The Marine Corps Base Camp, located in Lejeune, is an American military training facility along the coast of North Carolina. This US Marine Corps base has been home to and employed millions of Americans in the Eastern North Carolina region throughout its history. Most of the stories around the base have been those of patriotism, sacrifice, hard work, and honor. However, the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit story is not a proud tale as it involves suffering and, sadly, the loss of life.

Between 1953 and 1987, the drinking water made available to residents and workers at Camp Lejeune contained toxic chemicals. These deadly chemicals were shown to cause cancer and other severe medical conditions. A new law was then passed, The Camp Lejeune Justice Act.

This act allows service members, their families, and civilian contractors who suffered health effects from the contaminated water to pursue fair compensation. Individuals who worked or lived at the camp for 30 days between 1953 and 1987 may be eligible to claim compensation. In addition, the descendants of the affected persons may also qualify to file a water contamination lawsuit if the affected person has since passed away.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination and its Link to Cancer

In 1982, the United States Marine Corps discovered that deadly chemicals classified as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) appeared in the water. However, it was later established that the camp Lejeune water contamination started in 1953. It exposed the base's workers, service members, and kin to the dangerous toxins until 1987. The Agency of Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry(ATSDR) also says that most contaminated wells were replaced in 1985.

The deadly VOCs traced in the camp's water included:

Benzene

This natural substance is also used to manufacture other chemicals and materials like synthetic fibers, plastics, nylon, and resins.

Tetrachloroethylene

This chemical is known as perchloroethylene(PCE) and is used for metal degreasing and dry cleaning. Trichloroethylene(TCE). This is a solvent that is used to clean up metal components.

Vinyl chloride

This is a by-product when benzene, VC, and TCE degrade over time in groundwater. TCE, VC, and benzene are all chemicals that cause cancer, and PCE is stated as carcinogenic. Long-term exposure to these can cause birth problems and other medical conditions.

Suppose you or someone close to you have suffered health conditions due to contamination by these chemicals. In that case, you may now qualify for compensation from a camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit.

Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water 2022 Update

In August of 2022, the United States government authorized the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, a component of the Honoring the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins(PACT) Act. The Pact Act emphasizes the concerns that affect veterans exposed to dangerous substances during their years of service. In addition, this new law allows those affected to seek compensation through the camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit.

What to Seek out in Attorneys Representing the Camp Lejeune Case

We empathize that this may be difficult for you and your loved ones. Filing a lawsuit may sometimes be daunting and out of reach; however, if you have the support of a competent and dedicated legal team, the process will be a lot easier than you think. When looking for such a team to represent you or someone close to you, try to find a practice that can offer:

Free case reviews. It would be best if you did not keep asking yourself questions about your rights. Find a firm that is transparent and informs you of your rights.
Experience. You want to opt for an experienced firm with a proven track record of handling lawsuits.

How to File a Lawsuit Against Camp Lejeune

When you partner with our firm, we will do our best to file your lawsuit and ensure that the entire process is stress-free. If you feel you have a relevant claim, our team of attorneys can take care of each process step. The process can include:

• Determining the eligibility of your case during a consultation
• We build the most robust case possible with testimony, medical records, and accrued evidence
• Filing the actual lawsuit
• Negotiating a fair settlement
• Present your claim in a court of law if necessary

Expected Settlement Amounts and Verdicts

In a general sense, a lawsuit may end up in a financial pay-out in either of two ways:

1. Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit agreement. The legal team representing you may be able to negotiate a monetary agreement, otherwise referred to as a settlement. This can allow you to get your compensation as soon as possible and avoid prolonged court sessions.
2. Jury verdict. If a settlement is not reached with your legal team, your case will proceed to a court of law. During court hearings, a judge may listen to your case and present a verdict containing a compensation amount. In such a case, there is no guarantee of compensation.

Health Effects as a Result of the Water Contamination at the Marine Camp

Between 1953 and 1987, multitudes of people working and living on the base were exposed to dangerous chemicals in their drinking water. Exposure to these chemicals exposed many of them to a myriad of health complications such as:

• Congenital disabilities
• Adult Leukaemia
• Aplastic anemia
• Cancer of the bladder
• Cancer of the breast
• Cancer of the cervix
• Cardiac defects
• Cancer of the esophagus
• Cancer of the liver
• Cancer of the kidney
• Cancer of the lungs
• Multiple myeloma
• Lymphomas
• Parkinson's disease
• Scleroderma

For many years, individuals who suffered from these conditions were denied justice. This prompted activists' and advocates' attempts to seek justice through acknowledgment and government action. These efforts eventually bore fruit, and now families have access to justice by filing a lawsuit.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, you may be entitled to compensation. Reach our friendly team of Attorneys today and start your claim. Contact us today.