Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Lawyer in Washington, DC

Q: How Many People May Have Been Affected Due to the Contaminated Groundwater at Camp Lejeune?

The government estimates that a million people or more may have been affected by the contaminated waters at Camp Lejeune. If you lived or worked at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, you were probably exposed to the facility’s toxic tap water and should have your case evaluated by an attorney. Do not wait.

Experts getting water samples in Camp lejeune.

For decades, thousands of individuals living and working at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina were exposed to highly toxic tap water. Years later, many of these individuals continue to suffer serious negative health consequences caused by the government’s contaminated water.

For years and years, these individuals faced significant legal obstacles in securing compensation from the government. However, a recent law passed by Congress has removed many of these barriers and carved out a new path toward accountability.

If you are among the tens of thousands of individuals impacted by the toxic waters at Camp Lejeune, you are likely entitled to compensation and should not wait to speak to an attorney. The Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D., & Associates is here to help. As a physician and attorney, Dr. Wilson is uniquely qualified to evaluate and handle your case. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation.

What Caused the Contaminated Groundwater at Camp Lejeune?

Camp Lejeune supplied tap water to its residents by processing pumped groundwater at its on-site water treatment plants. However, it was eventually discovered that the pumped groundwater had been contaminated by a slew of highly toxic chemicals. Some of these chemicals originated from leaking storage tanks and unsafe disposal practices at Camp Lejeune itself. Others percolated into the groundwater from a commercial dry cleaner located off-base.

From drinking to bathing, individuals living and working at Camp Lejeune used the treated water for decades. As time passed, many of these individuals began to suffer serious health consequences caused by exposure to toxic water. If you are among these individuals, do not hesitate to speak to an attorney as soon as possible. You are likely entitled to compensation.

What Chemicals Were Found in the Groundwater at Camp Lejeune?

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) identified multiple “volatile organic compounds” (VOCs) in the contaminated groundwater at Camp Lejeune. These harmful chemicals were found in concentrations 240 to 3400 times higher than permitted by safety regulations. The most highly concentrated chemicals included:

How Many People May Have Been Affected Due to the Contaminated Groundwater at Camp Lejeune?

Because the contamination took place over several decades, it is difficult to know precisely how many people were exposed to Camp Lejeune’s toxic water. Further, the military lifestyle of many service members and their families meant that they lived at the facility intermittently. Therefore, it can be difficult to know when these individuals were exposed and for how long.

That said, the government estimates that a million people or more may have been affected by the contaminated waters at Camp Lejeune. If you lived or worked at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, you were probably exposed to the facility’s toxic tap water and should have your case evaluated by an attorney. Do not wait.

What Kinds of Health Problems Are Caused by Camp Lejeune’s Contaminated Groundwater?

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the chemicals found in Camp Lejeune’s toxic water are linked to numerous health consequences. These include:

Bladder cancer
Breast cancer
Cardiac defects
Cervical cancer
Choanal atresia
End-stage renal disease
Esophageal cancer
Eye defects
Fetal death
Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Kidney cancer
Leukemia
Liver cancer
Low birth weight
Lung cancer
Miscarriage
Multiple myeloma
Neural tube defects
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Oral cleft defects
Ovarian cancer
Parkinson disease
Prostate cancer
Rectal cancer
Scleroderma

Many of these illnesses develop very slowly over time. If you previously lived or worked at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and are suffering from any of the negative health consequences listed above, you should consult with an attorney as soon as possible. You may be entitled to compensation.

What Is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?

After years of activism by and on behalf of individuals harmed by the toxic groundwater at Camp Lejeune, the federal government has finally stepped up to the plate. In 2022, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was passed by Congress and signed into law.

This new law eliminates obstacles that previously prevented many individuals from obtaining the accountability and compensation they deserve. In particular, it prohibits the government from claiming immunity to lawsuits associated with the toxic waters at Camp Lejeune.

To secure compensation under the new law, impacted individuals must prove a causal link between their illness and the toxic water. Alternatively, they may prove that “a causal relationship is at least as likely as not.”

Importantly, the law is set up as the “exclusive remedy” for harm caused by the facility’s toxic tap water. This means that individuals who secure compensation through the Camp Lejeune Act cannot try to secure further compensation from the government under a separate law.

Experts wearing protective suit and mask performs an express analysis at the site of contamination of the reservoir.

What Kind of Compensation Is Available Through a Camp Lejeune Groundwater Lawsuit?

According to the Congressional Budget Office, the government will spend upwards of $6.1 billion compensating Camp Lejeune victims between 2022-2031. Depending on your case, this money may compensate you for:

Medical bills
Lost wages
Reduced earning potential
Permanent disfigurement and disability
Pain and suffering
Reduced quality of life
Emotional distress
Funeral and burial expenses
Wrongful death

Who May File a Lawsuit Under the Camp Lejeune Act?

Eligibility for compensation under the Camp Lejeune Act is broad. Anyone “who resided, worked, or was otherwise exposed (including in utero exposure)” to the facility’s toxic water may be eligible. This includes service members, their families, employees, and government contractors.

However, eligibility is also restricted to those exposed between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. Further, you must also have been exposed for at least 30 days. Failure to satisfy these two requirements will disqualify you from compensation. Our attorneys are ready to review your case, evaluate your eligibility, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Is There a Deadline for Filing a Camp Lejeune Contaminated Groundwater Lawsuit?

Yes. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was signed into law on August 10, 2022. Eligible individuals must file their case seeking compensation within two years after this date. Alternatively, they may file their case within 180 days after their claim is denied by the appropriate federal agency.

Individuals who do not comply with these restrictions will forfeit their opportunity to secure compensation under the Camp Lejeune Act. Therefore, time is of the essence. Speak with an attorney today to make sure you meet the filing deadlines.

Consult With a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Lawyer

Decades have passed since the toxic taps at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina were shut off. However, impacted individuals continue to suffer the tragic consequences of consuming the facility’s contaminated water.

Our team of Camp Lejeune contaminated water specialists at The Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D., & Associates are ready to evaluate your case and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation.

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