What Are Camp Lejeune Lawsuits?
Camp Lejeune lawsuits are legal actions brought against the federal government by people who were harmed by the contaminated water at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina between 1953 and 1987.
During this time, two of Camp Lejeune’s water treatment plants — Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point Treatment Plant — were contaminated with toxic chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
The VOCs included benzene, trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (also known as perchloroethylene or PCE), and vinyl chloride. These hazardous substances have been linked to many very serious Camp Lejeune health conditions.
Before a new law called the Honoring Our PACT Act was passed in August 2022, Camp Lejeune victims could not file lawsuits — they could only apply for disability benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
This is because the federal government had immunity against lawsuits, which left victims and their families with no legal options.
However, that has changed, and Camp Lejeune victims finally have legal options.
We can help you file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit right now. Get your free claim review now to find out your eligibility.
Thanks to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (part of the PACT Act), victims can finally pursue compensation through Camp Lejeune lawsuits to cover medical expenses and other damages.
Watch our short video to understand what the PACT Act may mean to you.
Learn what the recently signed PACT ACT means for veterans and their loved ones stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987. View Transcript.
Duration: 01 min 51 sec
Camp Lejeune 101: What the PACT ACT means for Camp Lejeune 101 veterans. On August 10th, 2022, United States President Joe Biden signed the PACT ACT, a bill that offers the most significant increase in critical healthcare and disability benefits to millions of veterans in their families in more than three decades, but what does this bill specifically mean for veterans who are stationed at Camp Lejeune?
Between 1953 and 1987, nearby businesses were dumping hazardous chemicals that made their way into the Camp Lejeune water supply systems. The water contained toxins, such as benzene, perchloroethylene, trichloroethylene, and vinyl chloride, chemicals that can cause cancer, infertility, miscarriages, and other illnesses. Residents and staff were repeatedly exposed to the site’s tap water system, including drinking and bathing in the water.
The PACT Act includes the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, a bipartisan bill that allows veterans and their families who were exposed to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune to file lawsuits and recover compensation for the harm done. If you or your loved ones were exposed to the toxic drinking water at Camp Lejeune, you may be entitled to financial compensation. The Camp Lejeune Claim Center has been helping veterans and their families pursue compensation for their injuries. Call (866)-473-4764 today to request a free case review and see how we can help you to.
Camp Lejeune Lawsuits vs. VA Benefits
It is very important to understand that Camp Lejeune lawsuits are different from VA claims. And filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit does not affect your existing VA benefits.
Further, veterans who were denied VA benefits in the past may also be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit.
Camp Lejeune veterans benefits are provided by the VA and can support veterans with various resources and financial assistance. These benefits can include disability compensation, health care benefits, education, home loans, and more.
However, obtaining VA disability benefits can be a lengthy and challenging process, especially for Camp Lejeune-related conditions. Many veterans and advocates agree that most Camp Lejeune disability claims have been denied for decades.
“Veterans are entitled to benefits… but the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (‘VA’) has denied the overwhelming majority of claims based on the Camp Lejeune water contamination.”
–Yale Law School
Some believe the high VA disability benefits denial rate is linked to a 2012 program that required all Camp Lejeune claims to be reviewed by a group of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). These SMEs are thought to be responsible for reducing the approval rate to a mere 8% of submitted claims.
On the other hand, filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit involves taking legal action against the federal government.
By pursuing a lawsuit, veterans and their loved ones may finally seek financial compensation for harm caused by exposure to contaminated water.
Do not wait. Learn about your Camp Lejeune legal options with a free case review right now.
Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Update: August 2023
As of early August 2023, there has been a frustrating lack of developments in Camp Lejeune lawsuits.
We do know that the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina has formed a seven-member leadership team to manage the ongoing Camp Lejeune litigation.
So far, over 1,000 lawsuits have been filed, with approximately 663 cases still awaiting responses from the United States Department of Justice (DOJ).
To handle the growing number of lawsuits, the DOJ is urging the judges to consolidate the influx of Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits. This is because the total number of lawsuits may exceed 100,000, which is arguably far too many to handle on an individual basis.
While the Camp Lejeune lawsuit updates have seemed to be lacking, we are committed to reporting on the latest developments.
Visit our Camp Lejeune lawsuit update page for more information.
Camp Lejeune Health Conditions
Exposure to contaminated Camp Lejeune water is linked to many health issues, including various forms of cancer and neurological disorders.
Additionally, women exposed to Camp Lejeune water during pregnancy were at a greater risk for infertility and miscarriage and giving birth to babies with birth defects.
Camp Lejeune water contamination is linked with the following conditions:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease
Aplastic anemia - Birth defects
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Cardiac defects
- Cervical cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Lymphomas
- Multiple myeloma
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Pancreatic cancer
- Parkinson’s disease
- Prostate cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Scleroderma
If you or a loved one developed a health condition after living or working at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune water lawsuit. Get a free case review now.
Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Settlement Amounts
Since there have not been past successes with these lawsuits, there is no way to know for sure how much Camp Lejeune settlements will be at this time.
That said, legal experts believe that Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit settlement amounts could range from $25,000 to $1 million or more per person.
The exact amount will depend largely on the severity of the condition caused by the contaminated water.
Camp Lejeune water contamination victims may be able to get settlements for:
- Loss of future earnings
- Lost wages
- Medical care
- Pain and suffering
It is important to remember that this money is in addition to any VA benefits already being paid.
Camp Lejeune lawsuit payouts will not affect existing benefits.
Who Can File a Camp Lejeune Water Lawsuit?
Anyone who lived, worked, trained, or served at Camp Lejeune or Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River for at least 30 days from August 1953 through December 1987 may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit.
This includes veterans, active-duty military personnel, and civilian workers. Loved ones and surviving family members may also qualify.
Learn if you’re able to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit below.
Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Eligibility
Many people are unsure as to whether they are eligible to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit.
Some veterans think they may not be eligible if they were denied VA disability benefits in the past. But seeking compensation is especially important for disabled veterans who have faced delays or denials with VA benefits.
Others may think their exposure happened too long ago to take action now.
Family members of Camp Lejeune victims who have since passed away may not know their loved one trained or served at the military base.
If you lost a loved one to an illness you believe could have been caused by the toxic water, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune wrongful death lawsuit. Even if they passed away long ago, you may be newly eligible.
Don’t despair. We can help you determine your Camp Lejeune lawsuit eligibility for free and in confidence.
But don’t wait. Get a free case review now.
How to File a Camp Lejeune Water Lawsuit
The best and fastest way to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit is to work with an experienced attorney. Skilled Camp Lejeune water lawyers can help you navigate the legal process and do most of the heavy lifting.
Here are the steps to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit:
- Gather documents and evidence related to harm caused by Camp Lejeune’s toxic water
- Get a free consultation from a Camp Lejeune lawyer to determine your eligibility and potential compensation
- File a Camp Lejeune lawsuit within the deadline (by August 10, 2024)
- Await settlement negotiations or go to trial if necessary
By holding responsible parties accountable, Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits can provide financial relief and support to those who have suffered.
Is There a Camp Lejeune Class Action Lawsuit?
As of now, there is no specific Camp Lejeune class action lawsuit. Instead, individual lawsuits are being filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Camp Lejeune lawsuits will most likely be handled as personal injury or toxic tort claims, in which each claimant pursues their own legal action rather than being part of a single class action group.
What Is the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Deadline?
The deadline to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit is August 10, 2024.
Meeting the Camp Lejeune lawsuit deadline is crucial. If you miss the deadline, you may never be able to pursue a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim.
This means you could lose the chance to receive financial compensation for the medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses caused by exposure to Camp Lejeune toxic water.
This could be terrible for veterans and their survivors who have already been denied benefits and made to face the financial burdens on their own.
A skilled Camp Lejeune law firm can help make sure you file on time.
Camp Lejeune Water Law Firms
The best law firm for Camp Lejeune lawsuits is a personal injury firm involved in the fight to get legal rights for Camp Lejeune water supply victims.
Camp Lejeune Claims Center can put you in touch with top Camp Lejeune attorneys who are familiar with toxic exposure lawsuits.
We can connect victims in all 50 states to qualified law firms for a free Camp Lejeune water case evaluation. Our trained Camp Lejeune advocates are standing by, day and night, ready to help you.
Contact the Camp Lejeune Claims Center without delay for a free and confidential case evaluation. There is no cost or obligation.
Get Started With a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit
If you or a loved one was exposed to Camp Lejeune’s toxic drinking water for at least 30 days between 1953 to 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune water lawsuit.
For thousands of disabled veterans and families who were harmed by the poisoned water, financial relief can not come soon enough.
Many have faced delays or denials with VA benefits, which has caused undue financial burden and concern over the future — for themselves and their loved ones.
Contact our advocates now for a free consultation at (866) 473-4764 or fill out our claim review form to begin the claim process.
Camp Lejeune Lawsuit FAQs
Who qualifies for the Camp Lejeune lawsuit?
Anyone who lived, worked, or served at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987 may qualify for the Camp Lejeune lawsuit.
Veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their family members may be eligible to seek compensation for health issues linked to Camp Lejeune’s toxic water.
Survivors of veterans who have since passed away — even if it was long ago — may also qualify to file a wrongful death Camp Lejeune lawsuit.
Working with a top Camp Lejeune law firm is the fastest way to find out if you qualify.
What law firm is handling the Camp Lejeune lawsuit?
Camp Lejeune Claims Center works with some of the best Camp Lejeune law firms in the country.
Our legal partners have excellent reputations and are ready to provide legal support to victims seeking compensation for exposure to the toxic water.
Get a free case review right now to see if you could be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit with our partner firm’s help.
What is the Camp Lejeune lawsuit deadline?
The deadline to file a Camp Lejeune water lawsuit is August 10, 2024. It’s crucial to act promptly — if you wait too long, you might never be able to file. Don’t miss your chance to get justice and compensation.
What is the status of the Camp Lejeune lawsuit?
As of August 2023, a seven-member leadership team has been appointed to manage the ongoing Camp Lejeune water contamination litigation. Over 1,000 lawsuits have been filed, with potential consolidation to handle the growing caseload.