Veterans and civilians stationed or working at Camp Lejeune in the 1970s and 80s may remember the water tasted unusual. For many years, they were told the taste resulted from minerals from the North Carolina hills. We now know it was a sign of dangerous chemical contamination.
If you or your loved ones have been harmed by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, there may be a way for you to recover compensation. The experienced class action lawsuit attorneys at Skinner Law Firm will guide you through the entire process.
What Was Wrong With the Water at Camp Lejeune?
Numerous investigations have shown that drinking water supplies at the North Carolina Marine Corps base were contaminated with benzene, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, perchloroethylene, and vinyl chloride, substances that are all carcinogenic and harmful to humans. The chemicals were detected at up to 300 times allowable levels in some areas.
This contamination was caused by chemicals dumped by a private dry-cleaning business, a significant leak at a fuel farm, and chemical leaks from underground waste disposal sites. Affected water supplies were located at Tarawa Terrace, Holcomb Blvd., and Hadnot Point.
How Does the Camp Lejeune Justice Act Address the Problem?
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 (CLJA) became law as part of the larger Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022. It provides an avenue for veterans, their families, and all others who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 to recover compensation for injuries caused by water contamination.
Who Is Eligible to Receive Compensation Under the CLJA?
Military veterans and their family members who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and who suffered a qualifying water toxicity-related illness may be eligible to file a claim. By some estimates, more than one million military members, civilian contractors, and family members were exposed to the toxins in those 34 years.
What Illnesses, Diseases, and Conditions Qualify for Compensation?
Most of the contaminated water sources were identified and closed by early 1985. However, many of the health problems caused by these chemicals took years — even decades — to develop. Many individuals exposed to the toxic chemicals developed serious health problems. Qualifying related illnesses and diseases include:
- Cancers of the bladder, kidney, lung, and liver.
- Renal toxicity.
- Scleroderma.
- Leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
- Multiple myeloma.
- Birth defects (for prenatal exposure).
- Myelodysplastic syndromes.
- Parkinson’s disease.
- Neurobehavioral effects.
- Hepatic steatosis.
- Major cardiac defects.
Many other conditions have been identified as potentially linked to the toxic exposure and may be added to the list of qualifying medical issues. These include male breast cancer, infertility, miscarriage, and esophageal cancer.
What Compensation Could I Recover?
If you are eligible and elect to participate in a lawsuit for damages, you may be able to recover both “economic” and “non-economic” damages.
Economic damages are actual expenses, including medical bills, ongoing and future medical care costs, lost wages, childcare and household expenses, travel expenses, medical devices, medication and home care costs, and more. Non-economic damages include compensation for emotional distress, pain and suffering, loss of independence, and loss of companionship.
Can I Participate in a Lawsuit If I Already Receive VA Disability or Social Security Disability Benefits for My Condition?
Yes, but your recovery will be offset by the portion of your disability payment related to the contaminated water. You may be able to recover damages above and beyond the amount of your disability payments, especially if you have “non-economic” damages.
What Do I Have to Do to Participate in a Lawsuit?
You must take specific action to pursue claims under the Camp Lejeune Just Act of 2022. These cannot be filed under the Federal Torts Claim Act or as a class action or multidistrict litigation. To begin a claim, you must file an individual administrative notice of your claim with the Navy Judge Advocate General. You have only two years to bring a claim after the bill took effect, so you must act quickly.
If your claim is denied or you do not receive a response, your case will proceed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
If you or a family member suffered an injury or illness that you believe resulted from exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, please contact us immediately. You may be able to recover the compensation you deserve for this horrible situation. The consultation is free, and there is no obligation to proceed unless you so choose. You won’t pay any attorney’s fees or costs unless we successfully recover damages on your behalf. Don’t wait – contact us today.
