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and who suffered a “qualifying health condition” are eligible for health care. The qualifying health conditions include the following:

  • Esophageal cancer;
  • Breast cancer;
  • Kidney cancer;
  • Multiple myeloma;
  • Renal toxicity;
  • Female infertility;
  • Scleroderma;
  • Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma;
  • Lung cancer;
  • Bladder cancer;
  • Leukemia;
  • Myelodysplastic syndromes;
  • Hepatic steatosis;
  • Miscarriage;
  • Neurobehavioral effects.

Family members of Veterans who also lived at Camp Lejeune between August 1953 and December 1987 are also eligible for reimbursement of out-of-pocket medical expenses related to the 15 qualifying health conditions not already covered by another health plan.

Schedule a FREE Legal Consultation with a Camp Lejeune Attorney Today

If you or a loved one have suffered an illness due to exposure to the dangerous chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune, you may be entitled to compensation. Money has been set aside to help you and your family. However, you must file your claim before August 10, 2024, if you are to receive compensation.

We offer free legal consultations with a Camp Lejeune attorney. You can schedule your consultation by calling us at (321) 352-7588, or you can contact us on our website. Once you schedule your consultation, Mr. Buist or Mr. Spetsas will call you at the number you provide and at the time you select.

At our law firm, attorneys do the consultations, not intake people or customer service representatives. We’re not a big box, Walmart law firm, and so we’re proud to go the extra mile for our clients. We give our clients the cell phone number of their attorney so they can talk to an attorney when they have questions, not a paralegal, assistant, or customer service rep.

Moreover, we have at least one attorney licensed in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Attorney Charles Buist is licensed in the Eastern District of North Carolina, which is the venue for the Camp Lejeune lawsuits. If we can't help you with your claim, we will do our best to put you in touch with good, honest, and hardworking attorneys. We’re here when you need us.

DISCLAIMER: Fee agreements include a percentage fee to the law firm, as well as any case costs. The percentage fee to the firm is often referred to as "attorney fees" or the "attorney's fee." Case costs, on the other hand, include things like the costs associated with filing a lawsuit, hiring experts, mailing, printing, retrieving documents, and any other costs associated with filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim.