Pursuing Compensation for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
The water supply at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina may have been contaminated between 1953 and 1987 with harmful chemicals that could lead to cancer and other severe health problems.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 has made it possible for those who suffered injuries during that period to seek compensation through a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit.
Cancer-causing Chemicals Found in Camp Lejeune Water
In Jacksonville, North Carolina, at Camp Lejeune, the home of the United States Marine Corps, the U.S. Marine Corps discovered volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a class of hazardous chemicals, in the water in 1982.
However, it was discovered that the contamination began as early as 1953. Until 1987, base employees, service members, and their families were still impacted, as stated by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). In February 1985, the most polluted wells were decommissioned.
The drinking water at Camp Lejeune was found to contain harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including:
- Benzene: is an ingredient used to manufacture various chemicals such as plastics, resins, nylon, and synthetic fibers.
- Tetrachloroethylene (PCE): Also known as perchloroethylene, it is used for metal degreasing and dry cleaning.
- Trichloroethylene (TCE): is a solvent utilized to clean metal parts.
- Vinyl Chloride (VC): TCE and PCE in groundwater eventually break down into VC over time.
All of these chemicals are considered cancer-causing, while PCE is classified as probably carcinogenic. Exposure to these chemicals can also heighten the risk of birth defects and other health issues.
Eligibility for Filing a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit
Individuals who resided or worked at the base from August 1, 1953, through December 31, 1987, for at least 30 days may now be qualified to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit and seek compensation for their injuries.
Furthermore, you might be qualified to bring a Camp Lejeune lawsuit on behalf of a loved one who died decades ago.
Choosing a Camp Lejeune Attorney
We understand that this may be challenging for you and your family. However, even under the best circumstances, the idea of filing a lawsuit may seem daunting or unattainable. With the assistance of a competent legal team, you can relax knowing that the legal work will be done by experts.
When seeking Camp Lejeune attorneys, it is advisable to look for a law firm that can provide you with the following:
Free Legal Case Reviews: Be sure about your legal rights. Allow us to determine what occurred and work towards obtaining answers for you.
Proven Track Record: At the Law Offices of Clinton O. Middleton, we will put up a robust fight to secure all the compensation you are entitled to.
Years of Experience: The Law Offices of Clinton O. Middleton have assisted injured clients in obtaining justice and compensation from those who harmed them for over 23 years.
Camp Lejeune Legal Assistance at No Upfront Cost: Our Camp Lejeune water contamination attorney will only be compensated if your claim results in a settlement.
Filing a Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Lawsuit
At the Law Offices of Clinton O. Middleton, we strive to simplify the process of filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit for you and your relatives.
Our Camp Lejeune lawyer can manage all aspects of the legal proceedings if you have a case, enabling you to concentrate on your health and recovery. The claims process typically involves the following steps with the help of your legal team and Camp Lejeune attorneys:
- Assessing your eligibility for filing a claim through a free consultation
- Building a strong case using medical records, evidence, and witness statements.
- Submitting the Camp Lejeune water lawsuit on your behalf.
- Bargaining with the defendant to determine the settlement sum for the Camp Lejeune water contamination case
- Appearing in court to present your case, if necessary.
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement Amounts and Verdicts
In general, a Camp Lejeune lawsuit may result in a financial payout for injuries in one of two ways:
Settlement of the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit: Your attorneys might be able to reach an agreement on money known as a Camp Lejeune settlement with the defendants, which would allow you to receive compensation sooner and avoid going to court.
Jury Verdict: If your case is heard in court and a verdict is reached, a judge and jury may determine the amount of compensation to be awarded for your injuries.
Health Issues Caused by Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
Between 1953 and 1987, the Camp Lejeune military base potentially exposed almost 1 million veterans, their families, and civilian workers to toxic chemicals in the water. This exposure could increase the risk of various health-related problems, including:
- Bladder, liver, lung, cervical, prostate, rectal, breast, kidney, esophageal, or pancreatic cancer
- Birth defects
- Aplastic anemia
- Adult leukemia
- cardiac defects
- Parkinson's disease
- scleroderma
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
- multiple myeloma
- lymphomas
- wrongful death
The Law Offices of Clinton O. Middleton Can Help You File a Camp Lejeune Cancer Lawsuit
The Law Offices of Clinton O. Middleton have the resources and experience to fight for justice on behalf of injured clients.
Although Camp Lejeune litigation is relatively new, The Law Offices of Clinton O. Middleton is willing to fight for the brave and noble former Marines and sailors of the United States and their families who were exposed to contaminated water.
If you or a loved one have been affected by this water contamination, don't suffer in silence. Contact the Law Offices of Clinton O. Middleton today by calling 703.777.9630 or filling out our contact form to take the first step toward justice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Camp Lejeune Lawsuits
Q: Who is eligible to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit?
Individuals who were exposed to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune for a minimum of 30 days from August 1, 1953, until December 31, 1987, may be eligible to pursue compensation for any related health issues through a Camp Lejeune lawsuit. Even cases that occurred decades ago may still qualify.
Q: Why is it important to have a lawyer for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit?
The passage of the Pact Act allows for the filing of a Camp Lejeune lawsuit against the United States, providing supplementary compensation. While VA claims can be pursued without an attorney, seeking assistance from a service officer is recommended. However, filing a lawsuit in federal court is necessary for the additional compensation provided by this law. Therefore, it's highly advisable to work with a lawyer who can defend and uphold your rights.
Q: Is there a Camp Lejeune class action lawsuit?
Claims have been consolidated into a class action or multidistrict litigation involving Camp Lejeune. And individuals may now file an individual Camp Lejeune lawsuit for the first time under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022.
If you resided or served at Camp Lejeune for a minimum of 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, contact the Law Offices of Clinton O. Middleton. You may be eligible to pursue compensation through legal action.
Q: How much is the payout for the Camp Lejeune lawsuit per person?
The potential settlement amounts for Camp Lejeune water contamination claims are influenced by various factors unique to each case, such as lost wages from being unable to work, past, current, and future medical expenses, length of exposure to contaminated water, and the type of cancer or disease you have. However, every case is different, and compensation cannot be guaranteed with any legal claim.
Q: Was there asbestos at Camp Lejeune?
Unfortunately, the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune was not the only toxic material that workers, veterans, and their families may have been exposed to on the base.
Asbestos-containing materials were also used in the construction of U.S. Marine Corps bases across the country. Asbestos was also present in various capacities in many military ships, vehicles, and aircraft, such as clutches, engines, and gaskets.
For a significant portion of the 20th century, members of the U.S. Marine Corps, along with their loved ones, were vulnerable to asbestos exposure, which has been linked to mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other illnesses caused by asbestos.
If you have received a diagnosis of a health condition resulting from asbestos exposure or contaminated water, the Law Offices of Clinton O. Middleton can provide assistance. Contact us at 703.777.9630 to get started.
Q: What are the symptoms of toxic Camp Lejeune water contamination?
At Camp Lejeune, exposure to contaminated water can lead to various serious health conditions, including multiple types of cancer and Parkinson's disease. Initial symptoms of these health concerns may include changes in behavior and cognitive functioning. Some symptoms of Camp Lejeune water contamination may include:
- confusion
- headaches
- dizziness
- nausea
- vomiting
- light sensitivity
- hepatitis
- diarrhea
- fatigue
- cramping
- lack of coordination
- skin infections
- trouble concentrating
- numbness in the limbs
Suppose you were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and are experiencing any of these symptoms. In that case, scheduling a visit with your doctor is important.
Q: What chemicals were in the water at Camp Lejeune from 1953 to 1987?
Toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were found in the water supplied by specific water treatment plants at Camp Lejeune. Most of these compounds are classified as carcinogenic or probably carcinogenic.
The chemicals and solvents detected in the water at Camp Lejeune include benzene, perchloroethylene or tetrachloroethylene (PCE), trichloroethylene (TCE), and vinyl chloride (VC).
The contaminated water was then distributed to barracks, family housing, and other buildings on the base, putting nearly one million military service members, civilian workers, and their families at risk of potential exposure.
