Camp Lejeune Lawsuits
Camp Lejeune is a Marine Corps Base Camp and United States military training facility in Jacksonville, North Carolina. It is located on 14 miles of beaches and is occupied only during military port operations.
Did you live or work on Camp Lejeune or Marine Air Corp New River between 1953-1987?
For decades, Camp Lejeune was the site of widespread drinking water contamination. Those harmed by the toxic water include former Camp Lejeune soldiers and their families who lived or worked on the base, non-military staff, employees and neighbors in the areas surrounding the camp.
What are the Toxic Chemicals in Camp Lejeune’s Water?
In 1982, the Marine Corps discovered highly elevated levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Camp Lejeune’s water supply. These VOCs are a group of chemicals found in many products like pesticides, herbicides, paints, paint thinners, and degreasers. Some of the VOCs found in the contaminated water systems at Camp Lejeune include:
- Trichloroethylene (TCE) – a solvent used as a degreaser for metal parts
- Tetrachloroethylene, a.k.a. perchloroethylene (PCE or PERC) – used for dry cleaning and metal degreasing
- Benzene – a solvent used to make industrial chemicals, and is a component in fuel
- Vinyl chloride – industrial chemical used to produce polyvinyl (PVC) plastic
For decades, the contaminated water systems served base housing, the base hospital, and both administrative and recreational facilities.
What is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was signed into law on August 2, 2022, by President Biden. Due to a unique provision in North Carolina law, this is the first time that those affected can take legal action. All lawsuits will be filed exclusively in the Federal Courts of the Eastern District of North Carolina.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is legislation that allows veterans, family members, and any other person who lived or worked at or near the base for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, to file claims to recover damages for harm from exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
Who Can Participate in the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?
The lawsuit is open to anyone who:
- lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and
- has been diagnosed with a health condition linked to the contaminated water exposure.
Eligibility to file a lawsuit includes, but is not limited to, veterans who served on the base, family members who lived on the base, civilians who worked on the base, and even children who were exposed in the womb.
Which Diseases May Quality for a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claim?
- Cancers
- Aplastic Anemia and More Myelodysplastic Syndromes
- Appendix Cancer
- Bile Duct Cancer
- Bladder Cancer
- Brain Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Esophageal Cancer
- Gallbladder Cancer
- Intestinal Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Leukemia
- Liver Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Multiple Myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Renal Toxicity
- Sinus Cancer
- Soft Tissue Sarcoma
- Spinal Cancer
- Thyroid Cancer
- Other Cancer
- Other Diseases and Heath Effects
- Birth Defects
- Death
- Female Infertility
- Hepatic Steatosis (Fatty Liver Disease)
- Miscarriage
- Neurobehavioral Effects
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Renal Failure (Permanent)
- Scleroderma
What is the Expedited Settlement Elective Option?
While many diseases may be linked to the water contamination, the government has instituted an expedited settlement Elective Option for some diseases. The following grid lists the diseases that qualify for an expedited settlement under the Elective Option:
| Disease | Qualifying Injury |
| Kidney Cancer | Tier 1 |
| Liver Cancer | Tier 1 |
| Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma | Tier 1 |
| Leukemias | Tier 1 |
| Bladder Cancer | Tier 1 |
| Multiple Meyloma | Tier 2 |
| Parkinson’s disease | Tier 2 |
| Kidney Disease / End Stage Renal Disease | Tier 2 |
| Systemic Sclerosis / Systemic Scleroderma | Tier 2 |
Elective Option Grid – Based on Length of Exposure (Time on Base)
Because these conditions have a higher causal link to the contaminated water, based on the amount of time on Camp Lejeune, the government will offer the following for expedited settlement:
| 30 to 364 Days | 1 year to 5 years | More than 5 years | |
| Tier 1 | $150,000 | $300,000 | $450,000 |
| Tier 2 | $100,000 | $250,000 | $400,000 |
It is important to get the advice of an attorney regarding whether to pursue a settlement offer or a higher amount in court.
How to Start a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claim
To see if you qualify, or to ask questions about your case, call our office at (317) 599-4111.
Please Note: The new law is not a VA claim. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act provides the opportunity for military and civilian victims to sue the U.S. government (not the Department of Veterans Affairs) for reparations from the toxic water contamination. However, Veterans that have developed conditions related to the contaminated water may also have a claim for service-connected disability benefits. We can also assist with these claims.
While each case is unique, awards for damages may be sought for:
- Medical Care
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life, loss of companionship, and loss of earning capacity
- Disability
What about Veterans Who Already Filed for Compensation with the VA?
This claim is different from service-connected disability benefits. Whether you have just filed for compensation with the VA or are already receiving VA benefits, this new bill could give you the opportunity to receive compensation not available to you through your VA disability benefits. Examples include pain and suffering or loss of employment.
How Hankey Marks & Crider Can Help You
To recover compensation under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, those affected must prove a connection between exposure to the contaminated water and the harm they suffered.
This is why having a knowledgeable attorney in your corner is vital. Hankey Marks & Crider will handle the legal concerns and responsibilities for you. As your attorneys, we track down and prepare all medical records, evidence, and testimony necessary to properly file your claim.
We can assess how exposure to the water contaminants at Camp Lejeune have affected you and your loved ones over time. Our legal team will help you receive the damages you deserve for your hardships.
What Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer?
At Hankey Marks & Crider, our attorneys work on a contingency fee arrangement on every Camp Lejeune contaminated water lawsuit case. This means you do not pay attorney fees unless we recover money on your behalf, and the initial consultation is free. We are able to assist on cases nationwide.
We understand that when you hire an attorney, you’re entering into a relationship based on trust. We have been fighting for decades to ensure that the injured and disabled to receive the compensation they are owed. As always, we are here for justice and here for you. Call us now at (317) 634-8565 to learn how we can help.
You can access the Acts by following the links below:
Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 (H.R.6482)
Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022 (H.R. 3967)