About Camp Lejeune and Prostate Cancer
At U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, over a million people, including military service members, civilian workers, and their families, were exposed to contaminated water from 1953 to 1987.
When the water at Camp Lejeune was tested in the 1980s, it was found to contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including benzene.
Men exposed to benzene are twice as likely to develop prostate cancer compared to those not exposed, as reported in the December 2022 issue of Environmental Epidemiology.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among men, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Fortunately, prostate cancer is very treatable, with an average 5-year survival rate of 98%. However, it still can be life-threatening.
Thanks to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 (CLJA), men who developed Camp Lejeune prostate cancer or other health conditions linked to the contaminated water may be eligible to file a claim for financial compensation, but there are strict deadlines.
You only have until August 2024 to file your claim, so don’t wait.
Compensation Options for Camp Lejeune Prostate Cancer
Those who developed prostate cancer from Camp Lejeune’s toxic water may be able to pursue compensation from multiple avenues.
First, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers benefits to those who developed prostate cancer and other illnesses from Camp Lejeune’s drinking water.
Additionally, the CLJA allows anyone affected to pursue compensation from the federal government if they meet the eligibility requirements.
Camp Lejeune VA Benefits
Veterans and their loved ones affected by the water at Camp Lejeune and prostate cancer may be able to access certain VA benefits.
Eligible individuals can file a claim with the VA for health care, disability compensation, and survivor benefits that can provide financial support for medical treatment and more.
The Camp Lejeune Claims Center partners with VA-accredited attorneys who may be able to help you access VA benefits or increase your current disability rating.
Camp Lejeune Prostate Cancer Lawsuits
If you or a loved one developed prostate cancer from the contaminated water, filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit may be your best option to receive the compensation you deserve.
It is very important to understand that filing a Camp Lejeune prostate cancer lawsuit will not impact current or future VA benefits. Any money awarded in a lawsuit will be in addition to what you are already receiving.
A skilled Camp Lejeune prostate cancer lawyer can handle all legal work for you and make filing a lawsuit as stress-free as possible.
Camp Lejeune Prostate Cancer Settlement Amounts
As of July 2024, there have not been any Camp Lejeune and prostate cancer payouts. Therefore, it’s difficult to predict the exact settlement amounts for these cases.
However, the government has begun offering Camp Lejeune payouts under its voluntary Elective Option (EO) for other conditions, ranging from $100,000 to $550,000.
Generally speaking, payouts under the CLJA will depend upon the severity of the harm caused by the toxic water.
That said, legal experts are projecting Camp Lejeune settlements could be worth anywhere from $10,000 to over $1 million in more severe cases.
Steps to Filing a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit for Prostate Cancer
While each case will vary, there are a few general steps to follow when filing a Camp Lejeune prostate cancer lawsuit.
1. Contact a Camp Lejeune Lawyer
A Camp Lejeune attorney is a personal injury lawyer who is experienced in handling Camp Lejeune cases.
By working with a skilled Camp Lejeune lawyer, you have someone on your side who is knowledgeable about what it takes to pursue compensation for Camp Lejeune and prostate cancer. They will provide a free consultation and do all of the legal work if you qualify.
Find out if we can connect you with a top Camp Lejeune prostate cancer lawyer by calling right now.
2. File Your Camp Lejeune Prostate Cancer Claim
Your lawyer can help you gather the evidence needed to support your case (like military records and medical documents) and file your lawsuit for the toxic water at Camp Lejeune and prostate cancer before the August 2024 deadline.
3. Negotiate a Camp Lejeune and Prostate Cancer Settlement
If you are eligible, you may be offered a settlement from the Department of Justice and the U.S. Navy. Your attorney will represent your interests during settlement negotiations, striving to secure the maximum compensation possible for your Camp Lejeune and prostate cancer claim.
Working with a Camp Lejeune lawyer can be most beneficial during the negotiation stage of the legal process, as it involves a lot of paperwork and back-and-forth communication.
Remember, there are strict deadlines that apply, so don’t delay.
Filing Deadline for Camp Lejeune Claims
You only have until August 2024 to file a claim for Camp Lejeune and prostate cancer. Once this date passes, you will no longer be able to file a Camp Lejeune claim under the CLJA.
Once you file your claim, the Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) has 180 days to respond with a payout offer or a denial. If they do not respond or you are not satisfied with their decision, your claim may proceed to a lawsuit.
By working with a top-quality Camp Lejeune lawyer, you can ensure that all deadlines are met.
Eligibility for Camp Lejeune Prostate Cancer Lawsuits
Anyone who developed prostate cancer after living or working on the base for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987 may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit.
The VA does not recognize service at Camp Lejeune and prostate cancer as automatically qualifying for compensation. However, under the CLJA, anyone harmed by the polluted water has new rights to seek compensation.
Even if your loved one passed away from Camp Lejeune prostate cancer decades ago, you may still be able to file a Camp Lejeune wrongful death claim on their behalf.
Damages in Camp Lejeune Prostate Cancer Lawsuits
In Camp Lejeune lawsuits, the damages (reasons for suing) vary with each individual case.
- Burial costs: Money spent on funeral and burial
- Future damages: Costs for ongoing medical treatments
- Legal fees: Money spent on legal matters
- Loss of consortium: Loss of support or companionship
- Lost income: Potential income that won’t be earned in the future
- Medical bills: Expenses for medical treatment
- Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional distress
A top Camp Lejeune prostate cancer lawyer can examine all of the unique factors in your case and fight for the maximum compensation available to you.
Evidence in Camp Lejeune Prostate Cancer Cases
There are multiple types of evidence that can be useful when it comes to proving a Camp Lejeune and prostate cancer case.
- Documents proving you worked or resided at Camp Lejeune
- Medical records, including documentation of your prostate cancer diagnosis
- Military service records or other proof of service
History of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
The water supply at Camp Lejeune became contaminated with chemicals that can cause multiple types of cancer. This contamination occurred due to unsafe practices of a local dry cleaning business, day-to-day base operations, and an ongoing fuel leak.
Together, these factors allowed solvents, degreasers, and other dangerous chemicals to make their way into the water supply.
The chemicals included benzene, PCE (perchloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene), TCE (trichloroethylene), and vinyl chloride.
Public health studies performed in the 1980s provided much-needed scientific evidence of the water contamination at Camp Lejeune. However, at that point, the contamination had been going on for decades.
Camp Lejeune was founded on North Carolina’s Atlantic coast
Hadnot Point and Tarawa Terrace water systems contaminated with chemical waste
Dry cleaning industry, including nearby ABC Cleaners, begins using TCE and PCE
EPA labels Camp Lejeune a “major polluter” due to various contamination incidents
Military chemists find base drinking water highly contaminated
Marine Corps notifies state and EPA about ongoing fuel leak
Direct testing of base wells begins
Ten wells shut down due to contamination; staff and residents notified
Leaking fuel depot shut down
Other Health Issues Linked to Camp Lejeune Water
In addition to Camp Lejeune prostate cancer, exposure to the toxic water has been linked to a range of other health problems.
Other Camp Lejeune health conditions include:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Aplastic anemia
- Birth defects
- Bladder cancer
- Brain cancer
- Breast cancer
- Cardiac defects
- Cervical cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- Esophageal cancer
- Fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis)
- Female infertility and miscarriage
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Lymphomas
- Multiple myeloma
- Myelodysplastic cancer
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Parkinson’s disease
- Pancreatic cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Renal toxicity
- Sarcoma
- Scleroderma
If you or a loved one developed an illness linked to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune after spending at least 30 days on base, you may be eligible for compensation.
Get Help With a Camp Lejeune Prostate Cancer Lawsuit
If your family was affected by prostate cancer due to water contamination at Camp Lejeune, the Camp Lejeune Claims Center team is here to help.
Our legal partners have already helped over 30,000 Camp Lejeune families with their claims.
Our knowledgeable claims advocates are available to answer your questions and guide you through the claims process to seek maximum compensation. But remember, you only have until August 2024 to take action.
Camp Lejeune Prostate Cancer Lawsuit FAQs
Did the water at Camp Lejeune cause prostate cancer?
Yes, the chemicals in the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune are known to be carcinogens and can cause numerous types of cancer. One of the cancers that has been linked to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune is prostate cancer.
Benzene, a toxic substance found in Camp Lejeune’s water, doubles the risk of prostate cancer in men.
Who can file a Camp Lejeune prostate cancer lawsuit?
Anyone who lived or worked on the base for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1957 can file a Camp Lejeune prostate cancer lawsuit. Claims can also be filed on behalf of deceased family members.
Even if your loved one passed away years ago from prostate cancer, you may still be eligible to file a lawsuit.
Is prostate cancer a presumptive illness for Camp Lejeune cases?
No, prostate cancer is not listed as a presumptive medical condition for Camp Lejeune cases, according to the VA.
However, people who developed prostate cancer after spending time at Camp Lejeune may still be eligible for compensation under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, part of the PACT Act.
Is prostate cancer part of the Camp Lejeune lawsuit?
Yes, prostate cancer is covered in the Camp Lejeune lawsuit. These lawsuits address any illnesses or harm caused by the polluted water at Camp Lejeune.
If you or a loved one developed prostate cancer after spending time at Camp Lejeune while the water was contaminated, you may qualify for compensation.
What is the average payout for a Camp Lejeune prostate cancer claim?
Currently, there is no average payout for Camp Lejeune prostate cancer claims, as no cases have reached a settlement or verdict yet. However, future settlements may award life-changing amounts of money to those impacted.
The federal government projects paying out over $21 billion in Camp Lejeune compensation to veterans and their loved ones.
Will I lose my disability benefits if I file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit?
No, filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit will not cause you to lose your health care benefits or disability benefits from the VA.
If your lawsuit is successful, you will get an additional payout from the U.S. government on top of your VA benefits.
What does it take to prove a Camp Lejeune prostate cancer claim?
Camp Lejeune prostate cancer claims must prove that you or your family member developed prostate cancer from the water at Camp Lejeune.
This involves proving that you have prostate cancer and that you were at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period.
