From August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987, service members and their families who were stationed at the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, were exposed to high levels of toxic chemicals via the water. For over 30 years, many service members and their loved ones who lived, worked, or spent time on the North Carolina base have claimed to have suffered from lifelong health complications due to exposure to the contaminated water. 

According to reports, officials in the area were aware of the water contamination but did not address the issue. The contamination was caused due to the mismanaged runoff of multiple plants, storage tanks, and even a nearby dry cleaner. The government did not close the affected water supply wells until 1985. In 2005, Veterans and their families began filing suits against the U.S. government, alleging harm from exposure to contaminated drinking water. 

However, in 2016, all claims were dismissed after the court determined that such claims were "barred by both federal and North Carolina law. Under the Feres doctrine, service members may not sue the U.S. government for injuries incurred incident to military service." Under the North Carolina statute of repose, a plaintiff would then be barred from bringing a suit more than ten years after the contamination occurs.

Toxic Chemicals Contaminated the Drinking Water

Due to the mismanaged runoff of multiple plants, storage tanks, and a dry cleaner, toxic chemicals were dumped into the water supply of the North Carolina Marine Corps Base Camp. The contamination caused severe and life-altering health issues to the base's inhabitants and frequent visitors. According to an investigation conducted in the area, two of the on-base water wells that were shut down in 1985 were contaminated with the chemicals Benzene, Perchloroethylene, Trichloroethylene, and Vinyl chloride.

Benzene: A hydrocarbon often used as a solvent to cut through grease and dissolve rust. However, when combined with other chemicals, benzene creates a toxic chemical that is used to produce synthetic materials like nylon and plastics. Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen, often linked to the development of leukemia.

Perchloroethylene and Trichloroethylene: Both chemicals are typically used for dry cleaning clothes and the manufacturing cleaning process used to refurbish metal parts. Exposure to both substances may cause severe damage to vital organs such as the kidneys, liver, and immune system. In some cases, victims who have been exposed to Perchloroethylene and Trichloroethylene have suffered damage to the central nervous system and diminished reproductive systems.

Vinyl chloride: Used to create polyvinyl chloride, otherwise known as PVC, some studies have shown that extended exposure to Vinyl chloride may cause severe nerve damage and changes in liver function.

Victims Exposed to Contaminated Water Developed Cancer

Exposure to the chemicals Benzene, Perchloroethylene, Trichloroethylene, and Vinyl chloride may have severe or even life-threatening consequences. Many of those who lived or served on the North Carolina Marine Corps Base Camp, after being exposed to the contaminated water, would go on to develop cancers or other illnesses such as:

• Aplastic anemia
• Bladder cancer
• Breast cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Leukemia
• Liver cancer
• Multiple myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
• Parkinson's disease

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with any of the previously listed illnesses after, you may be eligible to recover financial compensation. For more information, contact an attorney today by completing our free, no-obligation case evaluation form.

Research Backs Cancer Claims

A 2017 study authored by Frank J. Bove, a senior epidemiologist at the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the Centers for Disease Control, revealed those who lived or worked at the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina between 1953 and 1987 had a higher risk of developing cancer. Bove's study used data from every U.S. cancer registry to compare the cancer rates at Camp Lejeune to those at Camp Pendleton, a California Marine base without similar water contamination issues. 

His study concluded that exposure to the toxic chemicals Benzene, Perchloroethylene, Trichloroethylene, and Vinyl chloride in the drinking water had a direct correlation with those who would later develop cancer. Earlier this year, Bove released another evaluation, again finding an increased risk of several cancers among Marines/Navy personnel and civilian workers who were likely exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune.

Understanding the PACT Act

The Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act is a law passed in 20222 that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. Under Section 804 of the PACT Act lies the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) of 2022, which addresses people who lived at Camp Lejeune. Under the act, Veterans, survivors, and families are eligible to file for appropriate relief for harm caused by exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

Victims or their legal representatives can file for relief under this authority if either of the following descriptions apply:

• You lived, worked, or were otherwise exposed at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days total between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.
• Your mother lived, worked, or was otherwise exposed at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days total between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, while pregnant with you.

When filing a claim under the PACT Act, your VA benefits related to Camp Lejeune will not be affected. You can learn more information about the PACT Act and how you may be eligible to file a claim by connecting with an attorney. 

The Navy Announces Payout for Camp Lejeune Claimants

In 2023, the U.S. Navy announced that it would offer a preset payment option to Camp Lejeune claimants as it seeks to speed up the processing of more than 93,000 claims. According to the announcement, what is being called the voluntary elective option would pay victims between $100,000 and $450,000, depending on their illnesses and length of time spent at Camp Lejeune. 

In order to qualify, claimants will need to have been diagnosed with diseases that the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry has determined are linked to the chemicals found in the water at Camp Lejeune. Tier 1 diagnoses include kidney cancer, liver cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, leukemia, and bladder cancer. Tier 2 diagnoses include multiple myeloma, Parkinson's disease, kidney disease (end-stage renal disease), and systemic sclerosis/systemic scleroderma. 

Those claims involving the death of an individual would receive an additional $100,000. Those who have yet to file a claim for the voluntary elective option have until August 10, 2024. According to the Department of Justice, if approved, those who choose to accept the elective option will forfeit their right to sue the government over the Camp Lejeune water issue. 

Accepting the elective option will not impact an individual's VA benefits. Before signing up, we highly recommend you speak with an experienced attorney. Speaking with an attorney will help you better understand your case and which option best suits your needs. For more information, you can connect with an attorney today by completing our free case evaluation form.

Victims Can Speak to a Class Action Attorney Today

If you have lived, worked, frequently visited, or otherwise exposed at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and developed an illness that has altered your life or has taken the life of a loved one, you may be eligible to file a claim. For more information about the Camp Lejeune lawsuit, connect with a Morgan & Morgan attorney today.