Between 1953 and 1987, the water at Camp Lejeune contained dangerous chemicals that have since been linked to birth defects in infants who were exposed to the chemicals while in utero. If you were pregnant or born on base and suffered toxic water injuries, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune birth defect lawsuit.
For over 40 years, Sokolove Law has helped veterans and their families pursue compensation in the face of injustice. We've already helped over 30,000 families with their Camp Lejeune claims. Call (800) 995-1212 now for a free case review to get started.
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination & Birth Defects
Those living or working on the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina may have been exposed to chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through the water that was used for cooking, bathing, and cleaning.
The toxic chemicals found in the water supply at Camp Lejeune included benzene, vinyl chloride, PCE (perchloroethylene or tetrachloroethylene), and TCE (trichloroethylene), which put over 1 million people at risk of serious health issues.
Exposure to these chemicals during pregnancy has been linked to birth defects, infertility, and miscarriages.
According to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children born at Camp Lejeune were over 5 times more likely to develop childhood cancer.
In fact, there were so many miscarriages, stillbirths, and fatal birth defects during this time period that a portion of a nearby cemetery came to be known as “Baby Heaven” due to the number of infants buried there.
If you or your child was injured from the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you may now be eligible to pursue compensation under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 — even if your loved one passed away decades ago.
However, Camp Lejeune birth defect lawsuits may only be filed until August 2024. Thousands of claims have already been filed nationwide, and the government is actively evaluating cases.
Don't miss your chance. Contact Sokolove Law now to see if you have a case and file before it's too late.
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.
Birth Defects from Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
Many families experienced the devastating loss of a child or children as a result of severe birth defects caused by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. Other children were born with health issues that required extensive medical care throughout their lifetime.
Some of the birth defects linked to Camp Lejeune include:
- Anencephaly (when a baby is born without parts of the brain or skull)
- Fetal death
- Heart problems
- Immune system disorders
- Low birth weight
- Major congenital malformations
- Oral cleft defects, such as cleft lip and cleft palate
- Spina bifida, a type of neural tube defect (NTD) that affects the spine
Many children at Camp Lejeune also faced an increased rate of childhood hematopoietic cancers, like non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Additionally, the chemicals found in the water at Camp Lejeune have been linked to infertility and miscarriages.
If you or a loved one was born with a birth defect after being exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you may be eligible to pursue financial compensation.
Call (800) 995-1212 today for a free legal consultation. Our team is standing by to help 24/7.
What the Camp Lejeune Justice Act Means for Victims
In August 2022, President Biden passed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act as part of the larger Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act.
This new law allows veterans, their families, and civilian workers to file lawsuits if they were affected by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, including:
- Women who were pregnant while living there
- Anyone who was born at Camp Lejeune
- Those who lived on the base as children
Previously, victims were unable to pursue legal claims for injuries caused by the chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune. Stay up to date with the latest news on Camp Lejeune litigation and settlements.
The deadline to file a Camp Lejeune birth defect claim is August 10, 2024. This applies to those who were impacted by birth defects and other serious illnesses from the Camp Lejeune water decades ago.
Don’t wait: Fill out our contact form today to receive a free legal case review. Our team will help determine if you are able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation.
Who Can File a Camp Lejeune Birth Defects Lawsuit?
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was created to provide benefits to those who suffered harm from the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, like the parents of children affected by birth defects and the children themselves.
You may be eligible for a Camp Lejeune birth defect lawsuit if you or your family member:
- Resided or worked at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987
- Spent at least 30 days on base (consecutively or non-consecutively)
- Developed a health issue as a result of exposure to the water at Camp Lejeune
Even if your child passed away decades ago, you may still be able to file a lawsuit on their behalf. These are known as Camp Lejeune wrongful death lawsuits.
Thousands have already filed, and the U.S. government is actively evaluating claims — but you only have a small window left to take action!
How to File a Camp Lejeune Birth Defects 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 birth defect attorneys can handle every step of the legal process for you, so you can focus on your health and recovery.
1. Contact Sokolove Law
At Sokolove Law, we can provide you with a free legal consultation to determine if you are eligible to file a claim.
During your consultation, we will ask you questions about your story and listen to how the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune has impacted you and your loved ones.
2. Gather Evidence for Your Case
Our Camp Lejeune attorneys will work with you to gather important evidence and documents like medical bills, medical records, and military service records.
Not sure where to find these records? Our team can figure out what’s needed and help you find it when the time comes.
3. File a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit
Our attorneys will file the Camp Lejeune birth defects water lawsuit on your behalf. By working with an experienced legal team, you can get help ensuring that all deadlines are met and the paperwork for your case is properly submitted.
Those impacted by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune only have until August 2024 to file a lawsuit, so it is important to contact a Camp Lejeune birth defect lawyer as soon as possible.
4. Negotiate a Camp Lejeune Birth Defect Settlement
Your attorney may be able to negotiate a Camp Lejeune birth defect settlement with the defendant on your behalf.
However, if a settlement is unable to be reached, your attorney can present your case in court before a judge and jury, who will hear your case and decide how much compensation — if any — you may receive.
There are no upfront or out-of-pocket costs to work with us. We only get paid if your case results in compensation.
Camp Lejeune Birth Defect Settlements
To settle Camp Lejeune claims, the Congressional Budget Office has projected spending over $21 Billion total for Camp Lejeune settlements.
There are a few factors that influence how much money may be awarded in cases involving birth defects from the Camp Lejeune water contamination.
Some factors that may be considered in Camp Lejeune lawsuits include:
- The extent of immediate and long-term medical expenses
- The pain and suffering experienced by both the child and the parents
- The length of time spent at Camp Lejeune
- Whether the infant died or had their life expectancy significantly shortened
- Whether either parent experienced loss of work or income due to caring for the child
It is important to note that settlement amounts involving birth defects are often more significant than those involving illness, because they affect the child’s entire life.
Since there are some types of birth defects that are almost always fatal, birth defect lawsuits may often present as wrongful death lawsuits.
Our attorneys can fight to maximize your compensation from a Camp Lejeune birth defect lawsuit. Contact us today to learn more.
Billions Recovered Nationwide
We’ve recovered over $9.3 Billion for thousands of injured clients nationwide. Let us get you the results you deserve.
Get Help Filing a Camp Lejeune Birth Defects Lawsuit
Thanks to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, 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 lawsuit and pursue compensation for their injuries.
Sokolove Law is a national personal injury law firm with over 40 years of experience helping our clients — many of them veterans and military service members — get the compensation they deserve.
Our team is standing by to help you 24/7, and we won’t charge you any upfront or out-of-pocket costs.
To learn more about Camp Lejeune birth defects and determine your eligibility for a claim, call (800) 995-1212 or fill out our contact form today for a free legal consultation.
Camp Lejeune Water Birth Defects FAQs
Did Camp Lejeune water cause birth defects?
Yes. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the toxic water at Camp Lejeune may have caused birth defects in some children. It has also been linked to an increased risk of childhood cancer.
What birth defects are associated with Camp Lejeune water contamination?
Birth defects linked to Camp Lejeune include:
- Anencephaly (when a baby is born without parts of the brain or skull)
- Heart problems
- Oral cleft defects, such as cleft lip and cleft palate
- Spina bifida
Additionally, the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune increased the risk of childhood hematopoietic cancers, like leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
It is also believed to be responsible for numerous miscarriages, stillbirths, and infertility issues.
What if you were born at Camp Lejeune?
If you were born at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you should monitor your health for any symptoms of the illnesses linked to the contaminated water on base.
If you begin showing symptoms of any kind, it is important to contact your doctor as soon as possible and inform them of your potential exposure to VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
If you have been diagnosed with a health issue related to the water at Camp Lejeune, reach out to our team to learn more about your options. Call (800) 995-1212 or fill out our contact form today.
Are there long-term effects of Camp Lejeune water contamination?
Yes. There are long-term health effects of Camp Lejeune water contamination. In fact, many people don't develop illnesses until years after being exposed to the toxic water on base.
Potentially serious health issues linked to Camp Lejeune include:
- Bladder cancer
- Brain cancer
- Breast cancer
- Cardiac defects
- Cervical cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Heart disease
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Parkinson’s disease
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Sarcoma
If you’re wondering whether you may have a Camp Lejeune case, contact us for a free case review.
Can Camp Lejeune birth defect survivors get VA benefits?
Not at this time. Birth defect survivors are not granted Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits for health care and disability, as birth defects are not considered one of the presumptive conditions needed to do so.
However, the VA may reimburse health care costs for female infertility and miscarriage.
Birth defect survivors, or the parents of deceased birth defect victims from Camp Lejeune, may still be eligible to file a birth defect Camp Lejeune lawsuit.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to see if an attorney may be able to help you take action.
