Frequently Asked Questions About Camp Lejeune’s Toxic Water Claims
With President Biden’s August signing of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, thousands of veterans and their families exposed to toxic chemicals in the water at this U.S. Marine Corps base in North Carolina may now pursue claims against the government. Many of these people suffer from severe and lift-threatening ailments, including various forms of cancer.
If you lived and worked at the base from 1953 to 1987, you likely were exposed to these chemicals and may pursue legal action. Ladendorf Fregiato & Bigler Law in Indianapolis has compiled and answered a list of Frequently Asked Questions designed to help you.
Complete our intake form if you or a loved one has been affected.
What Chemicals Contaminated The Water At Camp Lejeune?
Environmental investigators discovered that Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water included industrial solvents, benzene, trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE) and many other chemicals. The suspected sources of these chemicals were an off-base dry-cleaning business, chemical dumping and leaky storage tanks at the base. Organic compounds from decomposing solvents, degreasers, oil, industrial chemicals and radioactive waste also played a role.
What Medical Issues Have Surfaced Among Victims Due To Contaminated Water At Camp Lejeune?
The U.S. Veterans Administration has discovered sufficient scientific and medical evidence that exposure to the contaminated water caused veterans, reservists and National Guard members to contract at least eight diseases. The list includes:
- Adult leukemia
- Aplastic anemia
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Parkinson’s disease
Other ailments that may have ties to the to the contaminated water include cancers of esophagus, lung and breast, renal toxicity, scleroderma, female infertility, miscarriages, myelodysplastic syndromes, hepatic steatosis and neurobehavioral effects.
Who May Qualify To Pursue Legal Action?
Anyone who spent more than 30 days at Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River from Aug. 1, 1953 through Dec. 31, 1987. This list may include veterans and their families stationed at the base, reserves, members of the U.S. National Guard and civilian workers at the base.
What Years Would Someone Have To Have Been At Camp Lejeune To Become Eligible To File Legal Action?
From Aug. 1, 1953 through Dec. 31, 1987.
How Many People Were Affected By The Contaminated Water From 1953 Through 1987?
Nearly 1 million people.
When Is The Deadline For Filing A Claim?
Affected individuals have until August 10, 2024, to file a claim.
How Long Has The U.S. Marine Corps Known About The Potential Contamination Of The Water At Camp Lejeune?
In 1980, the U.S. Marine Corps began testing the water wells at the camp and began shutting down the contaminated ones. Camp Lejeune closed the last of the several contaminated wells in 1987. The contamination went unnoticed for roughly 30 years.
What Opened The Door For Veterans And Their Families To Take Legal Action?
In August, President Biden signed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022. The law became part of federal legislation that widened U.S. Veterans Affairs-related coverage for medical ailments caused by toxic exposure.
The trial-tested attorneys of Ladendorf Fregiato & Bigler in Indianapolis will represent you and seek compensation for the negligence caused by the U.S. government. We understand that no amount of money can replace the damage caused by your illness. However, we want to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve to help you and your family. Contact us to learn more.