Camp Lejeune Lawsuit: Fire Alarm Company Alleges Contractors Illegally Altered Building Plans, Risking Safety
Did contractor negligence at Camp Lejeune put lives at risk? A recent lawsuit filed by a fire alarm system design company alleges that contractors illegally altered building plans at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, potentially jeopardizing the safety of residents. This development adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing legal battles surrounding Camp Lejeune, where water contamination has already led to numerous lawsuits and billions of dollars in payouts.
The Allegations: Altered Plans and Copyright Infringement
DrawFire LLC, a fire alarm system design company, has filed a lawsuit in North Carolina federal court against Taylored Control Systems LLC and Hernandez Consulting Inc., alleging that the contractors altered building plans without consent and removed copyright information. According to the complaint, Hernandez Consulting Inc. was hired by the federal government in 2021 to construct residential facilities for military families at Camp Lejeune, including the Onslow Beach Cabanas and Onslow Beach Apartments. Taylored Control Systems LLC was subcontracted, who then retained DrawFire LLC to develop fire alarm system designs.
DrawFire claims that the contractors altered and submitted infringing fire alarm system designs to the federal government. This exposed DrawFire and its owner to reputational harm from “shoddy design choices” they did not make. Each of DrawFire’s designs are original and reflect the specific project requirements. The company argues that by altering the plans, the contractors not only infringed on their copyright but also potentially compromised the safety and effectiveness of the fire alarm systems.
The Broader Context: Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuits
This lawsuit comes amidst a wave of litigation related to water contamination at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987. During this period, approximately one million people, including Marines, their families, and civilian workers, were exposed to drinking water contaminated with dangerous chemicals. These chemicals, including trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride, have been linked to a range of serious health conditions, including various cancers, neurological disorders, and birth defects.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 allowed victims of the water contamination to file lawsuits against the government, overriding a North Carolina law that previously prevented such claims. As of November 2025, thousands of lawsuits have been filed, and the government has paid out billions of dollars in health-related claims.
Contractor Accountability: A Growing Focus
While the majority of Camp Lejeune lawsuits have focused on the federal government’s responsibility for the water contamination, there is a growing trend of lawsuits targeting private contractors who allegedly played a role in the contamination. These lawsuits claim that contractors either failed to report the dangers or contributed directly to the pollution of the base’s water supply.
Plaintiffs argue that these companies knew or should have known about the risks and failed to act, prioritizing cost-cutting and speed over public health. Attorneys representing victims argue that holding contractors accountable is just as important as holding the government accountable.
Potential Safety Risks: The Importance of Accurate Building Plans
The allegations against the contractors in the fire alarm system case raise concerns about potential safety risks resulting from the altered building plans. Accurate building plans, especially for critical systems like fire alarms, are essential for ensuring the safety of residents. Alterations to these plans without proper authorization and expertise could lead to:
- System Malfunctions: Modified fire alarm systems may not function as intended, potentially failing to detect fires or alert residents in a timely manner.
- Increased Fire Hazards: Alterations to building plans could inadvertently create or exacerbate fire hazards, increasing the risk of fires and injuries.
- Evacuation Challenges: Inaccurate building plans could hinder evacuation efforts, making it difficult for residents to navigate the building and escape safely in the event of a fire.
Health Conditions Linked to Camp Lejeune Contamination
Exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune has been linked to a wide range of health conditions, including:
- Cancers: Bladder cancer, breast cancer, esophageal cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma
- Neurological Disorders: Parkinson’s disease, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), neurobehavioral effects
- Reproductive Issues: Female infertility, miscarriage, birth defects
- Other Conditions: Aplastic anemia, scleroderma, hepatic steatosis, renal toxicity
Navigating the Legal Landscape: Seeking Expert Guidance
The Camp Lejeune litigation is complex and constantly evolving. If you or a loved one lived or worked at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 and have been diagnosed with a related health condition, it is crucial to seek legal guidance from an experienced attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights, navigate the claims process, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
The Future of Camp Lejeune Litigation
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act has opened the door for victims to seek justice for the harm they have suffered. As the litigation progresses, it is likely that more information will come to light about the extent of the contamination and the parties responsible. The outcome of these lawsuits could have significant implications for environmental regulations, contractor accountability, and the rights of individuals exposed to toxic substances.
Do you believe contractors should be held liable for negligence in the Camp Lejeune cases?