Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 — Can you sue the Government for Contaminated Drinking Water?

What injuries are caused by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune?

The VA has found that certain diseases will be presumed to be caused by the contaminated water. For example:

• Adult Leukemia
• Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
• Bladder cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Liver cancer
• Multiple myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Parkinson’s disease

However, in a lawsuit you will still have to show that those diseases are related to the exposure of the contaminated water. An attorney can help individuals figure out if they qualify for the Camp Lejeune Act by reviewing their medical records to determine whether their illnesses were caused by exposure to the contaminated water.

What if you are already receiving benefits for Camp Lejeune exposure?

If you are already receiving any benefits from the VA, the Medicare program, or the Medicaid program in connection with healthcare or disability relating to exposure at Camp Lejeune, then those benefits will offset any recovery you that may be available to you under the Camp Lejeune Act of 2022.

What caused the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune?

The drinking water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with industrial chemicals between 1953 to 1985. These chemicals included benzene, industrial solvents trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), and industrial solvents. The Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point water treatment plants were the primary sources of the contaminated water. They were contaminated by dry-cleaning establishments and on-base industrial activities. These plants provided water to enlisted families, barracks of service personnel, administrative offices, schools, recreational areas, hospitals, and other areas. These chemicals are known to be harmful to humans.

How can you be exposed to the contaminated drinking water?

Studies have shown that on top of drinking contaminated water, there may be other ways to have been exposed. For example, bathing, showering and other daily activities can cause exposure because TCE and PCE (and other solvents) can evaporate into the air (volatilize) when present in hot water used for bathing, showering, or washing dishes or clothing and can then be inhaled.