What to Know About the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuits

Anyone who was present from the 1950s to the 1980s at Camp Lejeune may have been exposed to contaminated water. Pending federal legislation will trigger a major series of lawsuits to seek compensation for injury victims.

Rueb Stoller Daniel is preparing for these Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits by actively soliciting veterans and others who were harmed because of this contamination. If you have questions about your right to seek justice for yourself or your family, reach out to us.

What Are These Lawsuits About?

Camp Lejeune is a military base located in eastern North Carolina. It is home to a number of units including the marine expeditionary forces. From 1953 to 1987, anyone who was present at the base could have been exposed to contaminated water. These include veterans, their family members, personnel, and others.

The contamination was caused by spills or leaks of what are called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These VOCs included numerous toxic chemicals from degreasers and dry-cleaning solvents. Some of the chemicals that have been discovered are:

  • Trichloroethylene (TCE)
  • Perchloroethylene (PCE)
  • Benzene
  • Vinyl chloride
  • Toluene
  • Mercury and other heavy metals
  • Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
  • Pesticides

These substances spilled or leaked from underground storage tanks and waste disposal sites. They are extremely hazardous to human health and have resulted in the following conditions (among others):

  • Numerous cancers (esophageal, kidney, breast, bladder, lung, and others)
  • Leukemia
  • Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Female infertility
  • Renal toxicity
  • Female infertility
  • Scleroderma
  • Myelodysplastic syndrome
  • Neurobehavioral effects
  • Hepatic steatosis
  • Other diseases and injuries

Victims may have been injured by drinking or using contaminated water. It is likely that these individuals were exposed to the water for years, possibly even decades. Exposure can be from bathing, cooking, or cleaning with contaminated water.

How Do I Know Whether I Have a Claim?

Pending legislation, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, will pave the way for victims and their families to seek compensation. Currently, this legislation is pending but is expected to be enacted. Once enacted, it will open the door to a mass tort lawsuit in eastern North Carolina. It is expected that numerous lawsuits will be filed, leading to the formation of multidistrict litigation (MDL).

Anyone who was present at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 may be able to file a claim. More specifically, eligible victims include:

  • Active duty veterans who served at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987
  • Anyone who lived on the base for 30 days or more during the same period
  • Dependents or spouses of an eligible veteran during the same period
  • Infants born of women who were pregnant on the base during the same period

Compensation includes medical, hospital, and nursing home care through the VA for any illnesses tied to the exposure. Damages may also include lost wages, emotional damages, pain and suffering, and more. At this point, it is unclear how much this compensation will total. Once victims begin filing lawsuits, the potential dollar figures will become clear.

Injured Because of Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune? Let Us Help

If you were hurt by Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water, or you believe you were, call Rueb Stoller Daniel. We can review your case and help you win the benefits you’re entitled to. That includes assistance with veterans whose VA disability claims were denied. We’re ready to talk to you about your case today.