Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

What Is the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit All About?

For the first time ever, civilian workers, veterans, and their families can seek compensation for injuries caused by the contaminated water at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

Thousands have already filed Camp Lejeune water lawsuits, and the U.S. government is actively evaluating these claims.

Quick Facts About Camp Lejeune Litigation

• From August 1953 to December 1987, water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with dangerous chemicals.
• More than 1 Million civilian workers, veterans, and their families may have been affected.
• The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 allows families to file lawsuits for compensation over the injuries from the toxic water on base.
• Over $21 Billion total may be paid out for Camp Lejeune lawsuits, according to Congressional Budget Office estimates.

Even if your grandparent, spouse, child, or loved one passed away decades ago, our team can still file a contaminated water at Camp Lejeune lawsuit to fight for the justice and compensation on their behalf.

Filing a lawsuit won’t impact your current or future VA benefits. You may be able to receive payments from both a Camp Lejeune lawsuit and monthly VA benefits.

At Sokolove Law, we’ve already helped over 30,000 families with their Camp Lejeune claims. Contact us now to get started before the August 2024 deadline.

Who Qualifies for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?

You may qualify for the Camp Lejeune lawsuit if you or a loved one:

• Lived or worked on base for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987
• Have a health issue or illness linked to the contaminated water

Even if your loved one passed away decades ago, you may still be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit on their behalf.

A lawsuit for Camp Lejeune water contamination can help you afford medical expenses and provide lasting security for your family.

However, you only have a limited amount of time to file your lawsuit for Camp Lejeune water contamination.

August 2024: The Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Deadline

When the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 was signed into law, it provided victims of the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune with a 2-year period to file a lawsuit for their injuries.

If you don’t file a claim before this deadline, you won’t be able to secure compensation for health issues from the Camp Lejeune water contamination again.

After being denied the opportunity to seek justice for decades, you now have the chance to take action — but less than a year remains before time runs out.

Play Video

Video Summary: Managing Attorney Ricky LeBlanc explains that it's still possible to file a Camp Lejeune claim without affecting VA benefits — but time is limited. View Transcript.

There's been a lot in the news lately about Camp Lejeune and the Marines injured there from the contaminated drinking water.

Some people may not understand that those claims can still be made, meaning the law that established these claims provides a time limit for people to make those claims, and that time limit hasn't come up yet. So make your claim now before that window closes.

Others ask, what happens to my VA benefits if I make the claim? No one wants your VA benefits impacted. The VA has made it very clear on their own site, va.gov.

If you go there, it will state clearly for you that making a claim for injuries from the drinking water at Camp Lejeune against the United States government will have no impact on VA benefits. That's worth repeating.

There is no impact on VA benefits for making these claims.

While this window to make claims remains open, Sokolove Law continues to accept more clients for Camp Lejeune cases, and we will continue to do so while the window remains open.

If you or a loved one has been injured by the drinking water from Camp Lejeune, call Sokolove Law now.

Latest News on Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit - 2024 Update

As the one-year anniversary of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act has come and gone, thousands of veterans and their families have sought justice for injuries caused by exposure to contaminated water.

Recent Camp Lejeune lawsuit updates in 2023 and 2024 include:

• June 2024: Two representatives from North Carolina have introduced the Camp Lejeune Justice Corrections Act. If passed, this bill would ensure the right to a jury trial and expand jurisdiction to address the backlog of cases.
• May 2024: Attorneys representing both the government and the plaintiffs have submitted recommendations for a Settlement Master, who may be able to help resolve Camp Lejeune claims faster.
• April 2024: One of the categories for Track 3 illnesses will be neurobehavioral effects, which will include symptoms like seizures, memory impairment, and hearing loss.
• March 2024: As both sides continue to prepare for the upcoming Camp Lejeune trials, the court has announced which illnesses will be part of the Track 2 cases. By grouping certain illnesses together, the court hopes to promote an early resolution to serious yet common illnesses linked to the water at Camp Lejeune.
• February 2024: Federal judges in North Carolina ruled that the Camp Lejeune Justice Act does not guarantee victims the right to a jury trial. Instead, the lawsuits will proceed as bench trials, where a judge will listen to and make decisions on the cases.
• January 2024: Discovery is currently ongoing for the 100 Track 1 cases that were jointly selected by the plaintiffs and defendants. Trials for these cases are set to begin in March 2024.
• December 2023: The U.S. government has filed a motion to strike the demand for jury trials, which the Plaintiffs’ Leadership Group (PGL) has since opposed. Lawyers representing Camp Lejeune families claim the Camp Lejeune Justice Act gives victims the right to a trial by jury.
• November 2023: The Department of Justice has now made multiple offers to families through the Camp Lejeune Elective Option. The total number of claims filed has also continued to climb, surpassing 117,000.
• October 2023: A Master Complaint for the Camp Lejeune cases has been filed, which is a compilation of the allegations made across all Camp Lejeune lawsuits and facts regarding the water contamination on base. The defense has 45 days to respond to this document with a Master Answer.
• September 2023: The Department of Justice has announced a voluntary elective payout option for veterans and families that offers between $100,000 and $550,000, depending on the diagnosis and length of time spent at Camp Lejeune.
• August 2023: Over 1,100 federal Camp Lejeune lawsuits and more than 93,000 administrative claims have been filed nationwide, with total payouts now projected to be over $21 Billion.
• July 2023: Judges of the Eastern District of North Carolina have named Ed Bell, who works with Sokolove Law, as lead counsel for the Camp Lejeune lawsuits. Bell, alongside the rest of the leadership team, will help with discovery, settlements, and public communications regarding these lawsuits.

For over 45 years, Sokolove Law has helped thousands of veterans and their families with their legal claims and VA benefits.

“I wish people knew how important it is to stand up and advocate for your loved ones — and that doing so is patriotic. Many families are going to feel like they are being seen and heard for the first time. My dad would be proud that it'll help my mom, which is all that ever mattered to him."
– Chris C., Son of a Camp Lejeune Veteran with Bladder Cancer 

Is There a Camp Lejeune Class Action Lawsuit?

There is no Camp Lejeune water contamination class action lawsuit at this time. Instead, each claim is filed individually.

In a class action lawsuit, compensation is divided equally between everyone. Because the injuries and illnesses caused by the toxic water vary in severity, the amount of compensation awarded to each person will depend on their diagnosis.

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.

After contacting Sokolove Law, Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits may involve your legal team:

• Collecting the Evidence: We’ll gather medical records, expert testimony, and proof of your time spent at Camp Lejeune to verify your injury and establish the damages in your case.
• Filing Your Camp Lejeune Lawsuit: We’ll first file your Camp Lejeune claim with the Department of the Navy (DON) for review. The DON may offer an elective payout if you meet certain conditions, but lawsuits may award more compensation. If you don't accept the elective payout or your claim is rejected, we'll file your Camp Lejeune lawsuit against the federal government.
• Negotiating a Camp Lejeune Settlement: Our experienced attorneys can work to negotiate a Camp Lejeune settlement amount that accounts for medical bills, pain and suffering, and more.
• Presenting Your Case in Court: If your case doesn’t settle, we’re prepared to go to trial and fight for a verdict on your behalf.

Does Filing a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Affect My VA Benefits?

No. Filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit will not affect any VA benefits you may already be receiving or any future benefits.

“Filing for relief under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 won’t affect your eligibility for VA disability or health care benefits.”
– The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

VA benefits for Camp Lejeune include disability pay, health care, and more. These benefits are separate from Camp Lejeune lawsuits, and you may be able to access compensation from both sources if you qualify.

At Sokolove Law, we have VA-accredited attorneys who may be able to assist veterans and their families with filing a Camp Lejeune VA claim for benefits.

Camp Lejeune Water Lawsuit Settlement Amounts & Verdicts

The amount of compensation you receive through a Camp Lejeune lawsuit settlement will depend on a number of factors, including the illness or injury and whether or not the victim is still alive.

Generally speaking, Camp Lejeune water lawsuits may be paid out in one of several ways:

• Elective Option Payouts: If you have certain health conditions and were on base for a specific amount of time, you may qualify for a voluntary elective payout from the Department of the Navy, which can award families with up to $550,000 faster than pursuing a settlement.
• Camp Lejeune 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 potentially without ever having to step foot in court.
• Jury Verdict: If a Camp Lejeune settlement isn’t reached and your case proceeds to court, a judge and jury may hear your case and decide upon an amount of compensation for your injuries through a verdict.

While there’s never a guarantee of compensation in any case, Sokolove Law will fight hard to get you everything you’re entitled to.

Since 1979, we've recovered over $9.6 Billion in total results for our clients nationwide.

When Will the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Be Settled?

Thousands of Camp Lejeune cancer lawsuits are currently progressing through the legal system, but the time frame of when each individual lawsuit settles will vary.

At Sokolove Law, we recognize how important payouts from a Camp Lejeune toxic water lawsuit can be when medical bills and other expenses begin to pile up.

While it’s impossible to predict just how long your case may take, our team will work to get you the most compensation possible in the shortest amount of time.

What to Look for in Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Attorneys

Even under the best circumstances, filing a lawsuit may feel overwhelming or out of reach. With the support of an experienced team on your side, 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:

• A History of Success: At Sokolove Law, we have a track record of securing meaningful compensation for our clients, recovering more than $9.6 Billion nationwide.
• Decades of Experience: For over 45 years, Sokolove Law has helped thousands of families secure compensation from those responsible for their injuries.
• 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, so there’s no financial risk to take action.

Do I Need a Lawyer for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claims?

Working with a lawyer may give you a better chance of securing compensation. Camp Lejeune water lawsuits are filed in federal court, and an experienced attorney can protect your legal rights and fight on your behalf.

At Sokolove Law, our Camp Lejeune lawyers have the knowledge and resources required to advocate on your behalf. We can provide you with peace of mind while ensuring your claim is filed correctly and on time.

As part of the process, our team will assess the full extent of your damages to maximize any potential compensation you may receive — including long-term health effects, lost wages from missed work, and medical expenses.

28 Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Illnesses & Health Issues

From 1953 to 1987, the water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with toxic chemicals that can increase the risk of various health issues.

Some of the qualifying Camp Lejeune lawsuit illnesses and health issues include:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Aplastic anemia
• Birth defects
• Bladder cancer
• Brain cancer
• Breast cancer
• Cardiac defects
• Cervical cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Crohn’s disease
• Esophageal cancer
• Fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis)
• Female infertility
• Kidney cancer
• Kidney disease
• Leukemia
• Liver cancer
• Lung cancer
• Lymphomas
• Miscarriage
• Multiple myeloma
• Myelodysplastic cancer
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Pancreatic cancer
• Parkinson’s disease
• Prostate cancer
• Rectal cancer
• Renal toxicity
• Sarcoma
• Scleroderma (Crest syndrome)

There may be other health conditions caused by the water contamination on base that also qualify for compensation.

Compensation from a Camp Lejeune lawsuit can be used to help pay for medical bills, assistive devices, home health care, and more.

Even if your loved one passed away from one of these conditions decades ago, you may still be able to file a Camp Lejeune wrongful death lawsuit on their behalf.

What Are Symptoms of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?

Exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune can cause a range of serious health conditions. The initial symptoms of these illnesses may involve changes to your behavior, cognitive functioning, or overall well-being.

Camp Lejeune lawsuit symptoms can include:

• Back or chest pain
• Cholera
• Confusion
• Cramping
• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Frequent infections
• Headaches
• Lack of coordination
• Light sensitivity
• Loss of appetite
• Lumps in the body
• Nausea
• Night sweats
• Numbness in legs
• Pain or swelling in the affected area
• Persistent fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Trouble concentrating
• Unintended weight loss
• Vomiting
• Weakness

If you were exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and are suffering from any of these symptoms, schedule a visit with your doctor as soon as possible.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination History

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.

The water contamination on base began in 1953. On-base activities by the U.S. military and a privately owned dry cleaning business nearby unknowingly allowed chemicals to seep into underground storage tanks and pollute the water supply.

Civilian workers, service members, and their families were at risk of exposure to the contaminated water until 1987. However, some of the contaminated wells were removed from service in February 1985.

What Was Camp Lejeune Water Contaminated With?

The water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with multiple dangerous chemicals or VOCs:

• Benzene: Used to make other chemicals that compose plastics, resins, nylon, and synthetic fibers
• Tetrachloroethylene (also known as ​​perchloroethylene or PCE): Used for dry cleaning and metal degreasing, PCE was the main contaminant at the Tarawa Terrace water treatment plan
• Trichloroethylene (TCE): A solvent used to clean metal parts and was the main contaminant at Hadnot Point
• 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.

What Is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?

In August 2022, the U.S. government passed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act as part of the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows civilians, veterans, and family members to take legal action for medical issues linked to the water contamination on base — for the first time ever.

For decades previously, families were denied justice, but the Camp Lejeune Justice Act changed that. However, this window of time is only open for two years.

As a result, you only have until August 10, 2024 to file a Camp Lejeune cancer lawsuit. Thousands have already filed, and billions of dollars may be available.

"Our veterans and their families knew they signed up to make the ultimate sacrifice in war to defend our freedoms — but they did not expect to be poisoned by our own government. I am relieved they will finally be able to seek justice after years of having no remedy."
– Ricky LeBlanc, Managing Attorney at Sokolove Law

File Your Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Lawsuit with Sokolove Law

As a national law firm with over 45 years of experience, Sokolove Law has the resources and reach to fight for U.S. Marine Corps veterans and their families harmed by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

Our Camp Lejeune lawyers don’t charge any upfront or hourly fees. We only get paid if we successfully secure compensation for you. To date, we’ve recovered more than $9.6 Billion total for clients across the country.

The deadline to file a Camp Lejeune contaminated water lawsuit is fast approaching. Take the first steps toward justice before time runs out.

Camp Lejeune Water Lawsuits FAQs