Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022
Can you sue the Government for Contaminated Drinking Water?
The deadline to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim was August 10, 2024. If you missed this deadline, please know we are no longer able to file a Camp Lejeune claim on your behalf. For our clients whose claims were already filed, we're actively working to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. If you have any questions or need guidance, we're just a call away and ready to help.
Congress recently passed the Camp Lejeune Act of 2022, which allows certain individuals to sue the United States if they have been exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
Who can sue?
Anyone can sue if they were exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. They have to show several things before they can get a recovery:
- They were exposed to the water for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953 to December 31, 1987
- They have to show that the contaminated water caused them harm
- They must bring their administrative claim within two years after the enactment Camp Lejeune Act of 2022. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was signed into law on August 10, 2022. Plaintiffs must file a claim by August 10, 2024.
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.
Any lawsuit must be brought in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. However, before a lawsuit is filed, you must administratively exhaust your remedies under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).
Call our firm at (833) 913-1885 to get started on your case today.
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)
- 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.
Get started on your case today by calling our firm at (833) 913-1885.
Real Client testimonials
-
Helped me navigate an extremely complex system
“I couldn’t recommend her enough.”
-
Very impressed
“She always responded quickly and kept me informed at all times.”
-
Warm demeanor and true professionals.
“Words cannot fully express our gratitude for National Trial Law. Starting the legal process was daunting, but they instantly put us at ease with their warm demeanor, talent, and professionalism. Their commitment to our case was incredible.”
-
Professional and supportive team
“National Trial Law and the entire team were amazing! They were always there to answer questions and provide support. During tough times, they were nothing but professional and comforting. Thank you!”
-
Grateful for their dedication.
“We are truly grateful for National Trial Law and the dedication they put towards our son's case. The trusts they set up help him immensely. Always easy to communicate with, we highly recommend them.”
-
PEER APPROVED
More attorneys named Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters in the “Personal Injury Medical Malpractice: Plaintiff” category in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 than any other law firm in Texas (Bill Whitehurst, Chip Brees, Michelle Cheng, Jamal Alsaffar, Laurie Higginbotham and Tom Jacob)
-
TEXAS ROOTS
Founded in Austin with more than 50 years of trial experience.
-
NATIONAL REACH
National results in complex personal injury litigation.
-
DEEP BENCH
Many experienced lawyers ready to serve you.
-
SE HABLA ESPAÑOL
Our team has multiple Spanish speaking staff members.