The water supply was poisoned. This affected Marines and members of other branches of the military, civilian contractors who worked on base, and families who lived on base.
According to the EPA, the water supply for Camp Lejeune was contaminated with oil, industrial waste and other toxic substances. The water was contaminated between 1953 and 1987, and it has caused devastating illnesses to those exposed, including:
- Breast, lung, bladder, cervical, ovarian, prostate, kidney, liver and esophageal cancers, adult leukemia, multiple myeloma, Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other cancers
- Parkinson’s disease
- Female infertility
- Miscarriages and birth defects
- Neurological disorders
Some families have already lost loved ones to these diseases. Other people are only now being diagnosed. Many have struggled to get an accurate diagnosis because the underlying cause, the contaminated water, was not known.
Since military personnel move frequently, those who served or lived at Camp Lejeune may live anywhere now, including Washington.
Camp Lejeune is in the news because new benefits are available
When the contamination and harm was first discovered, there was very little recourse to be had. Then, in 2022, Congress passed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act as part of a larger piece of legislation meant to address toxic exposure.
The Justice Act gives all those who were harmed by the Camp Lejeune water contamination an opportunity to sue for damages. This includes anyone who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or longer between Aug. 1, 1953, and Dec. 31, 1987, and who got one of the qualifying diseases.
If successful, a lawsuit could result in payment of past, present and future medical expenses, as long as they haven’t already been covered by VA benefits. You could also receive compensation for lost wages, disability, pain and suffering and loss of quality of life.
Families of those who died as a result of the Camp Lejeune water contamination may also have claims.
You have less than 2 years to make a claim
If you have been diagnosed with one of these illnesses and worked, served or lived at Camp Lejeune, you may have a claim. However, you must file by August 9, 2024.
You can work with a local attorney for this lawsuit. If you work with the Dubin Law Group, there is no up-front fee to file a claim and you owe nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Get started by scheduling a free initial consultation. We hope to be a source of help and comfort as we pursue your claim.