Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit: Seeking Justice for Veterans and Families

For decades, military personnel and their families stationed at Camp Lejeune, a United States Marine Corps base in North Carolina, were unknowingly exposed to toxic water contamination. Between the 1950s and 1980s, the drinking water at the base was contaminated with hazardous chemicals linked to severe health conditions, including cancer, birth defects, and neurological disorders.

The Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit represents one of the most significant legal battles in U.S. military history, as veterans and their families fight for justice and compensation. This article explores the history of the contamination, the health impacts, legal developments, and how affected individuals can seek justice.

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1. The History of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

A. Timeline of Contamination

• 1950s–1980s: For over 30 years, the water supply at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including:

  • Trichloroethylene (TCE) – A degreaser used in military equipment maintenance.

  • Perchloroethylene (PCE) – Used in dry-cleaning operations.

  • Benzene – A fuel component found in leaking underground storage tanks.

  • Vinyl Chloride – A byproduct of TCE and PCE degradation.

• 1982: The Marine Corps first detected contamination but did not immediately shut down the affected wells.

• 1985: The most contaminated wells were finally closed.

B. Sources of Contamination

• Hadnot Point Water Treatment Plant: Served family housing and barracks, contaminated with TCE and PCE.

• Tarawa Terrace Water Treatment Plant: Contaminated by a nearby dry-cleaning business (ABC One-Hour Cleaners).

• Leaking Fuel Tanks: Underground storage tanks leaked benzene into the water supply.

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2. Health Effects Linked to Camp Lejeune’s Toxic Water

Scientific studies, including those by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), have linked exposure to the contaminated water with numerous severe health conditions:

A. Cancers

• Leukemia

• Bladder cancer

• Kidney cancer

• Liver cancer

• Breast cancer

• Lung cancer

• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

B. Neurological and Autoimmune Disorders

• Parkinson’s disease

• Multiple sclerosis (MS)

• ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease)

C. Reproductive Issues and Birth Defects

• Miscarriages

• Neural tube defects (e.g., spina bifida)

• Low birth weight

• Childhood cancers (e.g., leukemia in children born to exposed parents)

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3. Legal Developments: The Camp Lejeune Justice Act and Lawsuits

A. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act (2022)

In August 2022, President Biden signed the Honoring Our PACT Act, which included the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA). This law allows veterans, families, and civilian workers exposed to the contaminated water between 1953 and 1987 to file lawsuits against the U.S. government for damages.

Key Provisions of the CLJA:

• Two-year filing window (until August 2024) for claims.

• Presumption of service connection for VA disability benefits.

• Right to sue the federal government, waiving sovereign immunity.

B. Current Status of Lawsuits

Thousands of claims have been filed, with many consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Eastern District of North Carolina. The government has faced criticism for slow processing of claims, leading to calls for faster resolutions.

C. Potential Compensation

Victims may be eligible for:

• Medical expense reimbursement

• Disability benefits

• Pain and suffering damages

• Wrongful death claims

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4. How to File a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

A. Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, individuals must prove:

1. Exposure: Lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.

2. Diagnosis: Suffered from a qualifying health condition linked to the toxins.

B. Steps to File a Claim

1. Gather Evidence

   • Medical records

   • Military service records (DD Form 214)

   • Proof of residence (base housing records, utility bills)

2. File an Administrative Claim with the Navy JAG

   • Must be filed before pursuing a lawsuit.

3. Wait for a Response (6 months)

   • If denied or no response, proceed to federal court.

4. File a Lawsuit in Federal Court

   • Work with an experienced Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyer.

C. Choosing the Right Attorney

• Look for firms with experience in toxic tort litigation.

• Ensure they work on a contingency fee basis (no upfront costs).

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5. Challenges in the Camp Lejeune Litigation

A. Government Delays

Many claimants report slow processing times, with the Department of Justice taking months to respond.

B. Proving Causation

Since exposure occurred decades ago, linking illnesses directly to the water can be difficult.

C. Statute of Limitations

The August 2024 deadline is approaching, urging victims to act quickly.

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6. The Future of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Cases

As litigation progresses, we may see:

• Mass settlements for affected families.

• Expanded eligibility for more diseases.

• Increased awareness of military base contamination issues.

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Conclusion

The Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit represents a critical fight for justice for veterans, families, and civilian workers who suffered due to negligence. With the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, victims finally have a pathway to compensation. If you or a loved one were affected, time is running out to file a claim.

Take Action Now

• Consult a lawyer before the August 2024 deadline.

• Gather your records to prove exposure and illness.

• Hold the government accountable for its failure to protect service members.

For those who served at Camp Lejeune, justice is long overdue—but with persistence, compensation and recognition are within reach.