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If you lived at Camp Lejeune, worked at Camp Lejeune, or visited Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days during this time period, then you may have been exposed to contaminated water. The personal injury lawyers at Regan Zambri Long PLLC are ready and willing to take up this fight on your behalf.
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From 1953 to 1987, service members, family members, and civilians living, working, or visiting Camp Lejeune U.S Marine Base were exposed to toxic chemicals that contaminated the water supply for three areas of the base—Tarawa Terrace, Hadnot Point, and Holcomb Boulevard. Contaminants exceeding acceptable safety levels at various times in various locations entered the well water supply between 1953 and 1987, the sources of which included gas stations, automobile repair shops, and an off-base dry-cleaning business. These businesses emitted chemical contaminants as well as solid waste into the ground.
Between 1980 and 1984, the U.S. Government tested the water at Camp Lejeune for certain chemicals. The tests revealed that chemicals such as benzene, trichloroethylene (TCE), and perchloroethylene (PCE) found in the water were above acceptable safety standards. Thereafter, the U.S. Government began to investigate the extent of the contamination, but it was not until 1985 that the most contaminated wells were shut down. It took until the end of 1987 for the water to be considered completely safe once again.
More than 70 chemicals have been identified as contaminating the water supply at Camp Lejeune, including:
Studies over the years have shown varying degrees of causation and correlation between the chemicals found in Camp Lejeune’s water and severe health conditions, including several types of cancer, infertility, miscarriage, birth defects, and others
The toxins found in the water at Camp Lejeune have been linked to a variety of diseases and health effects. The U.S. Government recognizes that sufficient evidence may exist to link exposure to certain of these chemicals to a variety of serious health conditions, which include but are not limited to, the following:
Still, other diseases and health conditions have been linked with exposure to the contaminants found in Camp Lejeune’s water sources, but the evidence of causation is not definitive.
If you or your loved one is facing one or more of these health complications and spent at least 30 days on Camp Lejeune as a resident, worker, or visitor between 1953 and 1987, you may be entitled to compensation.
The Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 was a step in the right direction to provide health care benefits and medical coverage for the men, women, and families affected by the water contamination. The Act mandated that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs cover the medical costs for service members and their families who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for a minimum of 30 days between January 1, 1957, and December 31, 1987. But this compensation comes only after any other insurance has been exhausted. Military members are also able to claim disability benefits for their relevant medical conditions.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 builds on the gains of the 2012 law and allows affected individuals to bring an action in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. Under the new Act, people who were affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune may file a claim directly against the U.S. Government provided that certain procedural requirements are met.
The Act states that a claim can be filed by any individual or legal representative of an individual who resided, worked, or was otherwise exposed to the contaminated water for a minimum of 30 days (consecutive or nonconsecutive) between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 and have developed a major illness as a result of the toxic substances in the water. This includes individuals who were exposed in utero.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) estimates that as many as one million people could have been affected by Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water, including:
The two treatment plants with contaminated water were the primary water sources for most of Camp Lejeune’s housing. Hadnot Point Water Treatment Plant served the main side barracks and family housing at Hospital Point, Midway Park, Paradise Point, and Berkeley Manor. Tarawa Terrace served Tarawa Terrace family housing and Knox trailer park. People working and living at the base were exposed to the chemicals every time they bathed or took a drink of water.
Filing a federal tort claim can be a complicated process. You will need to provide detailed evidence for your claim, including when, where, and how you were exposed to the contaminated water, as well as specify how much money you want to recover.
The burden of proof lies with the claimant, so it is important that you have a trusted and experienced lawyer who helps you collect the evidence that shows Camp Lejeune’s water contamination is linked to your health condition.
Putting a price on your health or the diseases and conditions you or your loved ones suffer from due to the Camp Lejeune water contamination can be hard. Our experienced attorneys at Regan Zambri Long can help you calculate your maximum compensation.
If you have filed any other claims in relation to the Camp Lejeune water contamination and have been denied compensation, help is only a phone call away.
For those who were exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you have until the later of August 10, 2024, or six months from the U.S. Department of Navy’s denial of your claim.
The Washington, DC personal injury lawyers at Regan Zambri Long have vast experience with personal injury claims, including taking on government entities and big corporations. We’re committed to giving you the best service possible to recover the greatest compensation available, including Camp Lejeune water contamination claims.
Personal injury attorney Patrick Regan has a personal history with the U.S. Marine Corps. He was born on Marine Corps Base Quantico while his father, a lieutenant, was stationed at the military base. He had lived at the base for approximately two years. This personal connection with the Marines makes him understand what the veterans and their families are experiencing, proving him with a unique perspective.
For us, the results are about justice. Each client deserves justice, and we will fight beside you to claim it. For our military members, veterans, and their families, we recognize the service you’ve provided on behalf of our country, and we are honored to stand and fight beside you for the compensation you deserve.
With more than 100 years of combined experience, our attorneys have been recognized by peers, legal organizations, and publications nationwide as top-tier lawyers. Our commitment is second to none. Our lawyers have practices in several state and federal courts throughout Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland.
If you were at Camp Lejeune and were exposed to the water contamination at the base, our personal injury attorneys can help you with your benefits. Call us at 202-960-4596 for a free consultation with one of our experienced lawyers and take the first step toward the justice you deserve.
