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Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit (2024 Update)

From 1957 to 1987, the public water supply at Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base in North Carolina was contaminated with toxic chemicals. There is strong scientific evidence that chronic exposure to toxic chemicals in Camp Lejeune’s water has caused thousands of military veterans and their families to develop severe illnesses and even die.
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Should you or a family member have been living or working at Camp Lejeune between 1957 and 1987 and suffer from illnesses due to exposure to contaminated water, such as cancer or another serious condition, it is crucial to contact our legal team immediately. You may qualify for compensation through a Camp Lejeune legal claim, and our dedicated Camp Lejeune lawyers are here to support you. For a No-Cost Consultation, kindly click the button below or connect with a Camp Lejeune Lawyer anytime by dialing toll-free, 24/7 at (866) 588-0600.

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Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview

The Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits allege the U.S. government negligently exposed military personnel and their families to toxic chemicals in the base’s drinking water for over three decades (1953-1987).

These lawsuits claim officials knew about the dangerous contamination—which included TCE, PCE, benzene, and vinyl chloride—yet failed to take appropriate action until 1985, despite evidence of contamination emerging as early as 1980.

Recent developments include the August 2022 passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act and the February 2024 announcement of the government’s settlement program offering standardized compensation.

Latest Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Updates

  • August 10, 2024 – The deadline to file claims under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act is approaching, with only about 150 of the nearly 150,000 claims filed being resolved so far.
  • August 15, 2024 – By August 15, 2024, the U.S. Navy had received over 148,500 claims from individuals alleging harm due to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
  • February, 2022 – The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was signed into law, overriding the usual immunity protections of the U.S. government in these cases and allowing victims to file lawsuits in the Eastern District of North Carolina.

Related Article: Illnesses Caused by Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

FDA Reports and Statistics on Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune

The FDA’s Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database contains numerous reports of adverse events related to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, including:

  • Reports of Kidney Cancer: Linked to prolonged exposure to Trichloroethylene (TCE), a known human carcinogen found in the water supply [1].
  • Reports of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: Associated with long-term exposure to TCE, which exceeded EPA safety limits by a significant margin.
  • Reports of Liver Damage: Connected to Perchloroethylene (PCE) contamination, which peaked at levels 43 times higher than the EPA’s maximum allowable limit [2].

Key Findings from Studies

Extensive research has documented the contamination and its consequences:

  • National Cancer Institute (2022): Confirmed TCE contamination at the Hadnot Point plant, highlighting its use in industrial cleaning processes [3].
  • CDC Study (2014): Established that contamination at Camp Lejeune persisted from 1957 to 1985, affecting countless residents.
  • Bureau of Environmental Health (2021): Linked PCE contamination in the Tarawa Terrace plant directly to dry-cleaning activities from ABC One-Hour Cleaners.

Related Article: Camp Lejeune Parkinson’s Disease Lawsuit

Camp Lejeune Injuries & Side Effects

Studies have identified a direct link between exposure to toxic substances in contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune and severe, potentially deadly health effects.

Cancer-Related Conditions

Neurological Conditions

  • Parkinson’s Disease: Settlement range $75,000-$300,000
  • Neurobehavioral Effects: Settlement range $50,000-$150,000

Birth and Reproductive Issues

  • Miscarriages: Increased rates among women exposed during pregnancy
  • Birth Defects: Including congenital heart disease and spina bifida
  • Stillbirths: Higher incidence linked to exposure during critical periods of fetal development
  • Female Infertility: Challenges in conceiving attributed to environmental factors

Other Health Conditions

  • Liver Disease: Chronic liver conditions related to toxic exposure
  • Kidney Disease: Renal toxicity resulting from prolonged exposure
  • Skin Diseases: Rashes and other dermatological issues arising from contact with contaminated water

Do You Qualify for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit if:

  • You lived, worked, or were stationed at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1953 and December 1987.
  • You experienced serious health conditions including specific cancers (bladder, kidney, liver, leukemia), Parkinson’s disease, birth defects, female infertility, miscarriage, or other qualifying illnesses.
  • The condition required medical treatment or hospitalization.
  • You can provide military records confirming your presence at Camp Lejeune and medical documentation of your diagnosis.

Statute of Limitations for Camp Lejeune Lawsuits

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act established a filing deadline of August 10, 2024, two years after the Act was signed into law. If an administrative claim is denied, claimants have 180 days to file a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 offers a legal pathway for service members, their families, and civilians exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, to seek compensation for illnesses and injuries [4].

This landmark legislation overrides the usual immunity protections of the U.S. government in these cases.

The Act provides relief for various groups affected by the contamination:

  • Veterans Diagnosed with Cancer: Veterans with conditions like bladder cancer or leukemia can seek compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering caused by exposure.
  • Families with Birth Defects: Family members who experienced miscarriages or had children born with birth defects linked to contamination can file for emotional damages and medical expenses.
  • Civilians Impacted by Contamination: Contractors and nearby residents affected by neurological conditions or liver diseases due to exposure can also file claims.

The government has introduced a settlement program to expedite the resolution of the numerous claims. This program offers compensation of up to $450,000 to individuals, including Camp Lejeune veterans, who allege harm from the contaminated water.

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Have you or a loved one been injured or exposed to a toxic chemical at work or in the home that has caused a severe life-threatening side effect, illness, disease, or death?

FAQs

1. How Can I Prove That My Illness Is Related to the Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune?

You can prove that your illness is related to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune by providing medical records showing your diagnosis of a condition linked to the contaminants. Additionally, you should provide evidence of your residency or employment at Camp Lejeune during the specified period.

2. What Compensation Can I Receive if My Claim in the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit is Successful?

Suppose your claim in the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit is successful. In that case, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages.

3. How Long Do I Have To File a Claim for the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?

The deadline to file a claim for the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit can vary based on individual circumstances and the applicable statutes of limitations. It’s crucial to consult with an attorney experienced in these types of cases as soon as possible to ensure you meet all legal deadlines.

Get a Free Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

If you or a loved one lived or worked at Camp Lejeune between 1957 and 1987 and suffered an illness such as cancer or other serious health condition from contaminated water, time is limited to pursue legal action.

Our experienced attorneys at Toxic Tort Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP are currently reviewing Camp Lejeune cases nationwide. We offer:

  • Free, confidential consultations
  • No upfront costs or fees
  • Payment only if we win your case

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

References:

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK215286/
  2. https://unblock.federalregister.gov/
  3. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/trichloroethylene
  4. https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3176/all-info

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