Camp Lejeune water contamination claims have gained significant attention due to the severe health risks associated with toxic water exposure at the base. These claims are complex and require specialized legal expertise to navigate effectively, as they often involve intricate details about environmental liability and medical evidence.
Written by :
Rebecca Morgan
Edited by :
Grace Johnson
Deadline to Take Legal Action
A claim or lawsuit must be submitted within two years of the implementation of the PACT Act to be eligible for a Camp Lejeune settlement.
Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Advances with Selection of 25 Plaintiffs for Track 1 Trials
The Court issued an order confirming the 25 plaintiffs who will go to trial in Track 1 of the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit. The Track 1 cases involve bladder cancer, kidney cancer, leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and Parkinson’s disease. This represents a significant step forward in the litigation, setting a concrete timeline. The discovery period for these plaintiffs will conclude on August 11, 2024.
Increased Number of Claims Filed
Under the CLJA, 1,825 civil lawsuits and 261,293 administrative claims regarding Camp Lejeune have been filed with the Navy.
Judges Will Not Allow Jury Trials in Camp Lejeune Cases
While this ruling aims to streamline the legal process and potentially expedite the resolution of numerous claims filed by affected individuals and families, it has significant implications for how these cases will proceed, as it means that the outcomes will be determined by judges rather than a jury of peers.
Status Conference Held Before District Court Judge in Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Cases
Attended by all four assigned judges—Judge Richard Myers II, Judge Terrence Boyle, Judge James Dever III, and Judge Robert Jones Jr.—the conference allowed for detailed discussions on the current status and challenges. Representatives for both the Plaintiffs and the Defendant were present. Key issues discussed included restricted access to health studies and the slow progress in addressing the 117,000 submissions, with less than two dozen addressed so far. A database to streamline the process is under development and expected to expedite efforts soon.
Department of Justice Urges Consolidation
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has advocated for the consolidation of the Camp Lejeune cases. By consolidating these cases, the DOJ aims to manage the large volume of claims more efficiently and ensure a more consistent application of legal standards. This move is expected to facilitate a more organized and expedited legal process, benefiting both the plaintiffs and the court system.
Camp Lejeune Justice Act Signed into Law by President Granting Victims the Right to Bring a Claim
President Biden signed into law the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022, which includes Section 804, known as the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) of 2022. This law allows individuals, including veterans, who were exposed to contaminated water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, to file new claims with the Department of the Navy. The Act provides that individuals may seek relief in Federal court if a claim is denied or if no decision is made within six months of filing.
Filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim involves seeking compensation for health issues linked to toxic water exposure at the Marine Corps base. This process helps affected individuals secure the justice and financial support they deserve for the harm endured.
You may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit if you meet certain criteria. First, you must have lived or worked at the Camp Lejeune Marine Base for at least 30 days during the years when the water supply was contaminated, between 1953 and 1987.
Additionally, if you suffer from serious health issues linked to the contaminated water, you are likely eligible to pursue a claim. Lastly, if you have lost a loved one due to illnesses associated with the water contamination, you may also qualify to file a lawsuit.
The Tort Claims Unit (TCU) within the Navy's Office of the Judge Advocate General manages the handling and processing of administrative claims related to Camp Lejeune. When submitting your claim, it is crucial to specify the amount of damages you seek in your Camp Lejeune compensation, as failing to do so could result in the forfeiture of your rights.
Once the administrative claim is submitted, the Judge Advocate General (JAG) will review it and has the authority to approve, deny, or offer a settlement for your claim. The JAG has six months to make a decision on your claim.
If you believe you or a loved one has been affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, it's crucial to act now. Navigating this complex legal process can be challenging, but help is available to guide you from determining your eligibility to filing your claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
Get StartedCamp Lejeune, a Marine Corps base in North Carolina, faced severe water contamination issues from the 1950s to the 1980s. Harmful chemicals infiltrated the water supply, leading to numerous health problems for military personnel, their families, and civilians. The contamination has had lasting impacts, prompting legal actions and health studies to address and mitigate the damage caused.
The water contamination at Camp Lejeune was primarily due to toxic substances infiltrating two of the base's water treatment plants, Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point, from various pollution sources.
The contamination at Tarawa Terrace mainly involved PCE (perchloroethylene), a highly toxic chemical. The primary source was improper waste disposal practices by ABC One-Hour Cleaners, an off-base dry-cleaning company that introduced PCE into the water supply.
At Hadnot Point, the water treatment plant faced a broader range of contaminants, including trichloroethylene (TCE), PCE, and other harmful chemicals resulting from TCE degradation.
Multiple sources contributed to this pollution, including leaking underground storage units around the base, spills in industrial areas, and poor waste disposal practices across Camp Lejeune. Other toxic substances found in the water supply included benzene and vinyl chloride.
For decades, the military ignored and concealed the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, putting countless lives at risk. Despite mounting evidence of toxic substances in the water supply, military officials failed to take appropriate action to address the issue. Reports of health problems among service members and their families were dismissed or downplayed, allowing the contamination to continue unchecked.
In the 1980s, tests revealed the presence of harmful chemicals such as trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride in the water. These substances were linked to severe health issues, including various cancers, neurological disorders, and reproductive problems.
However, instead of taking immediate measures to rectify the contamination and inform the affected individuals, the military engaged in a cover-up. Key documents and findings were withheld, and the severity of the contamination was not disclosed to the public.
It wasn't until years later that the full extent of the contamination and the military's negligence came to light. Investigations and legal actions revealed a systematic failure to protect those stationed at Camp Lejeune, highlighting a grave breach of trust and responsibility.
The delay in acknowledging and addressing the contamination has had long-lasting repercussions, with many affected individuals continuing to suffer from the health consequences of the toxic exposure.
Exposure to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune has been linked to a variety of serious health conditions and symptoms. Individuals who consumed or were exposed to this water may experience a range of health issues, many of which can have long-term effects.
To date, the Department of Justice has officially acknowledged nine health conditions as being associated with the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune: [1]
If you or a loved one has been affected by the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune, taking action is crucial for protecting your health and securing the compensation you deserve.
Get StartedA study by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry revealed that exposure to both TCE and PCE was associated with an increased risk for kidney cancer in both Marines and civilian employees at Camp Lejeune. The risk increases with increasing levels of exposure to the contaminants for kidney cancer. [2]
Kidney cancer often presents with blood in the urine, persistent lower back pain on one side, unexplained weight loss, and constant fatigue. Patients may also experience fever without infection, loss of appetite, anemia leading to tiredness, and swelling in the ankles or legs.
According to the American Cancer Society, early detection has a favorable outcome, with a five-year survival rate of about 93% for localized cases (stage I). For regional cancer (stage II and III), the survival rate is around 74%. Advanced cases (stage IV) have a five-year survival rate of approximately 17%. [3]
The International Agency for Research on Cancer identified a positive association between TCE found in Camp Lejeune drinking water and liver cancer. [4]
Liver cancer symptoms include weight loss, appetite loss, upper abdominal pain, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). The prognosis for liver cancer varies based on the stage at diagnosis. According to the American Cancer Society, early-stage liver cancer has a better prognosis, with localized cases having a five-year survival rate of around 37%. For regional spread, the survival rate drops to 14%, and for distant spread, it is around 4%. [5]
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue.
Based on data from the American Cancer Society, for Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma, when the cancer is localized, the five-year relative survival rate is 73%. For regional cases, where the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or structures, the survival rate is slightly higher at 74%. However, when the cancer has metastasized to distant parts of the body, the survival rate decreases to 58%. [6]
For Follicular Lymphoma, the prognosis is generally more favorable. Localized cases have a very high five-year relative survival rate of 97%. When the cancer has spread regionally, the survival rate remains high at 91%. Even for distant spread, the survival rate is relatively good at 87%.
A study by the ATSDR revealed that those stationed at Camp Lejeune had at least a 20% higher risk of developing leukemia. [7]
Leukemia symptoms can include fatigue, frequent infections, weight loss, and easy bruising or bleeding. The prognosis for leukemia varies by type and stage. Acute leukemias require immediate treatment and have variable survival rates, while chronic leukemias may have longer survival times with proper management. Early detection and advances in treatment options, such as targeted therapies and stem cell transplants, have improved survival rates.
Bladder cancer symptoms may involve blood in the urine, pelvic pain, and frequent urination. The American Cancer Society reveals that, when the cancer is in situ alone, meaning it is non-invasive and confined to the bladder lining, the survival rate is very high at 96%. For localized bladder cancer, which has not spread beyond the bladder, the survival rate is 71%. When the cancer has spread regionally to nearby tissues or lymph nodes, the survival rate drops to 39%. In cases where bladder cancer has metastasized to distant parts of the body, the five-year relative survival rate is significantly lower at 8%. [8]
Multiple myeloma symptoms include bone pain, frequent infections, fatigue, and kidney problems. The prognosis depends on various factors, including the stage at diagnosis and response to treatment.
A study published in the National Library of Medicine revealed that Veterans who lived at Camp Lejeune for at least three months between 1975 and 1985 had a 70% higher risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease four decades later. [9]
Parkinson’s disease symptoms include tremors, slow movement (bradykinesia), muscle stiffness, and balance problems. While Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive condition for which there is no cure, some medications and therapies can slow disease progression and improve prognosis.
Kidney disease symptoms might involve changes in urination, swelling in the feet and ankles, and fatigue. The prognosis depends on the stage of the disease and the underlying cause. Early stages can be managed with lifestyle changes and medications, potentially preventing progression. Advanced kidney disease may require dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Systemic sclerosis symptoms include skin thickening, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and organ involvement, such as lung and heart problems. The prognosis varies based on the extent of organ involvement and disease progression.
The water contamination at Camp Lejeune has been linked to various neurological disorders, reproductive issues, chronic diseases, skin disorders, respiratory issues, and gastrointestinal problems.
Individuals exposed to the contaminated water may experience neurobehavioral effects, including memory problems, anxiety, depression, and difficulty concentrating.
Reproductive issues are also prevalent, with affected individuals facing challenges such as infertility, increased risk of miscarriages, and higher rates of birth defects, including spina bifida and other developmental disorders.
Chronic diseases like liver disease can manifest as jaundice, swelling in the legs and abdomen, and chronic fatigue.
Skin disorders, such as dermatitis, cause symptoms like red, itchy skin, rashes, and inflammation, with some rashes being persistent or recurring and unresponsive to typical treatments.
Respiratory issues are another significant concern, with affected individuals experiencing chronic shortness of breath, wheezing, and persistent coughs. Lung cancer, characterized by symptoms like chronic cough, chest pain, and coughing up blood, is also associated with the contaminated water.
Gastrointestinal problems, including chronic abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, are common, along with an increased risk of gastrointestinal cancers, such as stomach, colon, and rectal cancers.
If you or a loved one has developed serious health conditions due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, it's essential to seek justice for these devastating consequences. Stand up for your rights and the rights of others affected by this tragic contamination, and don't let your pain and suffering go unanswered.
Get StartedVeterans concerned that pursuing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit might jeopardize their VA disability benefits can find reassurance in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' stance. The VA has explicitly stated that seeking settlements through these lawsuits will not impact their eligibility for VA disability and health care benefits.
This assurance is vital for those affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination, as they often require multiple forms of compensation to address the extensive health impacts of their toxic exposure. Access to both lawsuit settlements and ongoing VA benefits is essential for fully managing the medical and financial repercussions stemming from the contamination at Camp Lejeune.
As the Camp Lejeune lawsuits continue to develop, there is no established "average" payout for claimants. The settlement amount for each case will differ based on various factors.
Key considerations include the nature and severity of the injuries or conditions resulting from exposure, the strength of the documentation linking the illness to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, and the duration the individual spent on the base during critical periods when the contaminants were present.
Navigating the legal complexities of Camp Lejeune water contamination claims can be daunting. To ensure you receive the compensation and justice you deserve, hiring specialized legal representation is crucial. Here’s why:
Camp Lejeune water contamination claims involve intricate details of environmental liability law. Experienced attorneys specializing in this field understand the nuances of such cases, including identifying responsible parties, gathering evidence, and proving negligence. Their expertise ensures that your claim is built on a solid foundation, maximizing your chances of a successful outcome.
Proving the connection between health issues and toxic water exposure requires detailed medical evidence. Specialized attorneys have the knowledge to interpret medical records, work with medical experts, and present compelling arguments that link your health conditions to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune. This expertise is vital for establishing the legitimacy of your claim.
The legal process for Camp Lejeune claims can be complex, involving multiple steps such as filing claims, negotiating settlements, and potentially going to trial. An experienced attorney can guide you through each stage, ensuring that all legal procedures are followed correctly and deadlines are met. Their familiarity with the legal system can help avoid common pitfalls that could jeopardize your claim.
Specialized legal representation is essential for accurately assessing the value of your claim. Experienced attorneys can calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs. They can negotiate effectively with insurance companies and opposing counsel to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
As of July 2024, the total amount paid out for Camp Lejeune claims has reached $14.7 million through 59 payouts.
To qualify for a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, you must have lived or worked at the Camp Lejeune Marine Base for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987. Additionally, you must suffer from health issues linked to the contaminated water or have lost a loved one due to related illnesses.
Illnesses associated with Camp Lejeune water contamination include various cancers (such as bladder, kidney, and liver cancer), leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Parkinson's disease, and multiple myeloma, among others.
https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/lejeune/morbiditystudy_factsheet.html
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/kidney-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates.html
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/liver-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates.html
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/bladder-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates.html
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