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If you or a loved one has been affected by water contamination at Camp Lejeune, please contact us today for a free consultation. We will fight to get you the compensation and benefits you deserve.
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The History of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
Camp Lejeune is a United States Marine Corps base in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The base was established in 1941 and has been home to Marines ever since. In 1953, the base began using water from two local wells – Tarawa Terrace Well and Hadnot Point Well to supply drinking water to its residents.
These wells were contaminated with various chemicals for over three decades, including benzene, perchloroethylene (PCE), and trichloroethylene (TCE). Scientific and medical evidence shows that these chemicals are known to cause cancer and other serious health problems. As a result, many Marines and their families who lived at Camp Lejeune during this period suffered from illnesses such as cancer, leukemia, and liver disease.
The water contamination at Camp Lejeune was first discovered in the 1980s. However, it is believed that the water was contaminated for many years before that. Thousands of Marines and their families were exposed to the contaminated water.
The government has acknowledged that the water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated and has set up a program to provide medical care to those affected. However, many believe the government has not done enough to help those harmed by water contamination.
What Caused the Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune?
Over the years, various studies have been conducted on how Camp Lejeune’s water supply became tainted with harmful toxins. According to those studies, it has become clear that multiple sources contributed to the presence of volatile organic compounds, which the EPA states are “human-made…industrial solvents… that are common groundwater contaminants, in the camp’s water supply.
A nearby dry cleaning business was a significant source of the volatile organic compounds. Dry cleaning companies use Perchloroethylene (PCE) to clean fabrics. PCE from the ABC One Hour Cleaners leaked into the adjacent groundwater at 240 to 3,400 times the safe levels. This contaminated water was then distributed by the camp’s Tawa Terrace well system.
Another origin of water contamination was the Hadnot Point water well, primarily impacted by trichloroethylene (TCE). TCE is thought to have entered the water supply from multiple sources, such as a waste lagoon and damaged underground storage containers. The Hadnot Point water well served as the primary water source for Marine Barracks at Camp Lejeune until 1987.
Benzene was also discovered in the camp’s water supply. Benzene is a known carcinogen that can be found in gasoline and petroleum products and is known for causing leukemia and other blood-related health issues. Although benzine entered the water supply through the Hadnot Point well water system, the source of the benzene contamination at Camp Lejeune is still unknown.
The Effects of the Contaminated Drinking Water
It is believed that as many as one million Marines and their families were exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. Studies have shown that those who drank and bathed in the water for extended periods are at an increased risk of developing various health problems such as cancer of the kidneys, bladder, and liver. Many victims were also diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
The PACT Act and Camp Lejeune
On August 10, 2022, President Biden signed the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins Act (PACT Act.) The act has become new law and will provide healthcare and disability compensation to those exposed to toxins, including the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is included in the PACT Act. It allows veterans, civil servants, and their families to recover damages for harms and losses sustained from exposure to the contaminated water between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. Eligibility is available to those exposed to the contaminated water for at least 30 days.
Call the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today and schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers. We will review your case and help determine if you are eligible for compensation under the PACT Act. Don’t wait, call us today.
What the PACT Act Does For Veterans and Other Camp Lejeune Victims
The PACT Act extends eligibility for veterans exposed to toxins and contamination such as burn pits and the water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. It codifies specific cancers and illnesses, removing the burden of proof on veterans to receive necessary benefits. The act also expands screenings, including lab testing and medical treatment available to veterans exposed to toxic chemicals.
The First Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Was Filed in 2022
While the United States Congress passed the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act in 2012, which allowed veterans to receive benefits for their injuries, federal law has stopped lawsuits relating to water contamination from moving forward. Thanks to the PACT Act, eligible individuals can now file a lawsuit to recover damages for their injuries.
In August of 2022, the first lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, naming the United States of America as a defendant. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of a service member who served at Camp Lejeune between 1984 through 1986 and was later diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2012. This lawsuit is the first of what is expected to be many, as more and more victims of the water contamination at Camp Lejeune come forward.
How Can I File a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?
If you or a loved one served, worked, or lived at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 and have been diagnosed with cancer or another illness, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Call the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today to schedule a free consultation. We will review your case and help you determine if you are eligible to file a lawsuit under the PACT Act.
What You Need to File a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit
To be eligible to seek damages against the federal government for injuries caused by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you will need to show that you were:
- Stationed at Camp Lejeune or worked there between 1953 and 1987 (this includes unborn children)
- Lived on the base for at least 30 days during that period
- Have been diagnosed with one of the qualifying diseases or illnesses specified by the CDC
If you meet these conditions, you may be able to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit. Contact the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today to learn more about your legal rights and options.
Injuries Related to the Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune
Thousands of marines and their families were stationed at Camp Lejeune for over 30 years, and the damage caused by the contaminated water has been far-reaching. The toxic chemicals in the water supply have been linked to various cancers and other debilitating health concerns.
Non-Cancerous Personal Injuries and Illnesses
- Aplastic anemia
- Impaired immune system
- Liver cirrhosis
- End-stage renal disease
- Scleroderma
- Birth Defects
- Severe hypersensitivity skin disorder
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Neurological effects
- Renal toxicity
Birth Defects and Conditions
- Fetal death
- Low birth weight
- Miscarriage
- Oral cleft defects
- Cardiac defects
- Major malformations/disfigurement
- Choanal atresia
- Infertility
Cancer Related to the Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune
The following cancers have been linked to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune:
- Breast cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Lung cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Leukemia
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Esophageal cancer
These are just a few of the injuries and illnesses that have been linked to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer or another disease after serving at Camp Lejeune, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit under the PACT Act. Contact the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today for a free consultation to learn more about your legal rights and options.
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Caused a Significant Amount of Damages
Damages are the losses and harm a plaintiff suffers due to the defendant’s negligence. Calculating these damages is an integral part of every personal injury case. Our lawyers have the experience and resources to calculate your damages’ full extent accurately.
Types of Damages Available Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act
Economic damages have a specific monetary value and are typically the easiest to calculate.
They typically include:
- Lab tests
- Ambulance rides
- Surgeries
- Medication
- Home healthcare services
- Outpatient therapy
- Costs of hob retraining
- Inability to continue a career
Non-economic damages are those that do not have a specific monetary value. They can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Physical disfigurement/scarring
- Permanent disability
While these damages can be more challenging to calculate, our lawyers will work to ensure that you are fairly compensated for these losses.
Compensation for Wrongful Death Claims
If you have lost a loved one due to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. These claims are brought by the surviving family members of the deceased and can include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of love, guidance, and companionship
Evidence You Can Use to Prove Your Case
If you have any of the following, it may help your claim:
- Medical records indicating a diagnosis of a qualifying illness caused by the camp Lejeune water supply
- Proof of service at Camp Lejeune during the relevant period
- Bills or receipts for out-of-pocket medical expenses
- Documentation of lost wages and other financial losses caused by your illness
If you have any questions or need help filing a claim, our team is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation. We will review your case and help you determine the best course of action.
How Can a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawyer Help Me?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer or another illness after serving at, working at, or living on Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you may be entitled to compensation. The PACT Act creates a new cause of action against the United States for personal injuries caused by exposure to toxic chemicals, including the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
At the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, our lawyers can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. We will review your case for free and help you understand your legal rights and options. If we take your case, we will do so on a contingency basis, which means you will not owe us anything unless we recover damages on your behalf.
Contact our law firm today to schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers. We look forward to helping you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
How Much Are Camp Lejeune Settlement Payouts?
It’s too early to determine what Camp Lejeune settlement amounts will be. As for any case, the amount of money you may be entitled to receive from a potential Camp Lejeune lawsuit depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the length of time you were exposed to the contaminated water, and whether you have already been diagnosed with cancer or another illness. While there is no guarantee that you will receive a settlement, our attorneys will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Receiving Benefits for Water Contamination Injuries as a Family Member
To receive benefits as a family member, you must show evidence that you qualify under the existing law. This can include VA Form 10-10068: Camp Lejeune Family Member Program Application. You need:
- Proof of your residency at the base between 1953 and 1987
- Legal documentation that you are a veteran’s dependent
- VA Form 10-10068b: Camp Lejeune Family Member Program Treating Physician Report completed by your doctor
You will also need to prove that you have medical expenses and adverse health conditions associated with a qualifying condition.
- If you lived at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1956, you could have your medical expenses reimbursed for costs you paid on or after December 16, 2014
- If you lived on base between January 1, 1957, and December 31, 1987, you could get compensation for out-of-pocket medical costs from August 6, 2012.
If you believe your situation may satisfy the requirements for a case, we would be pleased to explore this option with you.
Get Help From the Camp Lejeune Lawyers at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor
If you want to pursue a lawsuit, our team of lawyers can help. We understand the law and know what it takes to win. The first step is to reach out and schedule a consultation with one of our lawyers. We will review your claim and evidence and let you know what we can do to help.
Contact us today to speak with one of our attorneys in Charlotte, Concord, Hickory, Greenville, Rock Hill, or Columbia.
