After years of suffering the harmful effects of contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, military members, civilian employees and families at this U.S. Marine Corps Base between 1953 and 1987 can now seek compensation for cancer and other health concerns linked to exposure.
In August, the United States Government passed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 as part of the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. The PACT was created to address issues affecting veterans exposed to toxic materials while in service.
If you lived or worked at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina during this time, you may be eligible to receive compensation.
Do I Qualify for a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?
Anyone who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 may file a lawsuit to pursue compensation for their injuries if they:
- Worked for at least 30 cumulative days during this time period
- Did not receive a dishonorable discharge from military service
- Have a diagnosis of one or more of the conditions linked to contamination
If an affected loved one has since passed away, you may still be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit on their behalf.
Toxins Found in the Drinking Water
Contamination at Camp Lejeune was primarily caused by spills and leaks from underground storage tanks, waste disposal sites and businesses into the drinking water. Certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – all classified as cancer-causing chemicals – were found in the water consumed and used to bathe, clean and cook. Specifically:
- Benzene – used in the production of plastics, resins, and nylon and synthetic fibers
- Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) – used for dry cleaning and metal degreasing
- Trichloroethylene (TCE) – used to clean metal parts
- Vinyl Chloride (VC) – TCE and PCE in groundwater eventually degrade to become VC
The presence of VOCs was discovered in 1982 but water contamination traces back to 1953 and continued until 1987.
Health Concerns Linked to Toxic Water
Prolonged exposure to volatile organic compounds can lead to many illnesses, diseases and other health complications. Some of the issues linked to ingestion or direct contact with the VOCs found at Camp Lejeune include:
- Bladder, brain, breast, esophageal, kidney, liver, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, rectal and soft tissue cancers
- Leukemia
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL)
- End-stage renal disease
- Liver cirrhosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Scleroderma
In addition to cancer, Camp Lejeune water contamination has also been linked to birth defects and other reproductive health conditions:
- Cardiac birth defects
- Female infertility
- Fetal death
- Low birth weight
- Major malformations
- Miscarriage
- Neural tube defects
- Oral cleft defects
Symptoms of Water Contamination
Exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune can cause a range of symptoms:
- Cholera
- Confusion
- Cramping
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Hepatitis A
- Lack of coordination
- Light sensitivity
- Nausea
- Numbness in limbs
- Skin infections
- Trouble concentrating
- Vomiting
What Does Compensation Cover?
Those impacted by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune deserve fair compensation. Claimants will be able to seek damages related to past and future medical treatment costs, lost wages, reduced employment opportunities, disability benefits, pain and suffering.
How Can Trantolo & Trantolo Help?
We’re determined to help the victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination, after several decades of rejection. North Carolina’s statute of repose, under which no civil tort lawsuit can be filed after more than 10 years, has prevented these victims from receiving compensation.
Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, now is the time to seek justice. To find out if you’re qualified to pursue a claim, contact Trantolo & Trantolo today.
