People living and/or working at Camp Lejeune between August 1953 through December 1987 were almost certainly exposed to contaminated water. If you spent more than 30 days on base during this period, and are experiencing health conditions related to toxic water exposure, call us to discuss your case: 301-790-3600
CAMP LEJEUNE LAWSUIT UPDATE: Claimants only have until August 9, 2024, to file a claim with the federal government. Claims processing has already begun and is slated to conclude by 2026. Look for more updates here.
The North Carolina Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, in the eastern district of North Carolina, has a storied history dating back to before WWII. Camp Lejeune is not just the location of US military training operations, however; between 1952 and 1987, it was also the location of one of the worst water contamination disasters in American history.
In 1982, it was discovered that the tap water at Camp Lejeune contained several highly toxic chemicals, including trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride. The most dangerous well supply was removed in 1985, but contamination continued for at least two years afterward. The Marines and their families living on base were not informed about the water contamination, or how it might affect their health.
Do I Qualify for a Camp Lejeune Water Lawsuit?
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act makes it fairly simple to know if you qualify for a settlement. You may qualify for a Camp Lejeune settlement if:
- You resided or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953 to December 31, 1987, and
- You were diagnosed with a condition that can result from water contamination prior to August of 2022.
These conditions may apply to:
- Marines stationed on base
- Personnel who served at Former Marine Corps Air Station New River and/or MCAS Cherry Point
- Army National Guardsmen who attended the base for training
- Army Reserves who attended Camp Lejeune for military training
- Military families stationed on the base
- Parents of children who were potentially injured through toxic water exposure
- Women who experienced miscarriage
- Women who are experiencing fertility issues
- Hospital, schools, and Marine Corps exchange (MCXs) employees
- Civilian contractors
- Anyone exposed to toxic water in utero
- Children who went to school in base
The Camp Lejeune lawsuit payout per person will vary based on the length of exposure and the severity of your presenting medical conditions. Your settlement offer may also vary by the quality of your personal injury attorney. The Poole Law Group works with a consortium of mass tort firms to bring full, fair settlements on all Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits.
READ MORE: When Will Camp Lejeune Settlements Be Paid?
IMPORTANT NOTE: You do not need to have served in the Marine Corps to have spent time at Camp Lejeune. Members of the other branches of the military—Army, Navy, Air Force, National Guard, National Reserve, etc.—may also be affected.
Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Qualifying Medical Conditions
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) allows “certain individuals to sue and recover damages for harm from exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.” Please note: only individuals exposed to contaminated water for 30 days or more will qualify to recover damages under this act
Service members—veterans, reservists, National Guard members— as well as their children and family members, contractors, and civilians who were exposed to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953, through December 31, 1987, may have developed any one of these diseases:
- Adult leukemia
- Aplastic anemia
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Parkinson’s disease
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Female infertility
- Hepatic steatosis
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Lung cancer
- Miscarriage
- Multiple myeloma
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Neurobehavioral effects
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Renal toxicity
- Scleroderma
- Major Cardiac Birth Defects
Can I file a Camp Lejeune water lawsuit on behalf of family members who lived, worked, or served on Camp Lejeune who died from a condition related to the toxic water?
Yes, the authorized representative of the deceased individual may file a claim on the individual's behalf.
Call the Poole Law Group at (301) 790-3600 for a free, confidential consultation. If you are not sure if you meet the criteria, our experienced Camp Lejeune attorneys are here to help.
“Camp Lejeune” includes Greater Sandy Run, Marine Corps Air Station New River, Camp Geiger, Camp Johnson/Montford Point, Tarawa Terrace, Holcomb Boulevard, Hadnot Point, Paradise Point, Onslow Beach Stone Bay Rifle Range.
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Map Source: US Department of Veterans Affairs
Will a Claim Affect My Existing VA Coverage?
Section 804 of the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) allows anyone exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune to file a claim with the Department of the Navy. This law, also called the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, provides financial compensation for harm caused by exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. According to the VA: “The PACT Act doesn’t affect VA benefits related to Camp Lejeune. The law does expand VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances.”
READ MORE: What is the Camp Lejeune Elective Option?
Did The Army Ever Train At Camp Lejeune?
Yes. The North Carolina Army Guard has tanks at Camp Lejeune, NC USMC base. When the 82nd wants to train with those tankers, they do so at this military base. The US Marine Corps may provide opposing forces for this exercise.
If you or a loved one served in the Army and spent 30 days or more on the US military base of Camp Lejeune, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Poole Law Group at 301-790-3600 for a free consultation.
Is Cherry Point Part Of Camp Lejeune?
MCAS Cherry Point is not part of the Camp Lejeune military base. However, former Marine Corps Air Station New River and MCAS Cherry Point personnel who also worked at Camp Lejeune military base may qualify to file a claim. Talk to an attorney today to discuss your claim, and to see if you qualify for compensation: 301-790-3600.
Is Camp Geiger Part Of Camp Lejeune?
Camp Geiger is part of the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune complex. Although not geographically connected, Camp Geiger is home to the United States Marine Corps School of Infantry East for all Marines recruited through the Eastern Recruiting Region.
If you are still not sure you qualify, reach out. Our experienced attorneys are standing by to help you with your claim. Please fill out our contact form, or simply call 301-790-3600 to discuss your case.