From 1953 to 1987, the water at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina may have been contaminated with dangerous chemicals that can cause cancer and other serious health issues.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 allows those injured years ago to pursue compensation from a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit. We’re proud to work with Ed Bell, the champion of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, to help veterans get justice.
Call (800) 995-1212 or get a free case review today to learn more before the August 2024 deadline.
Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune Linked to Cancer
In 1982, the U.S. Marine Corps discovered dangerous chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the water at the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
However, the contamination actually began in 1953. It continued to expose base workers, service members, and their families until 1987, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). However, the most contaminated wells were removed from service in February 1985.
The toxic VOCs found in the drinking water included:
- Benzene: Used to make other chemicals that compose plastics, resins, and nylon and synthetic fibers
- Tetrachloroethylene (also known as perchloroethylene or PCE): For dry cleaning and metal degreasing
- Trichloroethylene (TCE): A solvent used to clean metal parts
- Vinyl chloride (VC): Over time, TCE and PCE in groundwater degrade to become VC
Benzene, TCE, and VC are all classified as cancer-causing chemicals, while PCE is classified as probably carcinogenic. Exposure to these chemicals can also increase the risk of birth defects and other health problems.
If you or your loved one suffered health problems or cancer from contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you may now be eligible for compensation from a Camp Lejeune lawsuit.
Latest News on Camp Lejeune Water Contamination - March 2023
In August 2022, the U.S. government passed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, which was part of the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act.
The Honoring Our PACT Act focuses on addressing issues affecting veterans exposed to toxic materials during service. Because of this new law, those exposed can now seek compensation by filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit after being denied justice for so many years — but only until August 2024.
For over 40 years, Sokolove Law has been fighting for U.S. veterans and their families, helping them to access VA benefits and compensation.
We are proud to work with Ed Bell, the champion of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, to help veterans affected by water contamination at Camp Lejeune get justice.
According to the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG), over 14,000 Camp Lejeune claims have been filed under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.
As of March 2023, Sokolove Law has provided free case reviews to thousands of U.S. veterans and their families across the country.
Don't miss your opportunity to pursue financial compensation for injuries caused by Camp Lejeune's toxic water contamination.
It’s Not Too Late for Justice
Even if you or your loved one suffered injuries years ago, you may now be able to take legal action and pursue compensation due to new laws.
Who Qualifies for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?
Anyone who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 may now be able to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit to pursue compensation for their injuries.
Even if your loved one passed away decades ago, you may still be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit on their behalf.
You only have until August 2024 to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit due to the statute of limitations. Don’t miss your chance to take action.
Not Sure About Your Legal Options?
Our team can listen to your story and let you know your options. There’s no cost to speak with us. We’re available 24/7.
Call (800) 995-1212 or get a free case evaluation to see if you qualify.
What to Look for in Camp Lejeune Attorneys
We understand this may be a difficult time for you and your family. Even under the best circumstances, filing a lawsuit may feel overwhelming or out of reach.
With the support of an experienced legal team, you can feel confident leaving the legal legwork to the professionals.
When searching for Camp Lejeune attorneys, try to find a law firm that can offer you:
- Free Legal Case Reviews: Don’t keep wondering about your legal rights. Let us find out what happened — and work to get you answers.
- A History of Success: At Sokolove Law, we’ll fight hard to get you everything you’re entitled to. We’ve recovered over $8.8 Billion for thousands of families nationwide.
- Decades of Experience: For over 40 years, Sokolove Law has been helping injured clients secure justice and compensation from those who wronged them.
- Nationwide Network of Attorneys: As a national law firm, Sokolove Law has offices in nearly every state and can help clients across the country get the justice they deserve.
- Camp Lejeune Legal Help at No Upfront Cost: Our Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyers only get paid if your claim results in compensation.
At Sokolove Law, we also have VA-accredited attorneys who may be able to assist veterans and their families with filing a Camp Lejeune VA claim for benefits.
Learn More About Your Options
Our experienced personal injury lawyers can help you understand your legal options during a free case review. Let us get you the money you deserve.
How to File a Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Lawsuit
When you work with Sokolove Law, we strive to make filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit as stress-free as possible for you and your family.
If you have a case, our Camp Lejeune attorneys can handle every step of the legal process for you, so you can focus on your health and recovery.
The claims process generally includes your Camp Lejeune attorneys and legal team:
- Determining your eligibility to file a claim during a free consultation
- Building a strong case with medical records, testimony, and evidence
- Filing the Camp Lejeune water lawsuit on your behalf
- Negotiating Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement amounts with the defendant
- Presenting your case in court if needed
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement Amounts & Verdicts
Generally speaking, a lawsuit may result in a financial payout for Camp Lejeune injuries in one of two ways:
- Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Settlement: Your lawyers may be able to negotiate a financial agreement called a Camp Lejeune settlement with the defendants that can allow you to start receiving compensation sooner and avoid going to court.
- Jury Verdict: If a Camp Lejeune settlement isn’t reached and your case progresses to court, a judge and jury may hear your case and decide upon an amount of compensation for your injuries in a verdict. There’s no guarantee of compensation in these cases.
Get started today by calling (800) 995-1212 or filling out our contact form. Let us put our 40+ years of experience to work for you.
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Health Issues
From 1953 to 1987, almost 1 million veterans, their families, and civilian workers were potentially exposed to toxic chemicals in the water at the Camp Lejeune military base.
Exposure to these chemicals may increase the risk of various cancers, birth defects, and other health-related problems.
Health issues from Camp Lejeune water poisoning may include:
- Adult leukemia
- Aplastic anemia
- Birth defects
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Cardiac defects
- Cervical cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Lymphomas
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Pancreatic cancer
- Parkinson’s disease
- Prostate cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Scleroderma
- Wrongful death
Contact Sokolove Law today if you or your loved one were potentially exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
Our attorneys can fight to secure compensation from a Camp Lejeune cancer lawsuit on your behalf that can help pay for treatment.
Get Help Filing a Camp Lejeune Cancer Lawsuit
As an established national personal injury law firm, Sokolove Law has the resources and reach to fight for our injured clients and secure justice on their behalf.
Over the last 40+ years, we’ve recovered over $8.8 Billion for thousands of families across the country. While Camp Lejeune litigation is relatively new, our firm is prepared to fight for the brave U.S. Marine Corps veterans and their families exposed to contaminated water.
Don’t suffer because someone else was careless. Call (800) 995-1212 or fill out our contact form today to take the first step toward justice.
Camp Lejeune Lawsuit FAQs
Who is eligible for the Camp Lejeune lawsuit?
Anyone who was exposed to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 may be able to pursue compensation from a Camp Lejeune lawsuit for any related health issues.
See if you qualify now for free. Even cases from decades ago may still qualify.
Does Sokolove Law work with Ed Bell on Camp Lejeune lawsuits?
Yes — Sokolove Law is proud to work with Ed Bell, the champion of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, to help veterans get the justice and compensation they deserve.
Why do I need a lawyer for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit?
While the passage of the Pact Act expands VA benefits, it also allows for filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit directly against the United States for additional compensation.
Although VA claims can be pursued without the aid of an attorney, we do suggest seeking assistance from a Service Officer.
However, the additional compensation provided for by this law requires the filing of a lawsuit in Federal Court. This makes working with a lawyer who can protect and enforce your rights highly advisable.
How much do lawyers for Camp Lejeune water contamination claims cost?
At Sokolove Law, our Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means there aren’t any upfront or out-of-pocket costs.
Our Camp Lejeune lawyers only get paid if you do, so there’s no financial risk to filing a claim with our team.
Is there a Camp Lejeune class action lawsuit?
Because this legislation is still so new, claims have not been consolidated into a Camp Lejeune class action lawsuit or multidistrict litigation at this point.
However, you may be able to file an individual Camp Lejeune lawsuit for the first time, thanks to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022.
If you lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987, contact Sokolove Law today. You may now be eligible to take legal action and pursue compensation.
How much is the Camp Lejeune lawsuit payout per person?
Potential Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement amounts may be influenced by a variety of different factors in each case, like:
- Any lost wages from being unable to work
- The cost of past, current, and future medical expenses
- How long you were exposed to the contaminated water
- The type of cancer or disease you have
With that being said, every case is different, and there’s no guarantee of compensation with any legal claim.
Was there asbestos at Camp Lejeune?
Yes. Sadly, the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune was not the only toxic material workers, veterans, and their families could’ve been exposed to on base.
U.S. Marine Corps bases across the country were built using asbestos-containing materials. Many military ships, vehicles, and aircraft also contained asbestos in various capacities, like in clutches, engines, and gaskets.
For most of the 20th century, U.S. Marine Corps veterans and their families were at risk of exposure to asbestos, which has been linked to mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases.
If you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease or a health issue from the contaminated water, Sokolove Law is here to help. Call us at (800) 995-1212 to get started.
What are the symptoms of toxic Camp Lejeune water contamination?
Exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune can cause a range of serious health conditions, including multiple types of cancer, Parkinson’s, and more.
Initial symptoms of these health concerns include neurobehavioral effects, or changes to your behavior and cognitive functioning.
Camp Lejeune water contamination symptoms may include:
- Cholera
- Confusion
- Cramping
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Hepatitis A
- Lack of coordination
- Light sensitivity
- Nausea
- Numbness in limbs
- Skin infections (like dermatitis or impetigo)
- Trouble concentrating
- Vomiting
If you were exposed to contaminated Camp Lejeune drinking water and are suffering from any of these symptoms, schedule a visit with your doctor.
What chemicals were in the water at Camp Lejeune from 1953 to 1987?
Toxic chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were detected in the water supplied by certain water treatment plants at Camp Lejeune. Most of these compounds have been classified as carcinogenic (cancer causing) or probably carcinogenic.
The following chemicals and solvents were found in the water at Camp Lejeune:
- Benzene
- Perchloroethylene or tetrachloroethylene (PCE)
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Vinyl chloride (VC)
The contaminated water was then provided to the barracks, family housing, and other buildings on base, which put nearly a million military service members, civilian workers, and their families at risk of potentially severe health issues.
Is Camp Lejeune's water safe now?
Most likely, yes. From the early 1950s to the 1980s, the water at Camp Lejeune was potentially contaminated with dangerous chemicals that can cause various types of cancer and other severe health issues.
The U.S. Marine Corps discovered dangerous chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune in 1982, and the most heavily contaminated wells were shut down in 1985.
