Camp Lejeune

The Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is a United States Military Base located in Jacksonville, North Carolina.  Camp Lejeune is the location of major water contamination that occurred from 1953 to 1987.  During this time period, over 1 million people lived or worked at Camp Lejeune.  Of them, tens of thousands have developed terminal illnesses or serious health conditions.  If you lived, worked, or served at Camp Lejeune during this time and have developed serious health conditions, then you may be eligible for compensation. Braver Law PLLC represents clients nationwide who have either been diagnosed or had family members diagnosed with serious medical conditions after exposure to the Camp Lejeune water contamination. Call us today at 800-672-7181 for a free case evaluation.

How Was the Water at Camp Lejeune Contaminated?

Source: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/images/camp-lejeune-map.jpg

The contamination of the water at Camp Lejeune is believed to have started around 1953.  Two wells on the base that supplied the drinking water at Camp Lejeune were contaminated with toxic chemicals.  The military base residents used this contaminated water for drinking and bathing. The contaminated water wells were finally shut down in February 1985.  From 1953-1958, the water is believed to have been contaminated with toxic waste and hazardous chemicals at levels up to 3400 times higher than what is allowed by safety standards.  No one really knows how or why the wells were contaminated.  Some speculate that there were radioactive materials buried at the camp, and the government was too late in admitting its fault. 

Following the shut down of the wells in 1985, testing on the water in the wells showed the presence of the following chemicals.

• Trichloroethylene (TCE) – a degreaser
• Perchloroethylene (PCE) – dry cleaning solvent
• Benzene – a chemical found in gas
• Vinyl chloride – a chemical used in the production of vinyl and plastics
• Other compounds known to be carcinogens that are not fit for human consumption

The Chemicals Found in The Water are Linked to Serious Illnesses

The toxic waste and hazardous chemicals contaminating the water are known to cause cancer and other serious medical conditions.  Numerous illnesses have been directly linked to the Camp Lejeune water contamination.  These conditions include:

• Cancer, including Breast cancer, Bladder cancer, Esophageal cancer, Kidney Cancer, Lung Cancer, and Liver Cancer
• Aplastic Anemia and Myelodysplastic Syndromes
• Female Infertility, birth defects, and miscarriages
• Hepatic steatosis 
• Leukemia 
• Multiple myeloma 
• Neurobehavioral conditions
• Parkinson’s disease
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma 
• Renal Toxicity 
• Scleroderma

If you or a loved one has been suffering illness after exposure to the Camp Lejeune water contamination, then you are eligible for benefits and compensation. Braver Law is a firm that is passionately committed to winning justice for those who have been harmed after exposure to toxic chemicals. Contact Braver Law today, and we will fight for you to get everything that you deserve.

Benefits and Compensation for Camp LeJeune Water Contamination

The water contamination that occurred at Camp Lejeune should never have happened.  Over 1 million military service people and their families were exposed to toxic chemicals.  Thousands have suffered cancer and other serious illnesses.  The government was responsible and therefore, Camp Lejeune victims are entitled to healthcare benefits and compensation.

Disability Benefits from Veterans Affairs

You might be eligible for disability benefits from Veterans Affairs if you were a veteran, reservist, or guardsman who served for at least 30 days at Camp Lejeune from August 1953 to December 1987.  Anyone who had a dishonorable discharge, however, is excluded from eligibility.  In order to apply for benefits, you must provide proof of your military status at Camp Lejeune from that time period and proof of a confirmed medical diagnosis for at least one presumptive condition.  Consult with a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination attorney at Braver Law to discuss your claim.

The Janey Ensminger Act – Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012

Janey Ensminger was a child who lived at Camp Lejeune while her father was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps.  She became ill with childhood leukemia and passed away at age 9.  A decade after her death, her father, Jerry Ensminger, discovered possible water contamination at Camp Lejeune and believed it was responsible for her illness.  He sought to uncover the truth about what happened at Camp Lejeune.  This eventually led to federal legislation to provide for family members who have suffered from the Camp Lejeune water contamination. 

The Janey Ensminger Act, also known as the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012, was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama.  The law requires the VA to provide free healthcare for veterans who served at least 30 days of active duty at Camp Lejeune.  They must have served between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and provide proof that they suffer from a qualifying health condition.  Additionally, this act also provides reimbursement of any out-of-pocket medical expenses for family members (spouse or child) of veterans who resided at Camp Lejeune anytime between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987.  Again, the family member must provide proof that they are suffering from at least one of the qualifying health conditions.

PACT ACT of 2022

Congress recently passed the PACT ACT, which will vastly increase benefits and disability amounts for eligible veterans, including those exposed to the Camp Lejeune water contamination. The new law prevents government officials from asserting immunity in lawsuits; thus, it paves the way for Camp Lejeune victims to file lawsuits against the federal government.  Victims can sue for damages, such as medical costs and pain and suffering.

Seek a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawyer Today to Begin Your Case

You or a family member may be entitled to benefits if you lived at Camp Lejeune during this time period and are suffering from a medical condition. You could receive disability, healthcare benefits, and financial compensation. You should immediately contact an attorney to determine your eligibility.  Braver Law has helped thousands of clients receive justice for their pain and  suffering and other damages.  Contact us today for a free consultation on your case.