As many as one million people have potentially been exposed to harmful water contamination at Camp Lejeune. The toxic water at Camp Lejeune has been linked to cancer and other serious injuries. Now many individuals are filing lawsuits against the U.S. government for damages. Our attorneys answer five common questions about the Camp Lejeune lawsuits below.
#1: What Are the Camp Lejeune Lawsuits About?
Camp Lejeune, also known as Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, is a military base and training facility in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The Marine Corps found volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the drinking water provided by two of the base’s eight water treatment plants in 1982. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) found that the water had been contaminated since the 1950s.
VOCs are chemical compounds that can evaporate in the air and dissolve in water due to their composition. VOCs are in many commercial and household products. Many VOCs are toxic and can cause cancer and other adverse health conditions. The most common VOCs found in the water at Camp Lejeune include:
- Tetrachloroethylene or perchloroethylene (PCE). PCE is an industrial chemical often used in dry cleaning, degreasing machinery, and manufacturing other chemicals. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies it as a probable human carcinogen, meaning it may cause cancer.
- Trichloroethylene (TCE). TCE is an industrial chemical primarily used to degrease machinery and create refrigerants. It is also used in dry cleaning and found in many household cleaning products. It is a human carcinogen.
- Vinyl chloride. Vinyl chloride is an industrially-produced gas. It is used to produce polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other plastic products. It is also used to make wire coatings and vehicle upholstery. It is cancer-causing.
- Benzene. Benzene is a chemical primarily used to manufacture other chemicals, such as plastics, pesticides, and detergents. It is a human carcinogen.
#2: Why Are Individuals Filing Camp Lejeune Lawsuits?
President Biden signed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 on August 10, 2022. It is a part of the greater Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. The PACT Act expands VA healthcare access and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances during service.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows individuals to file civil lawsuits against the U.S. government for harmful water exposure at Camp Lejeune. It waives government immunity and overrides North Carolina’s statute of limitations on civil claims.
Individuals are filing lawsuits against the U.S. government for damages suffered from exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. Compensation from a successful Camp Lejeune claim may provide you or your loved one with financial support for medical bills, lost wages, loss of future earning potential, and more.
#3: What Illnesses Are Linked to the Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune?
Studies by the ATSDR have linked Camp Lejeune water to an increased risk of cancer, illness, and adverse birth outcomes. Health issues from toxic water exposure at Camp Lejeune may include, but are not limited to:
- Aplastic anemia
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Bladder cancer
- Liver cancer
- Breast cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Miscarriage
- Hepatic steatosis
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Cardiac defects
- Lung cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Neurobehavioral effects
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Parkinson’s disease
- Female infertility
- Renal toxicity
- Scleroderma
#4: Who Can File a Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?
The water contamination crisis affected as many as one million people. Any individual exposed to water at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, may be eligible to file a water contamination Camp Lejeune lawsuit. People harmed may include:
- Veterans
- Workers
- Family members
- Individuals in utero
In addition, you must be able to prove a causal relationship exists or likely exists between the water contamination at Camp Lejeune and your health condition.
#5: What Do I Do If I Think I Qualify for a Camp Lejeune Claim?
Do you suspect that you suffered harm from contaminated water at Camp Lejeune? If so, the best thing you can do is discuss your potential claim with an experienced mass tort attorney. An attorney can review the circumstances surrounding your situation, answer your legal questions, and help you to understand your best legal options.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 provides a two-year statute of limitations, or time limit, to file a claim. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to file a Camp Lejeune claim forever. Because of this deadline, it is essential to consult with an experienced attorney if you believe you suffered harm from toxic water exposure.
Request a Referral to a Mass Tort Lawyer Dedicated to Your Camp Lejeune Case
Warren & Migliaccio does not personally represent clients in Camp Lejeune cases. However, attorney Christopher Migliaccio has created a network of what he believes to be the nation’s leading mass tort attorneys. He will ensure that your Camp Lejeune case gets to an experienced and dedicated mass tort lawyer who will give you the best results for your situation. Contact our firm online or call us today to request a referral.
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