If you or a loved one served or worked at Camp Lejeune and were subsequently diagnosed with cancer or a serious health condition, you may be entitled to compensation. Thousands of military service members and their families were exposed to Camp Lejeune water contamination between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987.
Impact of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) report on Camp Lejeune, as many as one million people including military and civilian staff and their families may have been exposed to the contaminated drinking water.
The Camp Lejeune contaminated drinking water contained a number of harmful chemicals including trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride. These chemicals are known to cause cancer and other serious health conditions.
If you were exposed to the Camp Lejeune water contamination for not less than 30 days from August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your serious health conditions related to the contamination exposure.
The Kryder Law Group, LLC is here to help. We represent individuals who have been exposed to toxic substances and subsequently diagnosed with cancer or other serious health conditions. We have a team of experienced lawyers who will fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyer.
You Have Limited Time to Act
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer or another serious health condition after serving, living, or working at Camp Lejeune, it is important to act quickly. There is a limited time to file a claim for compensation. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better.
The PACT Act
On August 10, 2022, President Biden signed the PACT Act. The bipartisan PACT Act significantly expands services and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances. PACT codifies the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) process for evaluating the connection between service and a presumption of exposure for various chronic illnesses.
It also removes the need for veterans or their surviving families to prove a service connection for 23 serious health conditions. Some of these include: asthma, head and neck cancers of any type, lymphoma, brain cancer, melanoma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, pleuritis, and more.
The PACT Act Includes the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022
The PACT Act also includes the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 (S.3373), which allows victims of the water contamination to seek compensation, which overrides North Carolina law that prevented them from doing so in the past.
Victims Have Two Years to File Starting August 10, 2022
Victims exposed to water contaminated with toxic chemicals at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina have a two year time period from August 10, 2022 to file a lawsuit. Qualified individuals include anybody exposed while on base, including military personnel, family members, and employees.
VA Benefits May Also Be Available
You may also be entitled to health care reimbursement from the U.S. government. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has set up a special benefits program for veterans and their families who were exposed to contaminated water at the base. There is more than $2 billion in government disability benefits available to provide health care to victims.
Your time to file is limited. To see if you are qualified, call The Kryder Law Group today for your free consultation with a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyer.
Camp Lejeune History
Marine Corps Base camp Lejeune is a U.S. military base located in Jacksonville, North Carolina which focuses on training Marine Corps cadets. Founded in 1941 during WWII, Camp Lejeune has housed hundreds of thousands of soldiers and almost a million family members and employees since it opened.
Beginning in the 1950s, the federal government started dumping poisonous toxins at the site, which eventually leaked into the groundwater that the Camp’s residents used for drinking and bathing.
Studies suggest that the contaminants reached hundreds or even thousands of times the levels that are deemed safe by the Environmental Protection Agency. Many of these chemicals are referred to as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and are associated with rare birth defects, cancers, skin rashes, kidney failure, and diseases of the nervous system.
Toxic Chemicals found in Camp Lejeune Water
Multiple sources likely contributed to the leaching of dangerous chemicals into the water supply, and the Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point water treatment plants supplied water to the two affected systems according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) report.
Some chemicals founds in the groundwater that have adverse health effects include:
- Benzene, which is commonly found in plastics
- Perchloroethylene (PCE) or Tetrachloroethylene an industrial dry cleaning solvent also used for metal degreasing
- Trichloroethylene (TCE) for metal degreasing
- Vinyl chloride for pipes, upholstery, and wire coatings
Making matters worse, the government knew of the toxic water contamination as early as the 1950s but did nothing to stop it or warn its Camp Lejeune’s residents. It wasn’t until the 1980s when federal officials finally started to take action and the ATSDR conducted their historical contamination modelling and shut down the contaminated water treatment plants.
Health Impact of Exposure to VOCs
Exposure to VOCs, like the toxic chemicals in the Camp Lejeune water contamination, has been linked to various cancers, birth defects, and other serious health conditions.
Benzene Exposure
According to the CDC, long-term effects of exposure to Benzene include bone marrow problems and a decrease in red blood cells. This can lead to anemia and can cause excessive bleeding. It also negatively impacts exposure victims’ immune systems.
PCE Exposure
Long-term PCE exposure can cause changes in the victim’s mood, memory, reaction time, attention span, and sight. It is also linked to multiple myeloma, bladder cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
TCE Exposure
TCE exposure can cause heartbeat irregularities, liver damage, and kidney damage. It also can causes skin rashes. TCE exposure has also been linked to kidney and liver cancer as well as malignant lymphoma.
Vinyl Chloride Exposure
Vinyl Chloride exposure over a long period of time can result in liver cancer.
Birth Defects Linked to PCE or TCE Exposure
According to the CDC, additional birth defects and conditions that have been linked in various studies to PCE and TCE include:
- Chonal atresia
- Eye defects
- Low birth weight
- Fetal death
- Major malformations
- Miscarriage
- Neural tube defects
- Oral cleft defects
- Small for gestational age
If you have been affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination, and have suffered from any of the health conditions listed above, you may be wondering what your legal options are. The Kryder Law Group, LLC is here to help. Our experienced and knowledgeable attorneys will guide you through every step of the legal process and work hard to get you the compensation you deserve.
To learn more about how we can help you with your Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, contact us today for a free consultation.
North Carolina Statute of Repose Denied Coverage for Victims
After scientists blew the whistle on the operation, defense lawyers initially denied coverage for the death and suffering caused by the drinking water contamination with toxic substances, relying on a little known North Carolina statute known as the Statute of Repose.
Under the Statute of Repose, accident victims have a limited amount of time to file suit for their injuries, even when they did not know they were entitled to compensation. And this was the case with the drinking water at Camp Lejeune.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022
Fortunately, with the passing of the PACT Act on August 10, 2022, the Statute of Repose is overridden by allowing victims to file lawsuits directly in federal court. Included in the PACT Act is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, and this is legislation that grants the hundreds of thousands of victims affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination a two year timeframe to file claims.
What medical problems are associated with the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
VOCs are highly cytotoxic and cause damage to victims’ chromosomes and bone marrow cells. This damage in turn causes rare diseases and cancers in victims. The VA recognizes and may reimburse servicemembers and their families for paid health care expenses related to these 15 conditions, including:
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Female infertility
- Hepatic steatosis
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Lung cancer
- Miscarriage
- Multiple myeloma
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Neurobehavioral effects
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Renal toxicity
- Scleroderma
VOCs have also been proven to cause birth defects such as miscarriage, blindness, deafness, disfigurement in limbs, childhood cancers, organ failure, cognitive disorders, and cerebral palsy.
Presumptive Service Conditions
The U.S. government has recognized eight conditions associated with the Camp Lejeune water contamination that are considered to have a presumptive service connection:
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Adult Leukemia
- Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
- Parkinson’s disease
- Bladder cancer
- Multiple myeloma
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer or another serious health condition and you believe it may be related to the Camp Lejeune water contamination, you should contact a lawyer today.
At The Kryder Law Group, LLC, our experienced personal injury lawyers have represented seriously injured victims including veterans and their families. We can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Who qualifies for compensation?
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 applies to any individual who was exposed for at least 30 days to water that was supplied by or on behalf of the United States between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987. This legislation does not only apply to military personnel. It also includes:
- Spouses, children, and other family members
- Babies exposed in utero
- Cadets and soldiers
- Veterans, reservists, and the national guard
- All branches of the United States Military
- On base workers and employees
If you are unsure whether you or a loved one qualify for compensation for your health conditions, an experienced Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyer can help you determine your eligibility.
What type of compensation can victims receive?
Camp Lejeune water contamination victims may be eligible for a variety of different types of compensation, including:
Medical or health care expenses – past, present, and future healthcare expenses including hospitalization, doctor’s visits, prescription drugs, surgeries, and other medical treatment
Lost earnings – lost wages due to time missed from work as a result of your injuries
Pain and suffering – physical pain and emotional anguish caused by your injuries
Loss of enjoyment of life – inability to participate in activities that you used to enjoy due to your injuries
Wrongful death – if you have lost a family member, you may be eligible for funeral and burial costs, their medical bills, the loss of your loved one’s financial support, and more
At The Kryder Law Group, LLC, our knowledgeable and experienced personal injury lawyers will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries. We are here to help you and answer your questions. Call today for a free consultation.
Who is eligible for VA Disability Benefits?
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides disability benefits and health care benefits to veterans who were exposed to the contaminated water supply while stationed at Camp Lejeune. In order to receive disability compensation, you must be able to show that your illness is related to your exposure to the contaminated water.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for disability compensation, both of these statements must be true:
- You served at Camp Lejeune or Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River for at least 30 cumulative days from August 1953 through December 1987, and
- You didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge when you separated from the military
You must also have a diagnosis of one or more of these presumptive conditions:
- Adult leukemia
- Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Parkinson’s disease
Who’s covered?
- Camp Lejeune Veterans including Marine Corps veterans
- Reservists
- National guard members
How do I make a claim?
If you or a family member was stationed at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days from August 1953 through December 1987 and have suffered from any of the aforementioned health conditions, you may be entitled to compensation.
The first step is to contact an experienced attorney at The Kryder Law Group, LLC, who can answer your questions and help you file a claim against the United States government.
An attorney can also help ensure that your claim is filed within the two-year window created by the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022. We will walk you through the process and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Call us today for a free consultation.
Do I have a valid claim?
Unlike most personal injury claims, you do not need to prove negligence to recover under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022. To make a claim under the Act, you must show that the relationship between the exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and your health conditions are:
- Sufficient to conclude that a causal relationship exists, or
- Sufficient to conclude that a causal relationship is at least as likely as not.
In short, your claim will need to be filed in federal court, and you will need to show medical evidence of your injuries and how your need for health care is related to exposure to the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune.
You may be eligible for compensation for your medical expenses including costs related to hospitalization, doctor’s visits, prescription drugs, surgeries, and other medical treatment for your serious health concerns. You may also be eligible to recoup lost earnings or wages you lost due to time missed from work as a result of your health issues. Additionally, you may receive compensation for pain and suffering, which includes the physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the health conditions caused by the toxic water exposure. If you lost a loved one due to the serious health consequences of the toxic chemical exposure, you may receive burial and funeral expenses, their medical costs, and more.
Speak to an experienced Camp Lejeune lawyer today to learn more about how to file a claim and what evidence you will need to present.
How long will my case take?
The amount of time it will take to resolve your case will depend on a number of factors, including: whether the government denies your claim or accepts liability, the strength of your evidence, and the extent of your health issues.
If you have any questions about how long your particular case may take, an attorney at The Kryder Law Group, LLC can help you estimate a timeline for your case.
What are my chances of success?
The chances of success for your claim will depend on the strength of your evidence and whether the government accepts liability.
When you call for a free case evaluation, an experienced lawyer at The Kryder Law Group, LLC can help you evaluate the strength of your claim and give you an estimate of your chances of success.
What should I do next?
If you or a family member was stationed, lived, or worked at Camp Lejeune for not less than 30 days from August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987, and have suffered from any health conditions related to VOC exposure, you may be eligible for financial compensation.
The first step is to contact an experienced attorney at The Kryder Law Group, LLC, Accident & Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation. We’ll listen to you and help determine your eligibility. We will answer all of your questions and guide you through every step of the process.
If you decide to proceed with a Camp Lejeune lawsuit, we will also ensure that your claim is filed within the two-year window created by the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022. Call now.
What should I do if I lived or worked at Camp Lejeune?
The federal government has limited the time you have to file a lawsuit. Don’t let time run out—if you were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and have health problems, contact The Kryder Law Group today. We can help you understand your legal options and file a claim before it’s too late.
The Kryder Law Group provides free case consultations and works on a contingency fee basis, so we are not paid until you recover compensation for your injuries.
What should I do if my parent(s) lived or worked at Camp Lejeune?
If you are the child of a parent who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune during the time the water was contaminated and have suffered from any of the aforementioned health conditions, they may be entitled to compensation. You may be eligible for compensation even if you were in utero while your mother served, lived, or worked on base from August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 for your serious health conditions related to exposure to the contaminants. If you lost your parent due to a health condition related to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you may also be eligible to file a wrongful death claim.
The first step is to contact an experienced attorney at The Kryder Law Group, LLC, who can help you file a claim against the United States government. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 gives you two years to file a claim. If you wait too long, your attorney can’t help you, so don’t hesitate – call us today! We work on a contingency-fee basis, so we only get paid if you recover compensation.
What should I do if my spouse lived or worked at Camp Lejeune?
If your spouse lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days from from August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987, and has suffered from any of the aforementioned health conditions, they may be entitled to compensation. If your spouse died due to a health condition related to the toxic chemicals in the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you may also be eligible to file a wrongful death claim.
The first step is to contact an experienced Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyer at The Kryder Law Group, LLC, who can help you file a claim against the United States government. An attorney can also help ensure that your claim is filed within the two-year window created by the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022. We can help you assemble the evidence you will need, including medical records, for your case. The call is free, so don’t hesitate – call us today! We work on a contingency-fee basis, so we only get paid if you recover compensation in your Camp Lejeune lawsuit.
What should I do if my child lived or worked at Camp Lejeune?
If your child lived or worked at Camp Lejeune during the time the water was contaminated and has suffered from any of the aforementioned health conditions, they may be entitled to compensation. If you lost your child due to their serious health condition related to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you may also be eligible to file a wrongful death claim.
The first step to taking action is to contact The Kryder Law Group, LLC, where our experienced attorneys can help you file a claim against the United States government. We can also help ensure that your claim is filed within the two-year window created by the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022. Don’t wait to get help, call today.
What You Can Expect When You Call The Kryder Law Group
When you contact The Kryder Law Group, we will:
- Conduct a free, no-obligation case evaluation to determine if you qualify for compensation;
- Answer all of your questions and address any concerns you have about your case;
- Provide an honest assessment of your legal options and the likely outcome of your case;
- Help you understand the claims process and what to expect at each step;
- Collect all evidence and documents necessary to build a strong claim on your behalf;
- Work tirelessly to negotiate a fair settlement with the government; and
- Take your case to trial if we are unable to secure the compensation you deserve through negotiation.
The Kryder Law Group has successfully represented thousands of clients and recovered millions of dollars. We have the knowledge, experience, and resources necessary to handle even the most complex cases. When you call us, you can rest assured that your camp Lejeune lawsuit is in good hands.
Don’t Wait to Get Help – Call Us Today!
If you or a loved one has suffered from any of the health conditions related to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, don’t wait to get help. The sooner you contact an experienced attorney, the sooner we can get to work on your Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit. To schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation with a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyer from our law firm, call us today. We look forward to hearing from you and are ready to answer your questions about a Camp Lejeune water lawsuit.
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit?
You don’t have to worry about the cost of hiring a lawyer to handle your Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit. The Kryder Law Group works on a contingency-fee basis, which means we only get paid if you recover compensation. This means that you can have peace of mind knowing that you won’t have to pay us anything out of pocket. Once you receive your Camp Lejeune settlement or award, we will deduct our legal fees and expenses.
There is no risk involved in hiring us, so call today for a free case evaluation. The Kryder Law Group, LLC, Accident & Injury Lawyers is here to help.
(312) 223-1700