Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawyer | Lawsuit
If you or a loved one were injured while serving at Camp Lejeune, you may be entitled to compensation. The Camp Lejeune lawyers at d’Oliveira & Associates can help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
For over 30 years, our experienced personal injury lawyers have been helping military families get the justice and compensation they deserve. We understand the unique challenges that you face, and we are here to help you every step of the way.
We have a proven track record of success in cases involving military families, and we are ready to put our experience to work for you. Contact us
Camp Lejeune lawsuits state that occupants of the base sustained serious and even deadly injuries. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering, among other losses. There is no cost or fee unless you obtain a settlement or award. For a free (no obligation) case evaluation, call our toll-free number at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out an online contact form.
Have You Or A Loved One Sustained Injuries From Camp Lejeune?
You May Have a Claim
What is Camp Lejeune?
Camp Lejeune is a Marine Corps base in North Carolina that focuses on supporting the United States Military branches included the Navy and Coast Guard. Their goal is to prepare soldiers for combat and they embrace the slogan ‘Home of Expeditionary Forces in Readiness.” Unfortunately for the Marine Corps base’s reputation, lawsuits have been filed due to years of water contamination.
Why are Water Contamination Lawsuits Being Filed?
The government of North Carolina allowed highly contaminated water to be used by its soldiers and their families between 1953 and 1987. This included water for drinking, bathing and doing laundry. Over 70 hazardous chemicals were present in the water. Marines who were actively putting their lives on the line defending freedom unwittingly put themselves – and their families – in even greater danger by using water provided to them. Many marines who made it out of Vietnam alive came back only to die of cancer on U.S. soil, or have their unborn children die because of chemicals consumed during pregnancy. The great tragedy is that every loss of life and medical complication due to water contamination would have been avoided had the government acted appropriately. Emotions raged on both sides of the political aisle when the EPA brought forth more information regarding the extent of toxic exposure. However, over 50 years had passed since the water contamination was first discovered and the EPA’s condemnation was too little too late. Hundreds of thousands of military families had already been devastated by the failure the government to secure a basic human right.
Why are Water Contamination Lawsuits Only Now Happening?
Prior to July 2022, families were not allowed to file a lawsuit against the U.S. Government because of statutory limitations in North Carolina. However, on July 15, 2022, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was passed in both the House and Senate. This Bill, formally known as H.R. 6482, is an important addition to a health package for veterans and allows impacted individuals to file a legal claim against the government. The larger health bill, known as the “Honoring our PACT Act” allows veterans to receive compensation and health care benefits for exposure to toxic substances.
The addition of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act is both a formal recognition of the toxic chemicals present at Camp Lejeune and a conduit for helping veterans collect health care benefits and compensation based on injuries incurred during their stay at the North Carolina base.
What Do We Know About the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?
Lawsuits have been brought about this matter for several years, the most notable being a class action lawsuit filed in 2014. However, North Carolina has a statute of repose. This means that after a certain amount of time, specifically 10 years in North Carolina, anyone harmed due to the government’s actions cannot bring a claim against them. The 2014 class action was dismissed two years later because of this statute of repose. Now that the Camp Lejeune Justice Act has been passed, North Carolina’s statute of repose is irrelevant in regards to this matter, meaning that anyone who meets certain criteria can file a lawsuit against the government.
How do I know if I have a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?
There are many factors involved in bringing a lawsuit and no one situation is exactly the same. You may have a Water Contamination lawsuit if you answer “yes” to the following questions:
- Were you or a loved one were stationed at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 for at least 30 days?
- Have you or a loved one have been diagnosed with any of the following illnesses:
- Brain cancer
- Neurobehavioral effects
- Kidney cancer
- Kidney damage
- Renal toxicity
- Miscarriage
- Parkinson’s disease
- Birth defects
- Bladder cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Female infertility
- Leukemia
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia
- Breast cancer
- Central Nervous System cancer
- Nerve damage
- Esophageal cancer
- Liver cancer
- Hepatic steatosis
- Epilepsy
- Cervical cancer
- Aplastic anemia
- Scleroderma
- Rectal cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Ovarian cancer
- Lung cancer
- Immune disorders
What if an Effected Loved One has already Passed Away?
Per Section 2 (a) of the Bill, a legal representative can file a claim on behalf of the veteran or effected individual. When a loved one passes, the legal representative can file a claim for the estate of the victim. This would be considered a “wrongful death claim.” For example, if your parent passed away due to cancer caused by the Camp Lejeune water contamination, you could file a claim against the government on their behalf and if the claim was successful, the estate would recover damages. Damages to an estate often go towards lingering medical bills, a mortgage on a family home or a grandchild’s college fund.
What Will a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawyer Ask Me When I Call?
- Where you personally stationed in Camp Lejeune?
- Was a loved one stationed in Camp Lejeune?
- What dates where you or your loved one stationed at Camp Lejeune?
- Were you stationed at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987?
- What injuries have you or your loved one sustained since being stationed at Camp Lejeune?
- How have you or your loved one been treated for those injuries?
Contact an Experienced Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawyer
If you or a loved one was stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1957 and 1987, you may be able to receive compensation for your lost earnings, medical bills and pain and suffering, among other losses. Our firm works with experienced lawyers across the nation, who are ready to talk to you about your case. Call us toll-free at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out an online contact form for a free (no obligation) case evaluation.