Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
Veterans and Civilians Exposed to Toxic Water at Camp Lejeune
In 1982, the U.S. Marine Corps discovered toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the drinking water at the Camp Lejeune base in North Carolina. However, the contamination actually began in 1953 and potentially exposed one million base workers, service members, and their families to these chemicals until 1987, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).
People who lived or worked at the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina between 1953 and 1987 may have been exposed to water that was contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOC), such as trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE), and vinyl chloride.
Exposure to this contaminated water has been linked to an increased risk of multiple adverse health effects, including but not limited to kidney cancer, leukemia, and multiple myeloma, as well as bad birth outcomes.
Harding Mazzotti is currently investigating cases of individuals who were exposed to volatile organic compounds at Camp Lejeune and have been diagnosed with cancer. You or your family members may be eligible for compensation, whether you already collected VA benefits for this injury or not.
Time is limited, contact us today for your free case evaluation.
Use the form below to see if you may be eligible to make a Camp Lejeune Justice Act Claim:
What Toxic Chemicals Were Found in the Drinking Water?
The toxic VOCs found in the Camp Lejeune drinking water included:
- Benzene: Used to make other chemicals that compose plastics, resins, nylon, and synthetic fibers
- Tetrachloroethylene (also known as
perchloroethylene or PCE): For dry cleaning and metal degreasing - Trichloroethylene (TCE): A solvent used to clean metal parts
- Vinyl chloride (VC): Over time, TCE and PCE in groundwater degrade to become VC
Benzene, TCE, and VC are all classified as cancer-causing chemicals, while PCE is classified as “likely to be carcinogenic to humans” by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Exposure to these substances can also increase the risk of birth defects and numerous other health problems.
According to an investigation by CBS News, toxic VOCs at Camp Lejeune were found to be at levels that were 400 times what federal safety standards allow.
2022 Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Update
For more than 30 years, the military members and their families who have been impacted by the water-contamination tragedy have not had any legal recourse whatsoever.
The bipartisan Honoring Our PACT Act containing the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, introduced in the House of Representatives in January 2022, finally passed the US Senate on August 2, and was signed into law by President Biden on August 10, 2022. This important new law will bring justice to military veterans and their family members who have suffered severe injuries as a result of exposure to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune.
From 1953 to 1987, over one million people were exposed to dangerous chemicals that were present in the base’s drinking water system. This contaminated water was supplied to the base hospital, barracks, family housing, administrative offices, recreational areas, schools and other areas of the base. Severe health conditions, including cancer, miscarriage, eye defects, immunological disorders, neurological diseases, and Parkinson’s disease have developed as a result.
Under this new law, those who were exposed to toxic chemicals can now seek compensation by filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit after having been denied justice for so many years. Even if you or a loved one suffered injuries years ago, you may now be able to take legal action and pursue compensation under this new law.
In addition, the new law will allow military members impacted by the water contamination to speed up VA disability and benefits claims.
Who Can File a Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Lawsuit?
To file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit, both of these must be true:
- You served at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River for at least 30 cumulative days from August 1953 through December 1987, and
- You did not receive a dishonorable discharge when you separated from the military
AND you must have a diagnosis of one or more of these presumptive conditions:
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Kidney Cancer
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Adult Leukemia
- Childhood Leukemia
- Liver Cancer
- Bladder Cancer
- Multiple Myeloma
- Kidney Diseases (end-stage renal disease)
- Renal Toxicity
- Systemic Sclerosis/ Scleroderma
- Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
- Esophageal Cancer
- Female Infertility
- Lung Cancer
- Miscarriage/Fetal Death
- Breast Cancer
- Neurobehavioral Injuries
- Cardiac Birth Defect
If you have already filed or received VA benefits for exposure to contaminated Camp Lejeune water, you still qualify for filing a claim under the newly-passed Camp Lejeune Justice Act.
Because of this new law, people who developed these health problems can file a lawsuit in Federal Court in North Carolina for compensation for their illness. The law also allows for people who were in-utero to file a claim. People who were exposed for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 and developed these health issues may qualify for compensation. Strict time limits apply to file a claim.
How to File a Camp Lejeune Cancer Lawsuit
At Harding Mazzotti we work for you. We strive to make filing a lawsuit as stress-free as possible for you and your family. If you have a case, our attorneys can handle every step of the legal process for you, so you can focus on your health and recovery.
The claims process includes:
- A free consultation to determine your eligibility.
- Building a strong case with medical records, testimony, and evidence.
- Filing the lawsuit on your behalf
- Negotiating water contamination settlement amounts with the defendant.
- Presenting your case in court if needed.
Additionally, there are no up-front or out-of-pocket costs to you. Our attorneys only get paid if you do, so there is no financial risk to filing a claim with our team.
Get Help Filing a Camp Lejeune Cancer Lawsuit
If you or a loved one meet the criteria above, contact Harding Mazzotti today. You may be eligible for compensation that can help pay for medical treatment and more. Click, Chat, or call 1800LAW1010 24/7 for a free case review and take the first step toward justice today.
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