Camp Lejeune Birth Defects

Did Camp Lejeune Water Cause Birth Defects?

Possibly, yes. The toxic drinking water at the Marine Corps base may have put unborn babies at risk of Camp Lejeune birth defects and other severe health conditions.

A study was done by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) that surveyed almost 13,000 parents of children born at the base between 1968 and 1985. It found that drinking contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during the early part of pregnancy might have increased the risk of certain birth defects.

“Water pollution at the Camp Lejeune military base in North Carolina has been linked to increased risk of birth defects and childhood cancers.”

—Scientific American

Babies whose mothers were exposed to the contaminated drinking water were more likely to develop neural tube defects (NTDs) like anencephaly, which is when parts of the brain and skull are missing. They were also at higher risk for developing cancer, including childhood leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Thankfully, victims can finally pursue justice and financial aid through Camp Lejeune lawsuits, no matter how far back exposure was and even if they were denied benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in the past. However, you only have until August 2024 to take action.

Find out if you qualify to file a lawsuit for birth defects from Camp Lejeune water contamination with a free case review right now.

Birth Defects From Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

The true extent of birth defects linked to Camp Lejeune water contamination may never be known. Not only were sample sizes relatively small, but also medical records from long ago are hard to track down.

However, birth defects linked to Camp Lejeune water contamination may include:

• Cardiac defects
• Fetal death (stillbirth)
• Immune system disorders
• Low birth weight
• Major congenital malformations
• Neural tube birth defects (spina bifida and anencephaly)
• Oral cleft defects (cleft lip and cleft palate)

While there may not be a solid understanding of the true extent of harm done, military and civilian personnel who lived or worked at the base are all too familiar with Camp Lejeune birth defects.

“I had two children born there at the hospital; both at seven months. We were there from 1972 to 1976. Joe died less than thirty days with lung problems. My daughter was born with a hole in her stomach. … I also had another daughter born in 1979 without a spinal cord, which I believe was caused by residual effects of my wife’s contamination.”

—U.S. Marine Corps veteran

Learn more about Camp Lejeune birth defects and childhood cancers below.

Camp Lejeune Water and Neural Tube Birth Defects

ATSDR studies have linked Camp Lejeune’s toxic water to an increased risk of neural tube birth defects, like spina bifida and anencephaly.

These conditions result from improper neural tube closure during early fetal development. The neural tube is a structure that develops while a baby is still growing in the womb. It starts as a tiny, flat ribbon of cells that rolls up into a tube by the end of the first month of pregnancy.

This tube eventually becomes the baby’s brain and spinal cord, parts of the nervous system. So, when the neural tube doesn’t form or close the right way, it can lead to conditions affecting the brain and spine because those parts don’t develop as they should.

Mothers exposed to trichloroethylene (TCE) and benzene in the base’s water supply during the early stages of pregnancy were found to be at a higher risk for neural tube defects.

Camp Lejeune Water and Childhood Cancer

ATSDR’s research also evaluated the connection between contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and multiple forms of cancer. Sadly, studies found increased risks of childhood leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma among children exposed in utero or during their first year.

For many Camp Lejeune veterans, childhood leukemia and other cancers later in life have been among the most alarming health issues linked to the contamination.

The American Legion Magazine featured the story of a former Marine drill instructor who lost his 9-year-old daughter to leukemia in 1985.

“Nothing ever gives you comfort when you lose a child. I think that’s the worst thing that can happen to a human being … to watch them go through the hell they go through. That’s something that never leaves you.”

—Former Marine drill instructor

For decades, families and victims have advocated for research, transparency, and compensation related to the health effects of the polluted water at Camp Lejeune.

Finally, thanks to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 (CLJA), victims of the toxic water can seek justice through legal action. This includes people born with Camp Lejeune birth defects, no matter how long ago they were born.

What Chemicals Are Linked to Camp Lejeune Birth Defects?

Chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are linked to Camp Lejeune birth defects. For the most part, Camp Lejeune water contamination stems from an off-base dry cleaning business and an on-base fuel depot that leaked thousands of gallons of fuel into the water system over time.

VOCs were released into two of Camp Lejeune’s water supply systems — Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point. Further, when Holcomb Boulevard’s water treatment plant was offline, Hadnot Point’s water was used instead.

The sad reality is that toxic chemicals found in Camp Lejeune’s water could have caused birth defects, childhood conditions, and other health problems later in life.

“There’s a cemetery at Camp Lejeune called ‘Baby Heaven.’ Here, you’ll find gravestones of babies who were born with leukemia, babies born without craniums, and babies born with cleft palates and spines protruding out of their backs. They were born — and many died — with unimaginable birth defects.”

—North Carolina Health News

Camp Lejeune Chemicals and Their Effects on Unborn Babies

According to ATSDR, higher rates of birth defects are linked with in utero exposure to perchloroethylene (PCE), trichloroethylene (TCE), and benzene.

The ATSDR study suggests that different problems are linked to which chemical(s) the mother was exposed to and at what point during the pregnancy the exposure occurred.

Babies Born at Camp Lejeune

People born at Camp Lejeune may not even know their illnesses were caused by the contaminated water. These victims may have faced a lifetime of chronic health problems, pain, and suffering.

For one man born on base, the harm Camp Lejeune water caused was not evident for decades. It wasn’t until age 39 that he was diagnosed with male breast cancer, considered a rare disease, especially for someone so young. His cancer went into remission, but only after a radical mastectomy and aggressive chemotherapy.

Sadly, this is not an isolated case. However, if you were born at Camp Lejeune while the water was contaminated, you may have newly available legal rights that can provide compensation for your illness.

Check to see if you could have been exposed while your mother was pregnant on the base.

After decades of waiting, justice for Camp Lejeune birth defects and illnesses may finally be here.

Pregnant Women at Camp Lejeune

Sadly, pregnant women living at Camp Lejeune are often some of the forgotten victims of this tragedy. As far back as the 1950s, women living on the base were unknowingly exposed to dangerous chemicals, which put their unborn babies at risk.

Drinking the toxic water wasn’t the only way pregnant women were exposed. They also risked exposure by washing dishes, bathing, and swimming in the contaminated water.

In addition to Camp Lejeune birth defects, infertility and miscarriage, as well as fetal death (stillbirth), have been reported among pregnant women.

Yet despite clear evidence linking the water on base to birth defects and other illnesses, countless women have faced repeated VA claim denials and have felt as though they were pushed aside.

A U.S. Navy wife who lived at Camp Lejeune in the 1980s lost her son to stillbirth after a complication-free pregnancy. Sadly, she recounts, “I know I asked over 30 attorneys. Not one of them would take the case. For me, it’s about justice.”

If you believe your child was harmed due to toxic water exposure, don’t give up hope. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 finally gives the long-awaited opportunity for women who were pregnant at Camp Lejeune to get justice and financial aid.

While the money will never undo decades of pain and suffering, it can help provide the closure needed for healing to begin.

VA Benefits for Camp Lejeune Birth Defects

In 2015, ATSDR recommended to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs that those with Camp Lejeune birth defects, like neural tube issues, be eligible for certain VA benefits. While this helped some families, many still received no support.

Additionally, the VA determined female infertility and miscarriage did not qualify victims for disability coverage. For this reason, women who suffered the mental anguish of miscarriages or stillbirths have received little relief from the VA.

Fortunately, women who were pregnant at Camp Lejeune and their children have legal rights through Camp Lejeune birth defects lawsuits.

Even if you or your spouse are currently receiving benefits, have been denied, or if you lost your child, you may be newly eligible thanks to the PACT Act.

Camp Lejeune Birth Defects Settlement Amounts

The federal government has set aside over $21 billion for Camp Lejeune water contamination victims. Camp Lejeune settlements are expected to vary based on the severity of harm, long-term damage, related medical expenses, and other factors.

That said, settlement amounts for severe Camp Lejeune birth defects could be $1 million or more, according to legal experts.

While there is no way to guarantee Camp Lejeune payouts, severe birth defects often result in lifelong care needs, significantly impacting the child’s and family’s life. Therefore, they may involve higher medical costs, loss of income, and emotional distress.

Tragically, many families who lived on base had children who passed away from unexplained illnesses. In this situation, Camp Lejeune wrongful death lawsuits may be an option. Settlement values for wrongful death cases could be worth $650,000 to over $1 million.

Find out if you could be eligible for a Camp Lejeune settlement right now with a free and simple claim review.

Steps To Filing A Camp Lejeune Lawsuit for Birth Defects

The first step to filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit for birth defects is to file an administrative claim with the Department of the Navy. After that, a lawsuit may follow, depending on the decision you receive.

Working with a skilled Camp Lejeune lawyer from the start means they’ll guide and support you through each step. This means you’re not alone in the process.

Learn more about the Camp Lejeune lawsuit steps below.

1. Contact a Camp Lejeune Lawyer

For many families, working with a skilled Camp Lejeune attorney is the best first step to take. For one thing, hiring a lawyer can make the process faster and far less complicated.

A skilled lawyer can advocate on your behalf and navigate the complexities of a Camp Lejeune birth defects lawsuit. This can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

2. File Your Camp Lejeune Claim

After your lawyer files your Camp Lejeune claim, the Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) has 180 days to respond. They will either reply with a payout offer or a denial.

If the JAG does not respond or you are not satisfied with their decision, your claim may proceed to a Camp Lejeune lawsuit for birth defects.

3. Negotiate a Camp Lejeune Settlement

Negotiating a Camp Lejeune settlement and working with a skilled lawyer can make a difference. The Camp Lejeune lawyers in our network have strong negotiation skills and a deep understanding of environmental law.

This can help speed up the Camp Lejeune settlement timeline, ensuring you receive maximum compensation without unnecessary delays.

If a fair settlement agreement isn’t reached, your Camp Lejeune lawyer will take your case to court. From there, they will continue to fight for your family.

Who Can File a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit for Birth Defects?

Anyone who lived or worked on the base for at least 30 days from 1953 to 1987 may now qualify to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit for birth defects.

This includes women who were pregnant, women who lost pregnancies, and anyone born on the base between 1953 and 1987 when the Camp Lejeune water was contaminated.

Previously, eligibility for relief from Camp Lejeune toxic water injuries has been limited. Veterans and their family members have faced repeated denials, leaving them frustrated and overwhelmed with medical bills and emotional distress.

Even if you have been told you do not qualify in the past, you may be entitled to compensation through a Camp Lejeune birth defects lawsuit.

However, it is important to act without delay. There are strict deadlines that apply to these lawsuits, including those involving Camp Lejeune birth defects.

Is There a Time Limit to File a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit for Birth Defects?

Yes, you only have until August 2024 to file your Camp Lejeune administrative claim with the Navy. Once this date passes, you will no longer be able to file a claim under the CLJA.

By working with a top-quality Camp Lejeune lawyer, you can ensure all deadlines are met. They will also make sure your lawsuit is filed before it’s too late.

What Other Health Issues Did Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Cause?

Many other conditions are linked to the contaminated water in addition to Camp Lejeune birth defects.

Find a Camp Lejeune Birth Defects Law Firm

Choosing a qualified Camp Lejeune birth defect law firm is an important decision. While you may think you need to hire a Camp Lejeune lawyer in North Carolina, that is not necessarily the case. Another common misconception is thinking you need a lawyer near you.

Despite what you may hear, the best Camp Lejeune birth defects law firms are those with access to a wide arsenal of resources. This includes top doctors, registered nurses, and other medical experts who can review your claim.

The Camp Lejeune Claims Center works with the leading Camp Lejeune law firms in the country. Together, our legal partners have already helped over 30,000 families with their Camp Lejeune claims.

Find out if we can connect you with an experienced law firm today to discuss your Camp Lejeune birth defects claim. Our trained Camp Lejeune claims advocates are available 24 hours a day to answer your questions.