Congress enacted a law in 2022 to allow those harmed by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune to seek damages. According to federal officials, over a million people may have been exposed to this water from 1953 to 1987. Despite significant numbers of claims filed, however, the Navy and Marine Corps have been accused of dragging their feet. As veterans and others harmed by toxic water age closer to death, there’s a chance they won’t see justice.
If you or a loved one were harmed by the water at Camp Lejeune, aggressive legal action can help you win compensation. Let Rueb Stoller Daniel go to work for you. Call us today for a free case review!
A Backlog of Cases
Claims concerning the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune are beginning to accumulate. These cases involve veterans and others stationed at the base who were exposed to toxic water. The exposure caused so many illnesses that Congress finally took action to address it in 2022.
The Navy and Marine Corps, however, have taken no action on at least 20,000 claims. Under the law, a lawsuit can only be filed after six months of inaction by the Navy Judge Advocate General.
The backlog of cases is becoming painfully apparent to victims’ families and advocates. Many of the claims are turning from injury cases to wrongful death suits. This is expected to continue as Marines and their family members who were sickened by the water pass away.
The Navy is bearing the brunt of the blame for the delay. Advocates have pointed out that the Navy has failed to establish a claims resolution process. Both the Navy and Marine Corps, however, have denied responsibility for the tainted water. This feeds speculation that the branches are simply refusing to act, creating a backlog of cases.
Once the claims pass the six-month mark, they can move into federal court. A few hundred have already reached this point. However, the Navy’s refusal to take swift action is unnecessarily delaying justice for victims.
Do You Have a Claim?
The water at Camp Lejeune has been found to contain dangerous toxins known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals have been linked to a number of cancers and other illnesses. VOCs come from degreasers and cleaning solvents. Over several decades, these substances spilled or leaked into the water at the base.
Servicemembers and others at the base were exposed to this water and became sick. Drinking, bathing in, cooking, or cleaning with the water could cause sickness. If one of the following applies to you or your loved one, it may be possible to file a claim:
- You served at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987;
- You lived on the base for 30 days or more during the same period;
- You are a dependent or spouse of an eligible veteran during the same period; or
- You were an infant born of a woman who was pregnant on the base during the same period.
Get Started On Your Camp Lejeune Case Today
Do you have questions about your eligibility to file a Camp Lejeune contaminated water claim? Are you ready to get started? Reach out to Rueb Stoller Daniel today. We are actively taking clients who were harmed by the water at Camp Lejeune. Give us a call to learn more.
