Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claims

Were you or a loved one affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune? If so, you could be entitled to compensation, and Joe Cunningham Law is here to help you demand it.

During his time in U.S. Congress, Joe Cunningham spearheaded legislation to help those affected by this terrible issue. Now, he leverages that background with a deep understanding of personal injury law to help his clients recover the compensation they deeply deserve.

Are you ready for a free initial consultation with a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit lawyer? Then contact Joe Cunningham Law today and take the first step toward seeking justice and accountability. Your consultation is free and without obligation, and you pay nothing unless Joe recovers compensation in your case.

How Joe Cunningham Can Help with Your Claim

Joe Cunningham is eager to be the ally you need as you pursue your Camp Lejeune claim. As a U.S. Congressman serving South Carolina in the House of Representatives, he served on the Veterans Affairs committee from 2019 through 2021. His VA Tele-Hearing Modernization Act, which helps veterans appeal claims remotely, was signed into law by President Donald Trump.

Joe was directly involved with the Camp Lejeune water contamination issue during his time in Congress, demonstrated by his co-sponsorship of and support for the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2020 and the Janey Ensminger Act. These acts provide healthcare and benefits to those affected by the unsafe conditions at Camp Lejeune. Joe’s work on these acts underscores his deep familiarity with the legal and health complexities of these cases, as well as his ability to pursue claims with an insider’s knowledge of the matter.

Moreover, his time on both the plaintiff’s and defense sides in personal injury law has honed his skills in civil lawsuits, including those involving serious injuries and illnesses. Choosing Joe Cunningham as your lawyer means leveraging his comprehensive insight and dedication to securing justice and compensation for those harmed by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune.

What the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Is About

The Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits focus on harmful chemicals that polluted the water at Camp Lejeune, a military base in North Carolina, from the 1950s to the 1980s. These chemicals came from various sources, including leaking storage tanks and industrial activities. People who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune during this time used the contaminated water for drinking, cooking, and bathing without knowing of its dangers.

Many of these individuals later developed serious health problems, such as cancer, birth defects, and other chronic diseases. Scientists link these conditions directly to exposure to the toxic substances in the water. The lawsuits claim that the military knew about the contamination but did not take action to stop it or inform the people at risk.

Victims are now suing for compensation, demanding that the government pay them for what they’ve suffered. These lawsuits aim to hold those responsible for the contamination accountable and to provide necessary support to the affected individuals and their families.

How the Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune Happened

The water poisoning at Camp Lejeune resulted from a combination of industrial activities, improper waste disposal, and spills. At the heart of this issue were two main water supply systems, Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point, which became contaminated with harmful chemicals. The toxic water sources were both on and off the Marine Corps base.

The primary pollutant of the Tarawa Terrace water system was perchloroethylene (PCE), a solvent used by an off-base dry cleaner called ABC One-Hour Cleaners. This cleaner’s spills and improper disposal practices allowed PCE to seep into the groundwater, contaminating the wells supplying water to Tarawa Terrace as early as 1953. Although other sources of contamination existed within Tarawa Terrace, the dry cleaner was the main contributor.

The Hadnot Point system faced a more complex contamination scenario with multiple pollutants, including trichloroethylene (TCE). Various on-base sources contributed to this contamination, including spills at industrial sites and leaks from underground storage tanks. The Hadnot Point contamination involved several chemicals and stemmed from various activities near the water supply wells.

Both water systems started operating in the mid-20th century and served residential areas, including family housing and barracks, as well as non-residential areas like schools and the base hospital. The exposed population included many young families and people of reproductive age living on the base for short training periods or longer assignments.

Illnesses Associated with Camp Lejeune’s Contaminated Water

If you or a loved one spent time at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, you should be aware of the health implications linked to the on-base water contamination. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes several conditions presumed to be caused by exposure to contaminated water during this period. As a result, veterans, reservists, National Guard members, and family members who were on the base could qualify for disability and health care benefits. 

The following are the specific illnesses associated with the water contamination at Camp Lejeune and the types of benefits you could qualify for if affected.

FOR VETERANS, RESERVISTS, AND NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS

If you served at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and have an honorable discharge, you could qualify for the following:

VA disability compensation for diagnoses of:

• Adult leukemia
• Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
• Bladder cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Liver cancer
• Multiple myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Parkinson’s disease

VA healthcare benefits without a co-pay for:

• 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

For Family Members who lived at Camp Lejeune

If you were a military family member who lived on the base for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, you could receive healthcare cost reimbursement for:

• 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

People Eligible to Sue for Injuries Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022

Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 (CLJA), a wide range of people can sue for injuries caused by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. This opportunity isn’t just for veterans, and it does not involve joining a class action lawsuit. Civilians, family members, and anyone else who meets the exposure criteria can pursue a claim for the injuries they believe are linked to the water contamination. 

You might be eligible to file a claim if you lived, worked, or were even in utero during a specific timeframe. Among those who qualify include the following:

• Anyone who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. This includes service members, their families, and civilian workers who can prove they were exposed to contaminated water during this period.
• Individuals exposed in utero while their mother lived or worked on the base are also eligible. This means you could file a claim if your mother was pregnant with you while she resided or worked at Camp Lejeune during the specified dates.
• Legal representatives or authorized agents can file claims on behalf of those who are eligible.

What’s Needed to Prove Your Medical Conditions

You will need to gather specific evidence in order to successfully file a claim for the health issues linked to water contamination at Camp Lejeune. This could include:

• Official military records showing you or your mother lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987
• Documentation of any family members who also resided with you and have similar or related medical conditions
• Records of your living or working address at Camp Lejeune to establish the exposure location
• Medical records documenting your diagnosis with conditions linked to the water contamination
• Statements from medical experts supporting the link between your condition and the exposure

Compensation Available for a Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Claim

The compensation from joining a mass tort lawsuit can cover a range of personal and financial losses, from healthcare costs to the emotional distress of the illness or the loss of a family member. The following are among the specific types of losses for which you could demand compensation in a Camp Lejeune lawsuit:

In some cases, you could accept an Elective Option (EO) settlement rather than filing a lawsuit. The EO structure under the CLJA provides a streamlined framework for settling claims based on the severity of illness and duration of exposure without having to pursue litigation. It includes the maximum compensation amounts you could recover from an EO settlement.

For Tier 1 qualifying injuries, which include kidney cancer, liver cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemias, and bladder cancer:

• $150,000 for 30 to 364 days of exposure
• $300,000 for one to five years of exposure
• $450,000 for more than five years of exposure

For Tier 2 qualifying injuries, which include Parkinson’s disease, kidney disease, end-stage renal disease, systemic sclerosis, and systemic scleroderma:

• $100,000 for 30 to 364 days of exposure
• $250,000 for one to five years of exposure
• $400,000 for more than five years of exposure

Additionally, claims alleging wrongful death are eligible for an extra $100,000, potentially bringing the maximum EO offer to $550,000. 

Deadlines for Filing a Camp Lejeune Justice Act Claim

If you’re thinking about bringing a toxic water claim under the CLJA, you will need to be aware of the filing deadlines. You have until August 10, 2024, to file a claim for health conditions that arose before the CLJA went into effect. This CLJA provided for a two-year statute of limitations from the day it was signed into law on August 10, 2022.

As a knowledgeable Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit attorney, Joe Cunningham can help you prepare a claim that is complete, accurate, and submitted on time. He can also gather the necessary evidence, handle paperwork, and increase your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.

Contact Joe Today About Your Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claim

Are you ready to take action on your Camp Lejeune claim? Joe Cunningham is here to help. Contact Joe today for a free, no-obligation consultation and case evaluation.