Who Can File Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claims?
Those who lived or worked at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987 may be eligible to file Camp Lejeune water contamination claims.
It is important to note that service members were not the only ones exposed. Military spouses and children have suffered, as well as civilian workers and their family members.
Examples of people who may have Camp Lejeune claims include:
- Marine and Navy personnel
- Civilian workers
- Pregnant women who suffered a miscarriage or stillbirth
- Babies who were born on the base
- Children who lived on the base
- Family members who visited for at least 30 days (even if the days weren’t back-to-back)
- Survivors who lost a loved one to a Camp Lejeune water illness
For decades, Camp Lejeune toxic water victims were left with no relief. Chronic health conditions and mental anguish plagued their lives while medical bills piled up.
Thankfully, help is finally available. Even if you have already been denied a VA disability claim or if the exposure was long ago, it is not too late for you to seek justice.
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Dates
Marine Base Camp Lejeune had two contaminated water supply systems from 1953 to 1987. During that time, nearly 1 million people were exposed to toxic chemicals that could cause many different health conditions.
Since babies were born on the base, those eligible to file Camp Lejeune water contamination claims could be as young as 35, with the most senior victims now being in their late 80s or older.
Unfortunately, many have already passed away, but their survivors may qualify for Camp Lejeune claims.
No matter how far back the exposure was, people who were exposed can now pursue legal action. Fill out this Camp Lejeune water contamination claim form to determine if you are eligible.
List of Diseases Linked to Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
Camp Lejeune water contamination claims can be filed by people exposed to the toxic water for at least 30 days.
Camp Lejeune water contamination illnesses include:
- Birth defects
- Heart disease
- Hepatic steatosis (fatty liver disease)
- Myelodysplastic syndromes (disorders that affect blood cell production)
- Neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease
- Renal toxicity (kidney poisoning)
- Various types of cancer, such as adult leukemia, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, and liver cancer
Women who were pregnant on the base and lost their babies to miscarriage or stillbirth may also be finally able to seek justice. This includes women who struggled with female infertility.
Do not delay — call (866) 473-4764 now to find out how to file a claim for Camp Lejeune water contamination.
Why Was Camp Lejeune Water Contaminated?
The federal government, the United States military, and a privately owned dry cleaner all contributed to contaminating the drinking water at Camp Lejeune.
The groundwater near Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point contained volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Although this was discovered in the late 1980s, contamination is believed to have been present for decades.
The Camp Lejeune water contamination timeline is as follows:
- 1941: Camp Lejeune was founded on North Carolina’s Atlantic coast as a vital base for the Marines. It is one of the Marine Corps’ largest and busiest bases.
- 1953: The dry cleaning industry began using trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) to clean clothes. ABC Cleaners, a dry cleaning business near Camp Lejeune, was among those using the chemicals.
“ABC cleaners discharged thousands of gallons of the hazardous solvents into its septic system. The chemicals leaked from the tank and seeped into the groundwater, eventually winding up in the two wells that supplied drinking water to 6,200 residents of a Marine housing complex.” – North Carolina Health News
- 1970s: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) labeled Camp Lejeune a “major polluter” due to evidence showing oil and industrial wastewater being dumped into storm drains and potentially buried radioactive materials.
- 1974: A written regulation shows the government knew about the dangers of organic solvents since it outlined safe disposal and warned that solvents could contaminate drinking water. The Marines didn’t release this regulation.
- 1979: Nearly 30,000 gallons of fuel from storage tanks had already spilled through an ongoing leak.
“The fuel depot was a long-standing problem at Camp Lejeune. In 1979, up to 30,000 gallons of fuel had been spilled.” – Tampa Bay Times
- 1980: Military chemists begin analyzing base drinking water and find it highly contaminated.
- 1982: A North Carolina state-certified laboratory is hired to test Camp Lejeune water and finds synthetic organic cleaning solvents had contaminated the drinking water where thousands of Marines and their families lived.
- 1983: The Marine Corps tells the state of North Carolina and EPA about the ongoing fuel leak.
- 1984: Chemists begin testing base wells directly, even though the Marine Corps wouldn’t do so.
- 1984/1985: Ten wells are shut down because of contamination.
- Late 1980s: The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) begins assessing Camp Lejeune’s toxic water health risks.
- 1989: The leaking fuel depot was shut down.
- 1998: ATSDR completes its first study on the health of children born from 1968-1985 to mothers exposed to Camp Lejeune toxic drinking water during pregnancy.
- 2008: President George W. Bush signs the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act. The Act requires the Department of the Navy (DON) to work with ATSDR to conduct Camp Lejeune contaminated drinking water health surveys.
- 2017: ATSDR releases its final Camp Lejeune Drinking Water Public Health Assessment, acknowledging that the drinking water was contaminated with VOCs.
- 2022: The Honoring our PACT Act is signed into law. While most of the public discussion is centered on burn pits, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 is a major component.
What Chemicals Were in Camp Lejeune Water?
Camp Lejeune water was contaminated with VOCs released into the groundwater and pumped into the base through the Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point water treatment plants.
ATSDR determined that the Camp Lejeune water wells contained:
- Benzene
- Dichloroethylene (DCE)
- Tetrachloroethylene — also known as perchloroethylene (PCE)
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Vinyl chloride
- Other contaminants
Are Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claims Lawsuits?
Yes, and it is essential to understand that they differ greatly from VA disability compensation claims.
Camp Lejeune lawsuits against the government are being allowed for the first time in history, thanks to the tireless efforts of victims and advocates.
Since this is groundbreaking news that puts victims in uncharted waters, it is critical to work with a qualified law firm to ensure your claim is handled correctly.
“After decades of waiting and suffering, Lejeune families now must maneuver a legal maze to get help, though it’s better than the roadblocks they’ve faced for years.” — WRAL, North Carolina
Hiring a top law firm to handle your Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit could make all the difference in how much money you receive. The Camp Lejeune Claims Center can connect you with top law firms to get you the best results possible.
What If I Already Got Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Benefits?
Your Camp Lejeune water contamination claim is entirely separate from VA disability claims or any other type of VA benefits you may be receiving. Even if you were denied disability compensation in the past, it doesn’t matter. Camp Lejeune drinking water claims may still be an option.
How to File a Claim for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
Camp Lejeune water contamination claims can be filed with the help of a lawyer. Because these claims are so new, it is imperative to work with a skilled law firm that has experience handling complex cases, including class-action lawsuits.
“Science and Congress finally caught up to what they suspected for years — the water was killing people and somebody needed to pay.” — WRAL, North Carolina
Do not worry if you don’t know whether you are eligible or where your loved one was stationed. Our claims advocates can quickly and effectively help you determine your eligibility.
You will be walked through the entire process when you work contact Camp Lejeune Claims Center’s patient advocates. Our team can connect you to top lawyers if you are eligible. Your dedicated Camp Lejeune claims team will do all the heavy lifting, as they understand that you and your family have already been through enough.
Is There a Time Limit to File Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claims?
Camp Lejeune water contamination claims will undoubtedly have deadlines placed around them. This is why it is so important to act without delay. It also becomes critically important to work with a top Camp Lejeune law firm to discuss your legal options.
No matter how far back your exposure was, you may be newly eligible to file a claim. Even if your loved one has passed away, you may qualify.
However, laws called statutes of limitations place strict deadlines on lawsuits. The laws vary by state and should be taken seriously.
Do not delay. Call (866) 473-4764 to directly connect with a claims advocate. We are standing by 24/7 to speak with you.
Connect With a Camp Lejeune Claim Law Firm
The best Camp Lejeune water law firms are personal injury firms involved in the fight to get justice for Camp Lejeune water supply victims.
Top law firms handling Camp Lejeune water contamination claims have:
- Ability to handle claims in all 50 states
- Experience with class actions or multidistrict litigation (MDL)
- Trained Camp Lejeune claims advocates on staff
- VA-accredited attorneys who are familiar with toxic exposure lawsuits
There is no cost or obligation to get a case evaluation, and your call is confidential. Contact us today to get your free consultation.
