Camp Lejeune Eligibility: Do You Qualify for a Water Contamination Lawsuit?

Between 1953 and 1987, the water supply at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina was contaminated with toxic chemicals, exposing over a million people to dangerous substances. These chemicals have been linked to a range of serious health conditions, including various cancers, neurological disorders, and birth defects. If you or a loved one resided or worked at Camp Lejeune during this period and have since developed health issues, you might be eligible for a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit. Understanding the eligibility criteria is the first step toward seeking the compensation you deserve.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act: A Path to Compensation

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) of 2022, which is part of the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, has provided a legal avenue for victims of the Camp Lejeune water contamination to seek justice. This act allows individuals who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and have been diagnosed with specific health conditions, to file a claim against the U.S. government.

Who is Eligible to File a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?

To qualify for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit, you must meet specific criteria related to your time spent at the base and the resulting health issues. The following groups are potentially eligible to file a claim:

Military Personnel: Service members stationed at Camp Lejeune or Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, North Carolina, during the specified period.
Family Members: Spouses and children who resided at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period.
Civilian Employees: Civilian workers employed at Camp Lejeune during the relevant years.
Contract Workers: Civilians who worked as contractors at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period.
In-Utero Exposure: Individuals exposed to the contaminated water while in utero.
Surviving Family Members: Spouses, parents, children, or siblings filing on behalf of a deceased loved one who meets the above criteria.

It’s important to note that individuals must have resided or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 cumulative days during the specified period to be eligible.

Qualifying Health Conditions

To be eligible for compensation, you must have been diagnosed with one or more of the health conditions linked to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes a list of presumptive conditions associated with the water contamination, including:

Adult leukemia
Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
Bladder cancer
Breast cancer
Esophageal cancer
Female infertility
Hepatic steatosis
Kidney cancer
Liver cancer
Lung cancer
Miscarriage
Multiple myeloma
Neurobehavioral effects
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Parkinson’s disease
Renal toxicity
Scleroderma
Systematic sclerosis
Non-Cardiac birth defects

This list is not exhaustive, and other health conditions may also be linked to the water contamination. It’s crucial to consult with a medical professional to determine if your health issues could be related to the toxic exposure at Camp Lejeune.

Proving Your Claim: Evidence and Documentation

Filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit requires careful documentation to support your claim. Essential evidence includes:

Military Records: DD Form 214 or other service records detailing your time stationed at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River. These can be obtained from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC).
Medical Records: Comprehensive medical records outlining your diagnosis and treatment for the health condition linked to Camp Lejeune water contamination.
Proof of Residency: Documentation establishing your residency at Camp Lejeune during the specified period, such as housing records or utility bills.
Dependency Records: If you are not a direct service member, you must provide proof of your relationship to the service member and documentation that you lived on Camp Lejeune or the MCAS New River.

Gathering this documentation can strengthen your claim and increase your chances of receiving fair compensation.

Statute of Limitations and Filing Deadlines

The CLJA initially set a deadline of August 10, 2024, to file a claim. It is important to consult with an attorney to understand how the statute of limitations applies to your specific case.

Compensation and Settlement Amounts

The compensation you may receive from a Camp Lejeune lawsuit can vary significantly depending on the severity of your illness, the length of time you were exposed to the contaminated water, and other factors. Settlement amounts could range from \$10,000 to over \$1,000,000, with some experts predicting average settlements between \$150,000 and \$1 million.

The Department of the Navy is offering Elective Option (EO) payouts, which are expedited settlements for certain health conditions. These payouts range from \$100,000 to \$550,000, depending on the severity of the condition and the duration of exposure. However, legal experts caution that these amounts may be lower than what you could receive by filing a lawsuit in federal court.

Compensation may cover both financial and intangible harm, including:

Medical expenses
Lost income
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress

Navigating the Legal Process

Filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit can be a complex process, requiring adherence to specific legal procedures and deadlines. It’s highly recommended to seek the guidance of an experienced Camp Lejeune attorney who can:

Evaluate your eligibility for a lawsuit
Gather necessary evidence and documentation
File your claim and lawsuit in a timely manner
Negotiate with the government to reach a fair settlement
Represent you in court if necessary

The Importance of Legal Representation

An attorney with experience in toxic exposure claims and personal injury law can provide invaluable guidance throughout the Camp Lejeune claims process. They possess in-depth knowledge of the legal framework surrounding these cases, including understanding the evidence required, the process for filing claims, and the intricacies of proving liability. Their experience ensures that all legal documents are accurately prepared and submitted on time, increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Seeking Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims

If you or a loved one has been affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, you deserve justice and compensation for the harm you have suffered. Understanding the eligibility requirements for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit is the first step toward seeking the financial and medical support you need to move forward. Contact an experienced Camp Lejeune attorney today to discuss your case and explore your legal options.