Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps base in Jacksonville, North Carolina, served as home to countless military personnel and their families. However, from 1953 to 1987, the water supply at Camp Lejeune was tragically contaminated with toxic substances, leading to devastating health consequences for many residents. If you or a loved one has suffered due to this exposure, seeking justice with a Camp Lejeune Lawyer is crucial. Emerging legislation offers a path for victims to file claims against the government, potentially securing settlements for medical bills, lost income, pain, and suffering.
Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC stands as a dedicated advocate for military families impacted by the Camp Lejeune water contamination. Our experienced Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyers are committed to representing clients nationwide, aggressively pursuing maximum compensation in their claims against responsible parties. We understand the profound impact of serious illnesses and are here to guide you through every step of the legal process.
Why Choose Our Camp Lejeune Lawyer for Your Claim?
- Decades of Experience: Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC brings over 20 years of proven experience advocating for injured individuals against large corporations and government entities.
- National Representation: We represent Camp Lejeune water contamination victims across the United States, collaborating with leading firms to ensure you receive the strongest possible legal representation.
- Compassionate and Comprehensive Support: We recognize the immense challenges of battling a serious illness. Our firm is dedicated to handling every aspect of your Camp Lejeune claim, providing compassionate guidance and unwavering support throughout the litigation process.
Understanding the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Crisis
To help you navigate this complex issue, we’ve compiled essential information regarding the Camp Lejeune water contamination.
What Caused the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
Who Was Put at Risk by the Contaminated Water?
What Health Problems Are Linked to Camp Lejeune Water Exposure?
What VA Benefits Are Available to Camp Lejeune Victims?
How Can a Camp Lejeune Lawyer Help You?
Contact a Camp Lejeune Lawyer Today
What Caused the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
From 1953 to 1987, two water treatment plants at Camp Lejeune, the Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point plants, were contaminated with dangerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are industrial chemicals known for their high vapor pressure and low water solubility, making them particularly hazardous when ingested.
The primary sources of this contamination were leaking underground storage tanks and industrial activities at Camp Lejeune itself, compounded by contamination from an off-base dry cleaning business. The investigation revealed the presence of several highly toxic chemicals in the Camp Lejeune water supply:
- Vinyl chloride
- Benzene
- Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Perchloroethylene
Scientific studies have firmly established a link between these VOCs and a range of severe illnesses, including various cancers and hepatic steatosis (fatty liver disease). For instance, research connects trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene to increased risks of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and liver cancer. Furthermore, benzene is a recognized carcinogen associated with multiple forms of leukemia.
Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Lawyer
Who Was Put at Risk by the Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune?
The families residing at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period were unknowingly exposed to these harmful substances through their daily water consumption, cooking, and bathing. This widespread exposure has resulted in serious and life-threatening conditions for countless former service members and their loved ones.
Anyone who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, is considered to be at risk of developing health issues due to the contaminated water. Prolonged exposure significantly increases this risk.
Pregnant women living at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period faced particularly grave risks. Exposure to these VOCs is linked to miscarriage and birth defects in their children.
A study conducted by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) revealed that children born to mothers exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune between 1968 and 1985 were more likely to develop neural tube defects (NTDs). Spina bifida and anencephaly are the most prevalent conditions associated with NTDs.
What Health Problems Are Linked to Camp Lejeune Water Exposure?
Ingesting contaminated water, like that at Camp Lejeune, can have devastating consequences. Prolonged exposure to the VOCs found in the Camp Lejeune water supply can lead to a wide range of serious diseases, including:
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Hepatic steatosis (Fatty Liver Disease)
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Lung cancer
- Miscarriage
- Female infertility
- Multiple myeloma
- Renal toxicity
- Scleroderma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Neurobehavioral effects
These conditions often necessitate extensive and costly medical treatment and can result in long-term or life-threatening complications. Depending on the specific illness, victims may require continuous medical care, disability accommodations, specialized therapies, or even hospice care.
Beyond the physical health impacts, victims and their families often endure a significant decline in their quality of life, struggling with depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. The inability to work and participate in daily activities, coupled with mounting medical expenses, can create severe financial hardship.
What VA Benefits Are Available to Camp Lejeune Victims?
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers healthcare and disability benefits to veterans who served at Camp Lejeune and their families affected by the water contamination. To be eligible, veterans, National Guard members, reservists, or family members must have resided at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.
Healthcare Benefits
The VA provides healthcare benefits for specific medical conditions linked to the Camp Lejeune water contamination. To qualify for these benefits, individuals must have lived at Camp Lejeune during the specified period and have been diagnosed with one of the following conditions:
- Liver cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Birth defects
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Lung cancer
- Leukemia
- Multiple myeloma
- Neurobehavioral effects
Veterans eligible under the Camp Lejeune Act of 2012 can receive medical services for these conditions at no cost. More information on applying for VA healthcare can be found on the Department of Veterans Affairs website.
Family members may also be eligible for reimbursement for out-of-pocket medical expenses related to these conditions. To claim reimbursement, they must provide proof of dependent status, Camp Lejeune residency during the relevant period, and healthcare expenses for a covered condition.
Disability Benefits
The VA also offers disability benefits for certain conditions associated with Camp Lejeune water contamination. Eligibility criteria include meeting the residency timeframe and diagnosis with one of the following conditions:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Kidney cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Adult leukemia
- Multiple myeloma
- Liver cancer
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
Veterans applying for disability benefits must submit records verifying their service at Camp Lejeune within the relevant timeframe and medical evidence of their diagnosis. It’s important to note that family members are not eligible for VA disability benefits.
How Can a Camp Lejeune Lawyer Help You Secure Justice?
Landmark legislation, H.R. 3967, the Honoring our PACT Act, is paving the way for Camp Lejeune victims to seek justice through lawsuits against the government. Having passed both the House and Senate and signed into law by the President, this act overcomes previous legal obstacles, such as North Carolina’s statute of repose.
This legislation empowers former Camp Lejeune residents to file lawsuits and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain, suffering, and other damages caused by the contaminated water. If you’ve been affected, a Camp Lejeune contaminated water lawyer at Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC can provide essential guidance and representation throughout this process.
Who Is Eligible to File a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?
You may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit if you meet the following criteria:
- Residency at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.
- Diagnosis with one or more of the following diseases:
- Adult leukemia
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Parkinson’s disease
- Esophageal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Renal toxicity
- Scleroderma
- Lung cancer
- Hepatic steatosis (Fatty Liver Disease)
- Miscarriage
- Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
- Cardiac birth defects
Eligibility extends to military personnel stationed at Camp Lejeune and family members who resided with them on base. Furthermore, individuals born with birth defects whose mothers lived at Camp Lejeune during pregnancy may also have grounds for litigation.
If you are uncertain about your eligibility for a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, consulting with a Camp Lejeune lawyer at Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC is recommended. Our attorneys can assess your specific situation and clarify your legal options.
What Compensation Can You Recover in a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claim?
The amount of compensation in Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits will vary based on individual losses. Estimating average settlement values at this early stage is challenging.
Similar to other lawsuits against government entities, the compensation in a Camp Lejeune claim will depend significantly on the specific damages incurred. Victims have the right to pursue compensation for losses directly resulting from their illness.
Potentially recoverable damages may include:
- Past and future medical expenses related to your condition
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
As the Honoring our PACT Act is now law, it is critical to begin gathering evidence to support your potential claim. Preserve all records pertaining to your diagnosis, medical treatment (medical bills, reports), proof of military service, and residency at Camp Lejeune. These documents will be essential when initiating your lawsuit.
The Benefits of Hiring a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawyer
Navigating a lawsuit against the government is complex, making experienced legal representation essential. A Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyer from Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC offers invaluable benefits:
- Specialized Legal Expertise: Camp Lejeune lawsuits are a novel legal area. Our lawyers possess the specialized knowledge to understand the intricacies of these cases and effectively advocate for your rights.
- Comprehensive Damage Assessment: Determining the full extent of your damages after a serious illness can be challenging. Your lawyer will thoroughly investigate all avenues for compensation and accurately calculate your potential settlement.
- Navigating Complex Legal Procedures: Your attorney will provide clear guidance through every stage of the litigation process, ensuring compliance and protecting your interests.
- Access to Expert Resources: Building a strong case may require expert testimony. Our firm leverages a network of medical professionals and scientific experts to strengthen your claim.
- Experience with Government Claims: Lawsuits against the government have unique procedural requirements. Our attorneys have experience in this area and will ensure your case adheres to all regulations.
- Focus on Your Well-being: Dealing with a serious illness is physically and emotionally draining. Your lawyer will manage all legal aspects of your claim, allowing you to prioritize your health and recovery.
Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Attorney
Contact a Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one lived at Camp Lejeune and subsequently developed a serious illness, you deserve justice and compensation. You may now have the legal right to file a lawsuit against the government.
The Camp Lejeune lawyers at Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC are actively accepting Camp Lejeune water contamination cases. If you believe you qualify, our experienced attorneys are ready to represent you and fight for the justice you deserve.
Contact us now for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options with a compassionate Camp Lejeune contaminated water attorney.
