Seek Compensation for the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
Welcome to Potter Handy Law Firm, your go-to source for legal assistance and representation in Camp LeJeune water contamination cases. We are a team of experienced and dedicated legal professionals with a focus on helping veterans and their families seek maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and more resulting from exposure to contaminated drinking water on Camp LeJeune. We have extensive experience pursuing lawsuits for those affected by the water contamination, and we understand the unique legal challenges facing these veterans and their families.
The contaminated water at Camp Lejeune was a contributing factor in the development of a large number of instances of cancer, Parkinson’s disease, reproductive issues, and other severe illnesses.
At Potter Handy Law Firm, we are dedicated to seeking justice for our clients through aggressive representation and tireless advocacy.
- If you or a loved one lived or worked at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953 – December 31, 1987, you may be entitled to damages.
- If you already receive VA medical benefits or other compensation for Camp Lejeune, you are still eligible to file a claim under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.
Camp Lejeune
Camp Lejeune is a United States Marine Corps base located in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The base was established in 1941 and has been home to marines, sailors, and their families for more than 75 years.
During the 1950s and 1960s, the base was used as a testing ground for new military equipment. As a result, the water at Camp Lejeune became contaminated with a number of dangerous chemicals, including trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride. These chemicals are known to cause cancer, leukemia, kidney disease, and other serious illnesses.
The United States government has acknowledged that the water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with a number of dangerous chemicals for more than three decades. As many as one million marines, sailors, their families, and civilian employees may have been exposed to these toxins during this time period.
What is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2021?
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2021 is a federal law that extends the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit related to water contamination at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune Linked to Cancer
The U.S. Marine Corps discovered dangerous chemicals in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune during an inspection in 1982.
However, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the contamination began in 1953 and continued to expose base workers, service members, and their families until 1987. The most contaminated wells were decommissioned in February 1985.
Some of the harmful toxins that were found in the drinking water included:
- Benzene: This substance is used to make other chemicals that compose plastics, resins, nylon, and synthetic fibers.
- Tetrachloroethylene (also known as perchloroethylene or PCE): PCE is used as a dry-cleaning solvent and to remove grease from metal parts.
- Trichloroethylene (also known as TCE): TCE is used as an industrial solvent to remove grease from metal parts.
- Vinyl Chloride (VC): Vinyl chloride is used to make polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, which is found in pipes, siding, and credit cards.
PCE is categorized as a chemical that is probably carcinogenic, while Benzene, TCE, and VC are all recognized as being agents that cause cancer. It has been shown that being exposed to these chemicals can raise the likelihood of developing birth abnormalities as well as other health issues.
Fifteen different illnesses and medical conditions have been linked to Camp Lejeune water contamination.
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Female infertility
- Hepatic steatosis
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Lung cancer
- Miscarriage
- Multiple myeloma
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Neurobehavioral effects
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Renal toxicity
- Scleroderma
Who does the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2021 affect?
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2021 affects any individual or family who was exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. This includes military service members, their families, and civilians who worked or lived at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.
You may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit if:
- Between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, you were exposed to contaminated drinking water for at least 30 days. This would include people who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days.
- The contaminated water at Camp Lejeune may have caused you to develop cancer or other health issues. However, you may have claims even if you don’t currently have symptoms because you will now incur the cost of having heightened screening due to having a higher risk of illness and/or cancer.
Our attorneys have experience handling these types of cases and can help you navigate the legal process. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Caused the Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune?
The water contamination at Camp Lejeune occurred over many years and was the result of a number of factors.
- Faulty or improperly maintained water treatment facilities
- Runoff from nearby chemical plants or other industrial facilities
- Leaking underground storage tanks containing hazardous chemicals
- Naturally occurring contaminants in the groundwater (such as radon or arsenic)
The primary cause was the use of two unregulated chemicals, trichloroethene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE), in the base’s water supply. These chemicals were used in dry cleaning operations and were known to be carcinogens.
In addition, the water at Camp Lejeune was not treated with a filtration system that could have removed the chemicals. The water was also not tested for contamination until well after the fact. As a result, many marines and their families were exposed to the contaminated water for years before anything was done about it.
There are many potential causes of the water contamination at Camp Lejeune. The exact cause of the contamination is still being investigated, and it may never be possible to determine conclusively what caused it. However, the most likely explanation is that a combination of these factors contributed to the problem.
Our attorneys have experience handling these types of cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us online or call our intake specialist at (415) 534-1911.
How does the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2021 extend the statute of limitations for filing a claim?
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2021 extends the statute of limitations for filing a claim to three years from the date that an individual or family learns of their exposure to the contaminated water.
What kind of compensation can I receive in a Camp Lejeune lawsuit?
If you are successful in a Camp Lejeune lawsuit, you may be entitled to damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. Additionally, even if you don’t have any symptoms yet, you may be entitled to damages such as future costs of heightened medical screening.
What are the legal requirements for filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim?
The legal requirements for filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim include proving that you were exposed to the contaminated water, and demonstrating what harm you suffered as a result. Additionally, you must file your claim within the statute of limitations, which is three years from the date that you learned of your exposure to the contaminated water.
Our attorneys have experience handling these types of cases and can help you navigate the legal process. Contact us today for a free consultation. We can answer all your questions and guide you on the best course of action to maximize your potential for recovery.
How long do I have to file a claim under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2021?
You have three years from the date that you learned of your exposure to the contaminated water to file a claim under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2021.
What evidence is needed to prove my case in a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit?
To prove your case in a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, you need to provide evidence that you were exposed to the contaminated water and can demonstrate the harm that you suffered. This may include medical records, witness statements, and other evidence demonstrating your exposure to the contaminated water and how it has affected you.
Are there any deadlines I need to be aware of when filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim?
Yes, it is important to be aware of the deadlines associated with filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim. The statute of limitations for filing a claim is three years from the date you learned of your exposure to the contaminated water. Additionally, there may be additional deadlines associated with filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim, so it is important to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
How can an experienced legal team help me with my Camp Lejeune claim?
An experienced legal team can help you with your Camp Lejeune claim by providing you with knowledgeable assistance, determining the best course of action for your claim, and assisting you in navigating the legal process. They can also help you identify potential sources of compensation, assess damage awards for your claim, and represent you in court.
What happens if I am successful in my Camp Lejeune lawsuit?
If you are successful in your Camp Lejeune lawsuit, you may be entitled to damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may also be entitled to punitive damages, which are designed to punish wrongdoers and deter others from behaving in a similarly negligent manner. Additionally, even if you don’t have any symptoms yet, you may be eligible for damages such as future costs of heightened medical screening.
Note: This answer is intended for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice. It is important to consult with an experienced attorney when filing a claim related to Camp Lejeune water contamination.
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit & Justice Act of 2021
The attorneys at our firm have experience handling these types of lawsuits. We will work hard to navigate the legal process for you to get the best result possible. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation, and we do not charge you anything unless you receive compensation. (415) 534-1911