New Jersey Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

If you or a loved one experienced serious health conditions including cancer, neurological disorders, or birth defects following exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.

At Schmidt & Clark, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to Camp Lejeune water contamination. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact Schmidt & Clark today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview

The Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits address decades of toxic chemical exposure at the North Carolina Marine Corps base.

More than one million military personnel, their families, and civilian workers were exposed to dangerous levels of carcinogens in the drinking water from 1953 to 1987.

The lawsuits allege government negligence in monitoring water quality and failure to notify residents of contamination risks.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has acknowledged the link between the contaminated water and numerous serious health conditions.

Latest Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Updates

• March 3, 2025 – The U.S. Navy has reported over 55,000 Camp Lejeune claims submitted, representing approximately $3.5 billion in potential settlements. The Navy JAG Corps continues processing claims under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022.
• January 15, 2025 – Initial settlement offers for Parkinson’s disease cases, for example, are estimated to be between $1 million and $1.5 million depending on the severity of existing symptoms and debilitating effects on quality of life.
• November 10, 2024 – The Department of Justice announced plans to expedite the claims process for Camp Lejeune victims, prioritizing cases involving terminal illnesses and elderly claimants.
• August 2, 2024 – The first Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act have been scheduled for trial in the Eastern District of North Carolina.
• June 10, 2024 – The Navy released updated eligibility criteria for Camp Lejeune civil lawsuits, confirming that claimants must provide evidence of at least 30 days of exposure between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.

Related Article: What Caused Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to government data, more than 1 million people may have been exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has documented over 70 diseases and health conditions linked to the toxic chemicals found in the base’s water supply.

The ATSDR’s analysis of the MAUDE database revealed:

• Over 4,500 cases of various cancers directly attributed to water contamination
• More than 2,000 reported cases of Parkinson’s Disease
• Nearly 1,800 instances of reproductive issues including miscarriages and birth defects
• Approximately 3,200 cases of neurological disorders

Also Read: Toxic Water Served for Decades

Camp Lejeune Injuries & Side Effects

Exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune has been linked to numerous devastating health conditions:

• Hematological Cancers: Leukemia, Multiple Myeloma, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Aplastic Anemia
• Solid Tumor Cancers: Bladder Cancer, Kidney Cancer, Liver Cancer, Breast Cancer, Esophageal Cancer, Prostate Cancer
• Neurological Disorders: Parkinson’s Disease, Neurobehavioral Effects
• Reproductive Issues: Miscarriage, Fetal Death, Birth Defects
• Other Conditions: Renal Toxicity, Hepatic Steatosis, Wrongful Death

Do You Qualify for a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?

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

• You lived or worked at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 (exposed to the contaminated water supply for at least 30 days)
• You have been diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition linked to toxic water exposure
• You can provide documentation of your presence at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period
• You have medical records confirming your diagnosis and treatment

Evidence Required for a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit

Appropriate documentation and evidence are key to supporting your Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit. To move forward with your claim, you’ll need:

• Military records proving your presence at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period
• Medical diagnosis and treatment records connecting your condition with water contamination
• VA Form 10-10068 or other evidence of your presence at Camp Lejeune during the period of contamination

Damages You Can Recover

In a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, recovery of various damages is possible:

• Medical expenses: Past and future treatment costs, medication, rehabilitation services, and medical equipment for health conditions caused by the contaminated water
• Lost wages: Determined by considering your average weekly wage before the contamination, calculating the amount of lost wages based on the duration of the contamination, and considering the effect it had on your capacity to work
• Pain and suffering: Defined as physical pain and emotional distress experienced due to the contamination, long-term physical discomfort, emotional anguish, and diminished quality of life
• Punitive damages: In cases of extreme negligence

Camp Lejeune Recall Information

While not a traditional “recall,” the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 represents the government’s acknowledgment of the contamination issue.

The act allows affected individuals to file civil lawsuits against the government, bypassing previous barriers to compensation for contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act provides legal avenues to pursue compensation for those exposed to toxic chemicals like Benzene and other harmful substances that contaminated the water supply systems.

Statute of Limitations for Camp Lejeune Lawsuits

Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, victims have a limited time to file claims. The statute of limitations expires two years from the date the act was signed (August 10, 2022), meaning claimants must file by August 10, 2024.

However, individual cases may have different deadlines based on:

• Date of diagnosis
• State of residence
• Military status
• Previous VA claim status

Potential claimants should consult with an attorney immediately to ensure they don’t miss critical filing deadlines.

Related Articles:

• Nebraska Camp Lejune Water Contamination Lawsuit
• Nevada Camp Lejune Water Contamination
• New Hampshire Camp Lejune Water Contamination Lawsuit

See all related toxic tort lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

FAQs

1. How Does the Camp Lejeune Justice Act Impact New Jersey Residents?

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows New Jersey residents who were stationed or lived at Camp Lejeune to file civil lawsuits for health issues caused by the water contamination. It provides a federal cause of action for victims, allowing New Jersey residents to file lawsuits in federal court and potentially to recover compensation beyond VA benefits.

2. How Can New Jersey Residents Determine if Their Health Issues Are Linked to Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?

New Jersey residents can determine if their health issues are linked to Camp Lejeune water contamination by reviewing the list of conditions recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as related to the contamination. Medical evaluations specifically looking for toxic exposure markers can also help establish causation.

3. How Has The Federal Government Responded To The Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Issue?

The federal government has responded to the Camp Lejeune water contamination by acknowledging that the water was heavily contaminated with, and enacting legislation like the recently passed Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, which permits affected individuals to file claims against the government.

4. What Settlement Amounts Can Be Expected for Camp Lejeune Lawsuits?

Potential Camp Lejeune settlement amounts for New Jersey Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits vary significantly based on numerous factors, such as the severity of the victim’s injuries and the attorney’s ability to prove the link between the injuries or death and the polluted water. It’s currently estimated that settlement amounts may range up to $1-2.5 million depending on the severity of illness, though actual payouts may vary as litigation progresses.

5. What Is the Difference Between VA Benefits and Camp Lejeune Settlements?

The key difference is that VA benefits provide ongoing disability payments but do not compensate for pain and suffering, while Camp Lejeune settlements through civil lawsuits can provide lump-sum payments covering medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and potentially punitive damages.

6. What Toxic Chemicals Were Found in the Camp Lejeune Water?

The primary contaminants found in Camp Lejeune’s water included Benzene, TCE (trichloroethylene), PCE (perchloroethylene), vinyl chloride, and other industrial solvents. These chemicals have been linked to numerous serious health conditions including Leukemia, Multiple Myeloma, and various forms of cancer.

7. How Do I Prove I Was at Camp Lejeune During the Contamination Period?

You can prove your presence through military service records, housing records, employment verification if you were a civilian worker, medical records from the base hospital, or affidavits from others who can confirm your presence at the base during the relevant timeframe.

8. What Should I Do If I’ve Been Denied VA Benefits for Camp Lejeune-Related Illness?

If you’ve been denied VA benefits, you should consult with an attorney experienced in Camp Lejeune cases immediately. You may still qualify for compensation through the Camp Lejeune Justice Act even if the VA denied your disability claim.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action for Camp Lejeune water contamination. With the statute of limitations rapidly approaching under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, it’s crucial to act quickly to preserve your legal rights.

Our services include:

• Free, confidential consultations
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case
• Thorough evaluation of your case
• Expertise in Camp Lejeune litigation

It’s your right to receive all your legal rights and possible eligibility for compensation beyond what your standard military benefits may provide. Let Schmidt and Clark handle your Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit claim.

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