Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit
Exposed to toxic chemicals? Our law firm fights for veterans’ rights
Attention U.S. Marines, military veterans and anyone else who may have been exposed to toxic chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. The federal government recently approved legislation clearing the way for individuals harmed by toxic chemicals at Camp Lejeune to file a lawsuit or take other legal action for their injury-related expenses.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness or injury due to exposure to toxic chemicals at Camp Lejeune or nearby at MCAS New River, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation for your injury-related expenses.
That’s why it’s critical that you contact a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyer at the Law Offices of James Morris. Our attorneys are actively reviewing potential legal cases. Contact our law firm right away and schedule a free consultation to learn more about your legal options, including your ability to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit.
Toxic chemicals found in water
Water tests conducted at Camp Lejeune revealed the presence of toxic chemicals that were 280 times higher than the acceptable safety standards. Some of the hazardous chemicals found in contaminated water at Camp Lejeune include:
- Benzene, a cancer-causing toxin found in cleaning solvents and synthetic materials.
- Perchloroethylene (PCE) or Tetrachloroethylene, chemicals used to clean military uniforms.
- Trichloroethylene (TCE), chemical compound used to clean military weapons or remove grease from metal parts.
- Vinyl chloride (VC), a hazardous chemical compound created when PCE and TCE break down and evaporate.
Who was exposed to toxic chemicals?
A wide range of people were exposed to toxic chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune and nearby Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River base between 1953 and 1987. People who were exposed to toxic chemicals in the water at both North Carolina bases during this time period include:
- S. Marines stationed at either base
- National Guard members
- Military reservists
- Family members of military service members
- Civilian workers at both military bases
Camp Lejeune Justice Act approved
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is a significant piece of legislation that gives affected people nationwide the right to take legal action if they were harmed by toxic chemicals at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River.
Officially known as Camp Lejeune Justice Act (Bill Number H.R. 2192), it was signed into law in August 2022 as part of the Honoring Our PACT Act. Prior to the adoption of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, people harmed by toxic chemicals at Camp Lejeune decades ago had no way to take legal action in such cases. The new federal law creates a pathway for claims and lawsuits to proceed.
Now, anyone who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 can file an injury claim or lawsuit if they were exposed to toxic chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River.
Common Camp Lejeune water contamination health problems
Many of these harmful chemicals found in the water at Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River are carcinogenic, meaning they cause cancer. Common forms of cancer caused by harmful chemicals in contaminated water at both military bases include:
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia, a form of bone marrow cancer
- Lung cancer
- Multiple myeloma cancer, which forms in white blood cells called plasma cells
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymph nodes, which are part of the body’s immune system
- Throat cancer (esophageal cancer)
Other health problems associated with contaminated water found at Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River include:
- Female infertility, including miscarriages and stillbirths
- Kidney disease, including renal toxicity
- Liver disease, including hepatic steatosis
- Neurological problems, which involve brain damage
These are just some of the serious illnesses and fatal medical conditions linked to exposure to harmful toxic chemicals in contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River.
Who can file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit?
Anyone who lived, worked or was stationed at or near Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 can file a lawsuit or take other legal action seeking damages (legal term for financial compensation) if they exposed to toxic chemicals during that time. This includes in utero exposure (that is, if your mother resided at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River while pregnant with you).
Who do I take legal action against?
If you or a loved one was harmed by toxic chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River, you will need to file a lawsuit against the federal government in federal court. It doesn’t matter what state you currently live in.
Will my lawsuit affect my veterans’ benefits?
No. If you are a U.S. military veteran who already receives VA benefits, you can file a lawsuit if you were harmed by toxic chemicals at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River and it will not affect your eligibility to receive VA benefits.
If your lawsuit is successful, you can be awarded additional financial compensation in addition to your regular VA benefits which you earned for your military service to our country. Nobody can take away those benefits. This is simply an opportunity to receive additional compensation for the harm you suffered due to toxic chemicals in the water.
How much is my Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit worth?
There is no set dollar amount for how much money you could potentially receive if your Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit is successful. Depending on a wide range of factors – including the cost of your medical care and lost wages – you may be awarded thousands of dollars or significantly more.
But you need to take legal action. This money will not be automatically awarded to you. If you do not file a lawsuit, you could miss out on your opportunity to receive the money you deserve under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.
How a Camp Lejeune water contamination attorney can help you
Legal cases involving the federal government can be extremely complicated. Don’t try to take on the government on your own if you or a loved one was harmed by toxic chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River in North Carolina. We can help.
The experienced attorneys at the Law Offices of James Morris can help you every step of the way. These cases are highly complex and will likely be handled by national law firms with a global settlement. Throughout the process, we can be your local point of contact, answering your questions and keeping you updated on the national developments. We split our fee with the national firms, so hiring a local Buffalo attorney to represent you does not cost extra.
Discover what we can do for you. Contact our law firm and schedule a free case evaluation with lawyers you can trust to put your best interests first. Call or contact us online right now. We are actively reviewing potential Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits for veterans and their families in Buffalo and throughout Western New York.