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Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit - FAQs
Researchers and officials have established that service members, family members of service members, and others who were stationed at and who frequented Camp Lejeune between August 1953 and December 1987 were exposed to toxic water. The toxic water contained volatile organic substances that are known cancer causing agents. In addition, the contaminated water caused some of those exposed to suffer Parkinson's disease, infertility, neurological disorders, and other serious medical conditions. If you were stationed or worked at Camp Lejeune during this time and you have been diagnosed with a serious medical condition, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
How Did the Water Get Contaminated?
Experts who have researched the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune believe that water from underground storage tanks leaked into drinking water. Service members, their families, and staff drank, bathed in, and washed dishes and clothes in toxic water. The water emanating from three of eight water treatment facilities on the base were discovered to be contaminated with toxic substances. It is believed that some 900,000 people were exposed to the water during the relevant time.
Who Can Bring a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claim?
Any person stationed at or who lived on Camp Lejeune Marine Corps base for at least 30 days between August 1953 and December 1987 is eligible to bring a claim for compensation against the federal government. Active-duty military service members, veterans, their families, non-military staff, and surviving family members may have the right to bring claims.
Even individuals who were babies in utero while their mothers were living at Camp Lejeune may be entitled to compensation. A claimant must prove that one was present for a minimum of 30 days at Camp Lejeune and contracted a medical condition linked to the contaminated water.
What Contaminants Were Found in the Camp Lejeune Drinking Water?
Since the 1980s, the Environmental Protection Agency has been studying water at Camp Lejeune. The agency has found multiple volatile organic compounds, including the following, in the base’s drinking water:
- TCE (trichloroethylene);
- DCE (trans-1,2-dichloroethylene);
- PCE (perchloroethylene or tetrachloroethylene);
- Benzene;
- Vinyl Chloride.
These compounds have been linked to various cancers, neurological conditions, and other serious medical issues.
What Illnesses Were Caused by Contamination?
The volatile organic compounds found in contaminated water at Camp Lejeune have been associated with many different diseases and chronic health conditions. Some of the most common conditions include:
- Neurobehavioral effects;
- Scleroderma;
- Renal toxicity;
- Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS);
- Female infertility;
- Miscarriage;
- Hepatic steatosis;
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma;
- Multiple myeloma;
- Leukemia;
- Lung cancer;
- Kidney cancer;
- Esophageal cancer;
- Breast cancer;
- Bladder cancer.
If you were present at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1988 and have been diagnosed with any serious health conditions, it is worth discussing your case with an attorney. You may be able to recover compensation for past, current, and future medical expenses, along with other types of damages.
What Compensation Can I Get if I am a Victim of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
If you are eligible to pursue compensation, the dollar amount depends on the unique facts of your case. Your case's value will depend on your expenses, the seriousness of your medical condition, and the pain and suffering you've endured. The experienced attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC will work with financial experts to determine all your past and future medical expenses, lost income, and other financial damages you have endured because of your exposure to toxic water.
If you can no longer work because of your diagnosis, you can obtain compensation for lost wages and benefits and future loss of income. Additionally, you can pursue compensation for pain and suffering, including physical discomfort, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
What Are the Benefits of Working with an Attorney?
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 (CJLA) allows victims of exposure to toxic water to obtain the damages they deserve. Before the act, most—if not all—claimants were barred by the applicable statutes of limitations and repose from bringing claims. The process of obtaining damages is still complicated. Working with an attorney can help you pursue the total compensation you deserve while focusing on your medical treatment.
Additionally, water contamination litigation involves complex medical and scientific evidence that requires the involvement of skilled professionals. Working with an experienced attorney will maximize the likelihood of obtaining the most compensation possible in your case.
What Should I Do If I’ve Been Exposed to Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune?
Were you stationed at or lived on Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1953 and December 1987? Have you received a medical diagnosis related to exposure to toxic chemicals? It is worth taking the time to discuss your case with an experienced attorney. Contact the North Carolina personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, today to schedule your free case evaluation.
