Camp Lejeune Water Act Update
CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA (Aug 2, 2022) – A new bill passed by the U.S. Senate will allow residents of the Camp Lejeune Marine Corps base to seek damages for toxic water exposure. The Bill is pending the President’s signature.
From 1953 to 1987, the water at Camp Lejeune contained dozens of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are known to cause cancers. The level of contamination in the water was nearly 280 times higher for certain chemicals over what would be considered safe.
Some of the chemicals found in the water included trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), vinyl chloride (VC), and benzene. Residents of the Marine Corps base who drank the water would often become ill.
But drinking the contaminated water was not necessary to become ill. Exposure could occur through cooking, cleaning and even bathing in the water. Known health complications from exposure to the water at Camp Lejeune include various cancers, Parkinson’s disease, stillbirths, infertility, miscarriages and much more.
Officials believe that the contamination at Camp Lejeune is one of the most significant water contamination cases in the history of the United States. As many as 900,000 people are thought to have been exposed.
Who Qualifies for Relief Under the Camp Lejeune Water Act?
01. Exposure
Individuals must have been exposed to the contaminated water between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.
02. Length of Exposure
Individuals must have been exposed to the contaminated water for at least 30 days by being stationed on, living on or working on the base during the eligible years.
03. Harm
Individuals will need to show the exposure caused a harm to themselves, a child or family member. Many Cancers, Diseases and Complications are covered. See list below.
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How Did The Water At Camp Lejeune Become Contaminated?
Water from the Tarawa Terrace water treatment plant was found to be contaminated with perchloroethylene or tetrachloroethylene. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the waste disposal practices of ABC One-Hour Cleaners, an off-site dry cleaning business, was the primary source of the contamination.
Water at the Hadnot Point water treatment plant was contaminated by TCE (trichloroethylene). Other contaminants include PCE and benzene and TCE degradation products trans-1,2-DCE (t-1,2-dichloroethylene) and vinyl chloride. The supply wells at the plant became contaminated from multiple sources including leaking underground storage tanks, industrial spills, and waste disposal sites. From 1953 to 1985 the drinking water at the military base exceeded contaminant levels considered safe by the Environmental Protection Agency.
What is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022?
People can sue and recover damages for harm caused by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Claims are NOT limited to military members and their families. It also applies to people who lived at the base such as spouses, children, and other family members. Workers exposed to the contaminated water are also covered.
Individuals must have been exposed to the contaminated water between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. Individuals must have been exposed to the contaminated water for at least 30 days. Individuals who bring an action under this law may not bring a separate tort action against the United States based on the same harm.
The legislation covers all individuals who have not already been compensated. But plaintiffs seeking damages must be able to prove their claim based on its merits. Accordingly, it is extremely important that anyone exposed to contaminated water at the base keep all medical records, work records and documents related to their stay at Camp Lejeune.
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Construction Workers Injured on an Exterior Scaffold
Construction Workers Injured on an Exterior Scaffold
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Child Burned by Scalding Water in the Shower
PREMISES LIABILITY
$7,900,000
Construction Workers Injured When a Scaffold Collapsed
PREMISES LIABILITY
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$7,625,000
BRAIN INJURY
What is Covered?
The injuries we are investigating are as follows…
The Following Cancers:
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
Bladder cancer
Brain cancer
Breast cancer
Central Nervous System cancer (CNS)
Cervical cancer
Esophageal cancer
Leukemia (all types)
Hodgkins Lymphoma
Kidney cancer
Liver cancer
Lung cancer
Myelodysplastic syndrome
Multiple myeloma
Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma
Ovarian cancer
Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma
Prostate cancer
Rectal cancer
The Following Diseases or Complications:
Cardiac defect
Epilepsy
Fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis)
Female Infertility
Kidney damage
Renal toxicity/disease
Immune disorders
Nerve damage
Miscarriage
Neurobehavioral effects
Parkinson’s disease
Scleroderma
If you think there is any chance you may qualify, let our team of experienced attorneys and investigators determine your eligibility under the law.
Camp Lejeune Justice Act Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does the Victim Have to Be Alive? Can I file a Wrongful Death Claim?
ANSWER
You may bring a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of a deceased loved one who was impacted by the Camp Lejeune water contamination if all of the requirements are met and you have legal rights to their estate.
Q. How did the water at Camp Lejeune become contaminated?
ANSWER
A dry cleaning business improperly disposed of chemicals over many years by Camp Lejeune which caused the water to become contaminated.
Q. What chemicals were in the water at Camp Lejeune?
ANSWER
The water at the military base had numerous cancer causing chemicals including trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), vinyl chloride (VC), and benzene.
Q. Can I file a claim if I’ve been exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune?
ANSWER
You may be able to file a claim under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.
Q. How many people were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune?
ANSWER
An estimated 900,000 people were exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
Q. What illnesses have been linked to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune?
ANSWER
Exposure to the contaminated water has been linked to birth defects, cancer and Parkinson’s disease.
Q. How much is a camp lejeune lawsuit worth?
ANSWER
Each case’s value will be decided bases on the merits of the case and the extent of the harm to the victims. Amounts could vary greatly by case and there is no set cap to each claim.
Q. What chemicals were in the water at Camp Lejeune?
ANSWER
The primary pollutants were:
- Benzene
- Tetrachloroethylene/Perchloroethylene (PCE)
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Vinyl Chloride (VC)
- Elemental Mercury
Do I need to use the Veterans Affairs (VA) for my Camp Lejeune Justice Act claim?
ANSWER
No, Our team is experienced in toxic tort litigation and ready to answer any questions you have and help you through the process. Call us at 1(800)870-7700.
Benefits Of Hiring Our Team of Toxic Tort Lawyers
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We have over 100 years of combined mass tort and toxic tort litigation. We have recovered over 1 billion dollars for our clients. We have obtained results for our clients that go above and beyond what our clients expected. We do not charge a fee unless we win your case!
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