Camp Lejeune Esophageal Cancer Lawsuit

Between 1953 and 1987, the water at Camp Lejeune contained dangerous chemicals that have since been linked to esophageal cancer and other serious health conditions.

If you or a loved one was diagnosed with esophageal cancer after spending time at Camp Lejeune, you may be eligible to pursue compensation through a lawsuit — but you only have until August 2024.

Contact Sokolove Law now at (800) 995-1212 to get started. Let us put our 40 years of experience to work for your family.

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Camp Lejeune Water Contamination and Esophageal Cancer

For over 30 years, the water at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina was contaminated by toxic chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This water was used by over 1 million people living and working on the base for day-to-day tasks like bathing, cooking, and cleaning.

The dangerous chemicals in the contaminated water supply included benzene, vinyl chloride, PCE (perchloroethylene), and TCE (trichloroethylene).

These chemicals made their way into the water supply through leaking storage tanks, spills, and waste disposal practices from on-base military operations and a dry-cleaning business nearby.

Studies have since linked the toxic water at Camp Lejeune to the development of numerous health issues, including esophageal cancer.

If you or a loved one was diagnosed with esophageal cancer after being exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you may now be able to seek financial compensation.

Thousands have already filed, and the U.S. government is actively evaluating claims — but you only have a small window left to take action!

At Sokolove Law, we have recovered over $9.3 Billion for our clients, including thousands of veterans and military service members. Contact us today to learn more.

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How the Camp Lejeune Justice Act Helps Esophageal Cancer Victims

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 was recently passed by the Biden Administration as part of the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act.

This new law allows veterans, their families, and civilian workers to file Camp Lejeune lawsuits if they were affected by the contaminated water on base.

The deadline to file a Camp Lejeune esophageal cancer claim is August 10, 2024 — even for those who were impacted by esophageal cancer or other serious illnesses decades ago.

Don’t wait: Fill out our contact form today to receive a free legal case review. Our team will help you determine if you are able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation.

Can I File a Camp Lejeune Esophageal Cancer Lawsuit?

Certain criteria that must be met to pursue legal compensation through a Camp Lejeune esophageal cancer lawsuit.

You may be eligible for a Camp Lejeune esophageal cancer lawsuit if you or a 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 nonconsecutively)
  • Developed esophageal cancer due to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune

Even if you lost a loved one to esophageal cancer many years ago, it may be possible to file a Camp Lejeune wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of your deceased family member.

Filing a Camp Lejeune Esophageal Cancer Lawsuit

When you work with Sokolove Law, we strive to make filing a Camp Lejeune esophageal cancer lawsuit as stress-free as possible for you and your family.

If you have a case, our Camp Lejeune esophageal cancer attorneys can handle every step of the legal process for you, so you can focus on your health and recovery.

Step 1. Contact Sokolove Law

At Sokolove Law, we can provide you with a free legal consultation to determine if you may be 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.

Call us at (800) 995-1212 now to get started.

Step 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.

Step 3. File Your Camp Lejeune Esophageal Cancer Lawsuit

Our attorneys can file a Camp Lejeune 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 esophageal cancer lawyer as soon as possible.

Step 4. Negotiate a Camp Lejeune Esophageal Cancer Settlement

Your attorney may be able to negotiate a Camp Lejeune esophageal cancer 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.

At Sokolove Law, there are no upfront or out-of-pocket costs. We only get paid if your case results in compensation.

Calculating a Camp Lejeune Esophageal Cancer Settlement Amount

To settle Camp Lejeune claims, the Congressional Budget Office has projected spending over $6.1 Billion between 2022 and 2031.

Each case is unique, and there are numerous factors that can affect how much Camp Lejeune settlements could be worth.

Factors that influence Camp Lejeune esophageal cancer settlement amounts include:

  • The extent of immediate and long-term medical expenses
  • The pain and suffering experienced by the victim
  • The length of time spent at Camp Lejeune
  • Whether the victim died or had their life expectancy significantly shortened
  • Whether a loss of income or earning potential occurred as a result of the esophageal cancer diagnosis

Our attorneys can fight to maximize your compensation from a Camp Lejeune esophageal cancer lawsuit. Contact us today to learn more.

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We’ve recovered over $9.3 Billion for thousands of injured clients nationwide. Let us get you the results you deserve.

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Get Help with Your Camp Lejeune Esophageal Cancer 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 proud to work with Ed Bell — the champion of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act — to serve veterans and their families in all 50 states.

Our team is standing by to help you 24/7, and we won’t charge you any upfront or out-of-pocket costs.

To determine your eligibility for a claim, call (800) 995-1212 or fill out our contact form today for a free legal consultation.

Esophageal Cancer & Camp Lejeune FAQs

Who is eligible to file a Camp Lejeune esophageal cancer case?

You may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune esophageal cancer lawsuit if you or a loved one:

  • Resided or worked at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987
  • Spent at least 30 days on base (consecutively or nonconsecutively)
  • Developed esophageal cancer as a result of exposure to the water at Camp Lejeune

Call (800) 995-1212 today to speak with our team and learn more about what legal options may be available to you.

Will starting an esophageal cancer lawsuit affect my VA benefits?

No. Starting an esophageal cancer lawsuit will not affect your VA health care and VA disability benefits.

An esophageal cancer lawsuit may allow you to receive additional compensation along with the benefits you may already be receiving from the VA.

What is the average payout for a Camp Lejeune esophageal cancer lawsuit?

Camp Lejeune esophageal cancer settlement amounts will vary based on the factors of each individual case, like how much time was spent at Camp Lejeune and the severity of a person’s illness.

However, the Congressional Budget Office estimates spending over $6.1 Billion in Camp Lejeune claims between 2022 and 2031.

At Sokolove Law, we will work to maximize your compensation and fight to get you the justice you deserve.

What are the symptoms of esophageal cancer?

Common symptoms of esophageal cancer include:

  • Bleeding or irritation in the esophagus
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Chest pain
  • Frequent coughing
  • Hoarseness
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Vomiting

If you spent time at Camp Lejeune between August 1953 and December 1987, contact your doctor immediately if you begin experiencing these symptoms.

It’s important to make your health care provider aware of your exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through the water at Camp Lejeune.

What was in the water at Camp Lejeune that caused esophageal cancer?

The toxic chemicals that were identified in the contaminated drinking water supply at Camp Lejeune included the following volatile organic compounds (VOCs):

  • Benzene
  • PCE (perchloroethylene or tetrachloroethylene)
  • TCE (trichloroethylene)
  • Vinyl chloride

Leaking storage tanks, spills, and waste disposal practices from on-base military operations and a dry-cleaning business nearby contaminated the water.

What are other Camp Lejeune drinking water illnesses?

Some of the health conditions linked to Camp Lejeune water include:

Please note: This list is not exhaustive. Additional health conditions have also been linked to Camp Lejeune water contamination.

Contact us now to determine if you qualify to take legal action.

  1. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). “Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.” Retrieved from: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/lejeune/index.html. Accessed on January 18, 2023. 
  2. American Cancer Society. “Signs and Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer.” Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/esophagus-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-and-symptoms.html. Accessed on January 18, 2023. 
  3. Congressional Budget Office (CBO). "Cost Estimate." Retrieved from: https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2022-06/hr3967_senate_version.pdf. Accessed on January 18, 2023.
  4. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “Camp Lejeune water contamination health issues.” Retrieved from: va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/camp-lejeune-water-contamination. Accessed on January 18, 2023.