Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawyer

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawyer

Military members and their families who stayed at Camp Lejeune may have been exposed to toxic chemicals present in the water. Such hazardous substances have been linked to cancer and other serious illnesses. Read more to learn how you can obtain compensation for your losses.

In August of 2022, President Biden signed a new law called the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. This law allows veterans and others to file for monetary compensation for illnesses and losses caused by toxic water exposure at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that nearly 900,000 service members and their family members were potentially exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

Concentrations of toxins in the water at Camp Lejeune may have been anywhere from 240 to 3,400 times the levels permitted by health and safety standards. 

The new law provides more direct avenues of legal relief through federal courts for those injured by the contaminated water. However, Camp Lejeune lawsuits will be subject to strict filing deadlines, so it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible if you think you have a claim

At Grubbs Law Firm, we have extensive experience handling toxic exposure issues, such as those involved in asbestos exposure lawsuits. Contact us today at (888) 646-4853 ( to set up a free consultation where we can evaluate your next steps. 

How Do I File a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?

Military members and their families who lived at Camp Lejeune before 1988, and were sickened due to 30 days or more of water contamination could be eligible for compensation under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.

If you or a loved one of yours became ill after contact with the contaminated water, the following steps can help you prepare for legal action: 

  • Collect any medical records or documents related to your illness
  • Take note of the time frame when you stayed at the Camp Lejeune site 
  • Write down an account of your illness and medical symptoms (i.e., when they began and how they affect your day-to-day life)
  • Consult with a lawyer to discuss your legal rights and potential compensation

We realize that you may be ill and might not be able to handle all these tasks by yourself. Don’t worry — that’s what we’re here for. It’s our task as a law firm to gather the required items and ensure your case is as strong as possible. 

Note: The accredited service officers associated with the Department of Veterans Affairs will not provide personalized guidance for you during the process. They may only provide broad, general information about a claim, but they will not assist with any medical documents, forms, or other details. 

Only a lawyer can provide close oversight of your claim, to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines or form requirements. 

What Contaminants Were Found in the Water at Camp Lejeune?

In 1982, it was discovered that Camp Lejeune had dangerous compounds and contaminants in the groundwater. The toxic substances include:

  • Benzene
  • Tetrachlorethylene (PCE)
  • Trichloroethylene (TCE)
  • Vinyl Chloride (VC)
  • Heavy Metals
  • Pesticides
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

These hazardous substances are linked with serious health risks, such as cancer, birth defects, and wrongful death, often similar to those involved in refinery injuries.

The presence of such dangerous chemicals in the water points to the negligence that was allowed to exist at Camp Lejeune, and which needs to be addressed and accounted for today. 

How Did the Water at Camp Lejeune Become Contaminated?

The two main toxic chemicals found in the wells servicing the main water systems at Camp Lejeune were PCE and TCE. PCE affected the Tarawa Terrace water reserve, which supplied family housing structures, base offices, barracks, and other areas. TCE was the main chemical affecting the Hadnot Point water system. The Hadnot Point water reserve supplied an industrial portion of the base as well as a hospital. 

As early as 1953, dangerous chemicals like TCE leaked into the drinking water supplies at Camp Lejeune from a nearby dry-cleaning business. Other toxic chemicals were possibly introduced into the water due to faulty storage and disposal practices on the base.

 

At Grubbs Law Firm, we have the experience and resources needed to handle complex toxic tort lawsuits. Contact us at 888-646-4853 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation before the filing deadline closes.

What Effects Did the Contamination Have on Military Members?

You may qualify for significant compensation if you or a family member developed any of these medical conditions after staying at Camp Lejeune: 

  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis;       
  • Aplastic anemia;
  • Bladder cancer;
  • Brain cancer; 
  • Esophageal cancer; 
  • Kidney cancer; 
  • Kidney disease; 
  • Liver cancer; 
  • Leukemia; 
  • Lung cancer;
  • Male breast cancer; 
  • Multiple myeloma; 
  • Myelodysplastic syndromes; 
  • Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma; 
  • Pancreatic cancer; 
  • Parkinson’s disease; 
  • Rectal cancer; 
  • Renal toxicity (certain types);
  • Soft tissue sarcoma; and/or 
  • Systemic sclerosis/scleroderma;

Compensation may also apply to certain childhood injuries if diagnosed before age 18, such as:

  • Birth defects
  • Brain defects
  • Low birth weight
  • Other birth malformations

Families all over the U.S. have carried heavy burdens for decades due to these injuries, and many have experienced the passing of a loved one due to cancer. Pursuing a claim can provide a sense of emotional closure, and a monetary award can help families build a better life. 

What Do I Need to Know About the Camp Lejeune Justice Act? 

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act has been created to ensure that individuals harmed by water contamination at Camp Lejeune receive just compensation for their losses. 

Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement amounts may cover various losses including medical costs, loss of enjoyment of life, and other expenses.

Previously, those who sought legal action due to Camp Lejeune toxic water illnesses had their claims inappropriately dismissed. However, the new law:

  • Removes filing barriers and dismantles red tape so veterans and their families can obtain monetary compensation in court
  • Provides for recovery by those who were stationed, lived, or worked at Camp Lejeune military base, for certain actions of omissions by the United States
  • Streamlines the process for filing claims and disability benefits related to toxic chemical exposure with the Veterans Administration 

Our military veterans and their families deserve better treatment than what they received in the past. This new law will help remove the obstacles and legal hurdles they previously faced. But, an attorney is needed to help navigate the process, which can involve time-sensitive requirements. 

Contact an Attorney for Assistance With a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit

The extremely dangerous and toxic chemicals in the Camp Lejeune drinking water have led to health-robbing illnesses, long-term medical expenses, and tragic loss of life. We are on hand to make sure those affected receive the compensation they need, so they can move on toward a better quality of life. 

However, you must not delay — the new law provides only a limited window of time to file a Camp Lejeune claim. Failure to file on time or follow the rules can result in your case being rejected. 

At Grubbs Law, we have the resources and experience needed to handle complex toxic exposure lawsuits. Contact us at 888-646-4853 to schedule a free consultation before you lose the chance to file. We will review your files and medical records to help you and your family obtain justice for your suffering. 

If we don’t win, you don’t pay.

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