Raleigh, NC: (919) 277-9299
Many military members reach out to us with questions about Camp Lejeune claims and lawsuits. Read on to get answers to questions about the history of Camp Lejeune’s water contamination, the health problems people are facing, and how veterans and their families can begin the legal process toward retribution.
Background on Camp Lejeune’s Water Crisis
The Camp Lejeune water scandal changed military families forever, leaving many Marines experiencing adverse health conditions, financial hardships, and anguish over the Government’s negligent actions. In the wake of fear and disbelief, former base residents are left with many questions about the water issue. We’ve addressed the most frequent questions on Camp Lejeune’s water contamination history and health issues below:
I Lived at Camp Lejeune—Was I Exposed to Contaminated Water?
The history of water contamination at Camp Lejeune began in 1953 and continued until 1987, so anyone who lived or worked there, or who was otherwise exposed to the water for 30 days total between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987 may have been exposed.
What Was in the Water at Camp Lejeune?
Water samples at Camp Lejeune confirmed the presence of four primary volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride. All of these chemicals are toxic and cause a range of diseases and illnesses.
What Health Effects Are Associated With the Water at Camp Lejeune?
The impact on military members, civilian employees, and Marine family members encompasses a range of complications, including:
- Adverse Birth Outcomes
- ALS
- Aplastic anemia or other myelodysplastic syndromes
- Bile duct cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Brain/CNS cancer
- Breast cancer
- Cardiac birth defects
- Cervical cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Infertility
- Gallbladder cancer
- Hypersensitivity skin disorder
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Liver cancer
- Hepatic steatosis
- Lung cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Neurobehavioral effects
- Non-cancer kidney disease / end stage renal disease
- Non-cardiac birth defects
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Ovarian cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Parkinson’s disease
- Sinus cancer
- Soft tissue cancer
- Renal toxicity
- Systemic sclerosis / systemic scleroderma
- Thyroid cancer
FAQs About Administrative Claims for Camp Lejeune
An individual cannot sue for damages caused by Camp Lejeune’s water without first filing an administrative claim. Conversely, a person may file an administrative claim without filing a complaint in Court.
What Is a Camp Lejeune Administrative Claim?
Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA), an administrative claim is a legal notice to the Government that a person has suffered harm due to the contaminated water and that individual intends to sue.
What’s the Difference Between a CLJA Claim and a VA Claim?
A CLJA claim and a VA claim are two separate filings to two distinct Government agencies. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act claim is a legal filing notifying the Government of your intention to sue, and a VA claim seeks disability benefits.
Who Is Eligible To File A Camp Lejeune Claim?
Camp Lejeune lawsuit eligibility requirements allow anyone who lived or worked there, or who was otherwise exposed to the water for 30 days total between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, to file a claim against the Government for damages.
Qualified representatives such as spouses or family members of people who died before these legal processes began may file on their loved one’s behalf.
What Is the Process for Filing a Camp Lejeune Claim?
Individuals must first have filed an administrative claim with the Department of the Navy before August 10, 2024.
The Department of the Navy will then take one of these three options:
- Approve the claim
- Deny the claim
- Take no action; after six months inaction is deemed a denial
Do I Need To File a Camp Lejeune Claim in Person?
No, the administrative claim does not require you to file in person; the paperwork can be completed online and submitted electronically by an individual or his or her legal counsel.
When Is the Deadline for Administrative Claims?
The deadline to file an administrative claim under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was August 10, 2024, two years after the bill was signed into law. Filing a claim within the eligibility period is a primary requirement for moving ahead with a Camp Lejeune lawsuit.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Sue for Damages Caused by Camp Lejeune?
No, pro se litigants, meaning those who represent themselves, may file a lawsuit as long as they have followed the administrative claim process. The Court established a Plaintiffs’ Leadership Group to keep pro se litigants apprised of the lawsuit status, but enlisting legal counsel can ensure your interests are protected.
Can I File a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit in My Home State?
No, all filings under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act must be filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina, which has exclusive jurisdiction; you do not need to be a resident of North Carolina to be eligible for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit claim. Legislation introduced to expedite Camp Lejeune cases may expand the eligible jurisdiction in the future.