Camp Lejeune

What is a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?

U.S. Veterans, their family members, or others who were exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, between 1953 and 1987 and subsequently developed cancer or serious health effects may now have a path to seek justice.

Despite previous claim denials by the Veterans Administration, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 opened a new avenue for affected individuals to pursue a Camp Lejeune lawsuit for compensation. This significant legal shift acknowledges the long-term health impacts many suffer and offers a possibility for justice. 

The deadline to file a Camp Lejeune claim is August 10, 2024. This deadline was established by the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which provides families with a two-year statute of limitations to file their legal claims.

How water contamination was discovered at Camp Lejeune

Routine water testing in 1982 found that some drinking water sources at Marine Base Camp Lejeune were contaminated with cancer-causing chemicals. Water testing at Tarawa Terrace Treatment Plant and Hadnot Point Treatment Plant, both of which supplied homes and buildings at Camp Lejeune found benzene, trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene or perchloroethylene (PCE) and vinyl chloride (VC). In some cases, the presence of the harmful chemicals was up to 300 times acceptable levels. 

According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), multiple contamination sources were identified, including leaking underground storage tanks and waste disposal sites. The most contaminated wells were reportedly closed in 1985. 

ShunnaraH’S CAMP LEJEUNE LAWSUIT EXPERTISE

At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we are deeply committed to supporting the victims of the Camp Lejeune water contamination. For decades, countless veterans, their families, and civilian workers at Camp Lejeune were exposed to hazardous chemicals in the base’s water supply, leading to severe health problems and life-altering conditions.

Understanding the magnitude of this tragedy, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to securing the justice and compensation that the victims rightfully deserve. We navigate the complexities of these specific cases with empathy, expertise, and unwavering dedication, ensuring that your voice is heard and your rights are protected.

We understand that things may be overwhelming for families that have been exposed to contaminated water, and ultimately, we believe that teaming up with one of our attorneys can help you by providing:

Symptoms of Illness Due to Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

People who may be affected by the Act include those who were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and developed: 

In addition to this list, several health conditions have been linked to exposure to benzene, PCE, TCE, and VC, including cancer, neurologic effects, birth defects, and other serious conditions. Though some people may not demonstrate toxic effects, others may be affected immediately or have illnesses that take years to develop. 

Camp Lejeune Settlements and Compensation

Thousands of lawsuits and claims have been filed for people who drank contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The United States Department of Justice Torts Branch has identified and offered settlements and elective options for various conditions caused by the hazardous water, including bladder cancer, end-stage renal disease (End-Stage Renal Disease), non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, and Parkinson’s Disease.

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The Department of Justice has made settlement offers to many other Camp Lejeune claimants than listed above. Payments in the millions have been disbursed for settlements from the Navy and DOJ, covering fatal and life-changing conditions with amounts ranging from $100,000 to $400,000. 

Contact Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys for a free case evaluation and begin to understand what your Camp Lejeune Water Contamination settlement could be worth.