Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawyers Fighting for the Rights of Those Who Served and Their Families

When Marines signed up to serve their country from the 1950s to the 1980s, they did not anticipate that one of the major threats to the safety of themselves and their families would be found at home. Sadly, this was the case for hundreds of thousands of Marines and their families stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Many of these people have gone on to have major medical issues from drinking the contaminated water there. However, the courts thus far have blocked these families from receiving justice, but with new legislation in the Senate, these families may soon get to have their day in court. If you or a loved one suffered serious medical harm from drinking contaminated water from Camp Lejeune, now is the time to contact Greg Jones Law, P.A. to learn about your legal options. Call us today at (855)566-3752 for a free consultation.

What Events Have Occurred That May Make Lawsuits for Those Harmed by Camp Lejeune’s Drinking Water Possible?

While stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1953-1957, hundreds of thousands of Marines and their families were exposed to toxic chemicals in their drinking water. The Marine Corps confirmed this finding in 1982, and by 2005, many veterans and their families started to file lawsuits against the US government for their health problems. But the cases stalled in the courts. Finally, the U.S. District Court in Georgia dismissed all the claims in 2016 because they ruled that they were barred under the Feres Doctrine, which states that service members are not allowed to sue the government for injuries that occurred “incident to military service.” This ended the hopes of many attempting to get justice for their injuries. However, on March 3, 2022, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act and if this bill is passed by the Senate it paves the way for those who were harmed by Camp Lejeune’s water to bring a lawsuit. Under the bill, even older claims that were previously dismissed under North Carolina law could be filed during a two-year period.

What Medical Conditions Are Potentially Linked to the Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune?

Based on testing performed by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the water treatment plants around Camp Lejeune were found to be contaminated with benzene, vinyl chloride (VC), trichloroethylene (TCE), and tetrachloroethylene (PCE). While not everyone who is exposed to these chemicals will develop a health issue, their ingestion is regarded as sufficient for causation for the following conditions:
● Cardiac defects
● Kidney, bladder, and liver cancer
● Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
● Leukemias
There are many other health issues where these chemicals are suspected to have a connection to developing the ailment, but more research is needed. These conditions include:
● Impaired immune system function
● Neurological disorders
● Multiple myeloma
● Parkinson’s disease
● Scleroderma
● Multiple myeloma
● Birth defects
● Miscarriage
● Low birth weight
● Many types of cancers
● End-stage renal disease
This is not a comprehensive list of all potential conditions. If you believe you have a health problem that was caused by drinking contaminated water from Camp Lejeune, contact our law office for a free case evaluation.

Who Would Be Eligible to Bring a Camp Lejeune Water Lawsuit?

Veterans and members of their families who were stationed at Camp Lejeune or Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River for a total of 30 days or longer between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and suffered medical issues related to the contaminated water could be eligible to join a future Camp Lejeune water lawsuit and may currently be able to receive VA health care benefits. If the Camp Lejeune Justice Act is ratified by the Senate, it will allow lawsuits to be brought against the U.S. government for the harm caused by the toxic drinking water.
You may choose to apply now for VA disability benefits related to drinking the Camp Lejeune water to receive compensation and health care. However, it is a prudent idea to consult with a lawyer before taking this step to see if it would affect your ability to pursue a lawsuit regarding these damages in the future so you can decide on the best course of action for your specific situation. Also, be mindful that the VA only allows Camp Lejeune drinking water claims for these 15 conditions, which may not cover everyone’s diagnoses:
● Bladder cancer
● Breast cancer
● Esophageal cancer
● Kidney cancer
● Lung cancer
● Leukemia
● Multiple myeloma
● Myelodysplastic syndrome
● Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
● Scleroderma
● Renal toxicity
● Hepatic steatosis
● Neurobehavioral effects
● Female infertility
● Miscarriage

How Can a Lawyer Help Me?

For decades, military families have been attempting to get compensation from the U.S. government for the harmful health effects they suffered as a result of drinking contaminated water from Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River. Their lawsuits have sadly been blocked for far too long, but it appears likely that new legislation will be passed soon which will make these lawsuits viable. If you or a loved one have suffered health issues stemming from the consumption of water while stationed at Camp Lejeune from 1953 to 1987, now is the time to contact a lawyer to review your options for getting justice and the compensation you deserve. Even if you previously filed a lawsuit that was dismissed, you may still be eligible. At Greg Jones Law, P.A., we can conduct a confidential review of your case and advise you on the best course of action. Contact us today at (855)566-3752 for a no-cost consultation.