Camp Lejeune Water Contamination & Leukemia
Leukemia is an aggressive type of cancer that affects a person’s blood cells and bone marrow, and it generally comes with a poor prognosis for those diagnosed.
Unfortunately, those who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune from 1953 to 1987 could have been put at risk of leukemia. Toxic chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), often found in harsh cleaning solutions and solvents, contaminated Camp Lejeune’s water during this time.
The water supply at Camp Lejeune contained these toxic chemicals:
- Benzene
- PCE (perchloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene)
- TCE (trichloroethylene)
- Vinyl chloride
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry has since linked these chemicals to leukemia and other life-threatening conditions. In particular, benzene has been shown to increase the risk of leukemia, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
Thankfully, you can pursue financial aid and justice through a Camp Lejeune leukemia claim. Learn if you can file a claim right now with our team’s help.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act & Leukemia Claims
Those who served at Camp Lejeune and who later developed leukemia or other illnesses might be eligible to file claims thanks to a key new law: the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is revolutionary as it allows those with leukemia and other health problems to file claims with the federal government for the first time ever.
The Biden administration passed the act into law as part of the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, also known as the PACT Act.
Compensation Options for Camp Lejeune Leukemia Victims
There are a few financial options available so that Camp Lejeune victims can receive compensation.
First off, veterans affected by Camp Lejeune’s drinking water can file claims directly with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to receive monthly payouts and free or low-cost health care.
Leukemia is one of the presumptive Camp Lejeune conditions listed by the VA. This means that if you have leukemia and meet the other eligibility requirements, the VA may reimburse you for medical expenses related to the cancer.
Other requirements to get VA benefits for Camp Lejeune leukemia include:
- Having a discharge status other than dishonorable
- Serving 30 cumulative days at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 (can be non-consecutive)
Veterans, civilians, and family members can also look into their Camp Lejeune legal options, the most notable of which is to file a legal claim (also known as a lawsuit) to get compensation.
Steps to Filing a Camp Lejeune Leukemia Claim
You can take the following steps if you’re interested in filing a Camp Lejeune leukemia lawsuit.
1. Contact a Camp Lejeune Lawyer
By contacting a Camp Lejeune attorney right away, you will have someone knowledgeable and confident with you every step of the legal process.
We can help you find top Camp Lejeune leukemia lawyers now. Call (866) 473-4764 or contact us to get started.
2. Assess Eligibility
In order to be eligible for a Camp Lejeune leukemia lawsuit, you must have developed this cancer after spending at least 30 days total at the Camp between 1953 and 1987. These 30 days don’t have to be consecutive.
Family members may also be eligible to file Camp Lejeune leukemia lawsuits on behalf of their loved ones who have already passed away.
The Camp Lejeune Claims Center can help determine if you can file right now.
3. Collect Evidence
In order to prove your Camp Lejeune leukemia claim, your lawyer must present certain pieces of evidence.
Evidence that can help prove a Camp Lejeune leukemia claim include:
- Camp Lejeune employment records
- Camp Lejeune residency records
- Medical records and bills
- Military service connection records
4. File a Camp Lejeune Leukemia Claim
Your Camp Lejeune attorney can also help you to file your claim before your filing deadline. This is very important as once the deadline passes, you’ll never have another chance to file again.
For best results, reach out to a Camp Lejeune lawyer right away. You don’t want to miss out.
5. Negotiate a Camp Lejeune Settlement
After your claim has been filed, it’s likely that your lawyers will want to negotiate a Camp Lejeune leukemia settlement. Through a settlement, those who were filed against will agree to pay you and your family for the harm that was done.
It’s extremely important to work with a Camp Lejeune leukemia lawyer in order to receive a strong settlement. Trying to negotiate a settlement or even file a Camp Lejeune claim without legal help can be almost impossible.
Filing Deadline for Camp Lejeune Leukemia Cases
Ready to start your Camp Lejeune leukemia lawsuit? Know that time to file your claim is limited, so it’s important to get started right away.
Thanks to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, veterans and their families have been allowed until August 2024 to file their claims. After that, no more claims can ever be filed.
Hurry — we can help you file your Camp Lejeune leukemia claim now.
Damages in Camp Lejeune Cancer Leukemia Lawsuits
The reasons someone receives a payout through a lawsuit are known as “damages”. The damages in every Camp Lejeune leukemia case will be unique depending on each patient’s circumstances.
Damages may be commonly claimed in Camp Lejeune lawsuits include:
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of income and loss of future income
- Medical care expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
Settlement Value of Camp Lejeune Leukemia Claims
Settlement values for Camp Lejeune leukemia victims will vary based on numerous factors, including a person’s age, prognosis, and the extent of their medical treatment.
At this time, no Camp Lejeune settlements have been reached, so there’s no accurate way to assess how much someone will receive yet. However, our team will provide updates when the first settlements have been reached.
Further, top Camp Lejeune lawyers will do all they can to get the most compensation possible for everyone they help.
Other Health Issues Linked to Camp Lejeune Water
While adult leukemia is one of the more serious and fatal types of health conditions linked to Camp Lejeune water, it is far from the only one.
Other Camp Lejeune health problems include:
- Aplastic anemia
- Birth defects
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Infertility
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Neurobehavioral disorders
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Parkinson’s disease
- Scleroderma
You and your loved ones may be able to file Camp Lejeune claims if you have any of the conditions listed above. Learn more by calling (866) 473-4764.
Get Help With a Camp Lejeune Leukemia Claim
When you are ready to get started with a Camp Lejeune leukemia claim, contact us to connect with a personal injury lawyer in your area.
We offer a free case evaluation to determine your eligibility and can answer any questions you have about your legal options following a Camp Lejeune leukemia diagnosis. Call (866) 473-4764 right now to learn more.
Camp Lejeune Leukemia FAQs
Has the water at Camp Lejeune been linked to leukemia?
Yes, toxic chemicals found in the water at Camp Lejeune have been linked to leukemia. Leukemia is associated with exposure to benzene, which polluted Camp Lejeune’s water for decades.
Leukemia is only one of many types of cancer and serious illnesses connected to Camp Lejeune. Bladder cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and more have also been tied back to the toxic substances in the water.
Who is eligible to file a Camp Lejeune leukemia lawsuit?
A person may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit for leukemia if they can prove that they developed this cancer after serving on the base.
It is also possible for someone to file on behalf of a family member who passed away from leukemia that was a direct result of their time spent at Camp Lejeune.
Is leukemia considered a presumptive condition for Camp Lejeune claims?
Yes. Adult leukemia is considered to be a presumptive illness for Camp Lejeune VA claims, meaning that a person can file to receive disability compensation and health care benefits.
In addition to filing a claim through the VA, a person may also file an additional Camp Lejeune lawsuit in order to receive additional payouts from the federal government.
If you are unsure whether you qualify to start either type of claim, reach out to a Camp Lejeune lawyer to learn what it takes to qualify.
What is the average payout for a Camp Lejeune leukemia settlement?
There isn’t an average settlement amount for Camp Lejeune leukemia cases yet, as none have reached the point of settlement.
The Camp Lejeune Claims Center will make sure to provide examples of leukemia settlements as more information is released.
Will I lose my VA benefits if I file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit?
No. Your VA benefits, which can include both disability compensation and health care benefits, will not be affected if you decide to file a separate Camp Lejeune lawsuit.
If your Camp Lejeune leukemia lawsuit is successful, it may earn you an additional payout from the federal government.