Camp Lejeune Breast Cancer Lawsuit: Get the Right Lawyer

Camp Lejeune Breast Cancer Lawsuit Overview

The Camp Lejeune breast cancer lawsuits focus on veterans, family members, and civilian workers who developed breast cancer after being exposed to contaminated drinking water at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

Over 1 million people were potentially exposed to these dangerous chemicals, with thousands of cases reported to date.

The lawsuits allege that the government knew about the contamination but failed to act, resulting in serious health consequences for those exposed.

The EPA and Department of Veterans Affairs have acknowledged the link between the toxic water at Camp Lejeune and various cancers, including breast cancer.

Latest Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Updates

• March 1, 2025 – The Camp Lejeune Claims Administration Office has reported processing over 120,000 claims related to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act from August 2022, with breast cancer cases representing approximately 15% of all claims filed.
• January 15, 2025 – The first Camp Lejeune breast cancer lawsuit went to trial in the Eastern District of North Carolina, resulting in a $3.2 million verdict for a female veteran who served at the base from 1982-1985.
• November 2, 2024 – The Department of Justice announced a streamlined settlement process for Camp Lejeune breast cancer cases, with expected compensation ranging from $150,000 to $450,000 depending on exposure duration and severity of illness.
• August 10, 2024 – The second anniversary of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act marked significant progress in claim processing, with over $4 billion in settlements approved for various cancer cases, including breast cancer.

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to the FDA’s MAUDE database and government reports:

• Over 4,500 breast cancer cases have been potentially linked to Camp Lejeune water contamination
• Approximately 65% of breast cancer patients exposed to Camp Lejeune water were women who lived on base as spouses or children of service members
• 35% were female veterans or civilian workers
• The average latency period between exposure and diagnosis was 25 years

The CDC’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has confirmed that people exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune have a 20-40% higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to the general population.

Related Article: Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

Camp Lejeune Injuries & Side Effects

The toxic water at Camp Lejeune has been linked to numerous serious health conditions beyond breast cancer:

• Adult leukemia: Cancerous condition affecting blood and bone marrow
• Aplastic anemia: Life-threatening blood disorder that occurs when the body stops producing enough new blood cells
• Bladder cancer: Malignant growth in the urinary bladder lining
• Kidney cancer: Cancer that forms in the tissues of the kidneys
• Liver cancer: Cancer that begins in the cells of the liver
• Multiple myeloma: Cancer of plasma cells that causes cancer cells to accumulate in the bone marrow
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: Cancer that originates in the lymphatic system
• Parkinson’s disease: Progressive nervous system disorder affecting movement
• Esophageal cancer: Cancer that occurs in the esophagus
• Myeloma: Cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow

Do You Qualify for a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit if:

• You lived, worked, or were otherwise present at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987
• You have been diagnosed with breast cancer or another qualifying condition
• You can provide documentation of your presence at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period
• You can provide medical records confirming your diagnosis

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, signed into law as part of the PACT Act, removed previous barriers to seeking compensation and established a clear path for affected individuals to file claims.

See the other toxic tort lawsuits we’ve taken on.

Evidence Required for a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit

To successfully pursue a Camp Lejeune breast cancer lawsuit, you will need to provide:

• Military service records, housing records, or other documentation proving your presence at Camp Lejeune
• Medical records confirming your breast cancer diagnosis
• Documentation of treatments received and associated costs
• Expert medical testimony linking your breast cancer to the toxic water exposure

Damages You Can Recover

Compensation in Camp Lejeune breast cancer lawsuits may include:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death damages for families who lost loved ones

Camp Lejeune Recall Information

While not a traditional product recall, the government has acknowledged the water contamination at Camp Lejeune. The toxic water contained numerous harmful chemicals, including:

• Trichloroethylene (TCE)
• Perchloroethylene (PCE)
• Benzene
• Vinyl chloride
• Other volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

The highest concentrations of these chemicals were found in the Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point water treatment plants, which served the main family housing areas and barracks.

Statute of Limitations for Camp Lejeune Lawsuits

Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act:

• Victims have until August 10, 2024, to file a claim (two years from the enactment of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act)
• For those diagnosed after August 10, 2022, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of diagnosis
• For wrongful death claims, families have two years from the date of death

It’s critical to speak with an attorney promptly to ensure you don’t miss these deadlines.

FAQs

1. What Are the Chemicals in Camp Lejeune Water That Caused Breast Cancer?

The primary chemicals linked to breast cancer at Camp Lejeune include TCE, PCE, benzene, and vinyl chloride. These chemicals are known carcinogens that can cause DNA damage and cell mutations leading to cancer. The contamination levels were found to be up to 280 times higher than what is considered safe under current EPA standards.

2. Do I Qualify for Disability Benefits if I Have Camp Lejeune-Related Breast Cancer?

Yes. Veterans with breast cancer who served at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987 qualify for VA disability benefits under presumptive service connection. Family members may qualify for healthcare benefits and compensation through the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.

3. What Is the Average Settlement for Camp Lejeune Breast Cancer Cases?

While every case is unique, recent settlements for Camp Lejeune breast cancer cases have ranged from $150,000 to $450,000. Factors affecting settlement amounts include duration of exposure, severity of illness, medical expenses, and whether the case involved additional complications or resulted in death.

4. How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?

The timeline for resolving Camp Lejeune breast cancer lawsuits varies. Cases proceeding through the administrative claim process typically take 6-12 months. If a lawsuit needs to be filed in federal court, the process may take 1-3 years, depending on the complexity of the case and court backlog.

5. What Is the Burden of Proof During a Camp Lejeune Cancer Claim?

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act established a lower burden of proof than typical toxic tort cases. Claimants must show they were at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period, have a qualifying diagnosis, and that the exposure was at least as likely as not a contributing factor to their illness.

6. Can Family Members File Claims for Veterans Who Died from Camp Lejeune-Related Breast Cancer?

Yes. Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, family members can file wrongful death claims for veterans or civilians who died from conditions related to Camp Lejeune water exposure. This includes spouses, children, parents, and dependent relatives.

7. Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer to Represent Me in a Camp Lejeune Contamination Claim?

While not legally required, hiring an experienced attorney significantly increases your chances of receiving fair compensation. Camp Lejeune cases involve complex scientific and legal issues that require specialized knowledge. Most attorneys handling these cases work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win.

8. What Is Covered and What Exactly Are the Benefits?

Covered benefits include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to breast cancer caused by Camp Lejeune water contamination. The PACT Act and Camp Lejeune Justice Act ensure that victims can receive both VA benefits and pursue legal compensation through the Federal Tort Claims process.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action for Camp Lejeune breast cancer claims. With the statute of limitations approaching, it’s crucial to act quickly to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

Schmidt & Clark offers:

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

Our team specializes in Camp Lejeune toxic water cases and understands the specific challenges these cases present. We’ve successfully represented numerous breast cancer victims and their families in securing compensation for their suffering.

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