From 1953 to 1987, two water wells that served the base had dangerous levels of volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). The service members, their families, and civilians who lived and worked at the military base didn’t know they were exposed to toxic water. Some people were already experiencing health problems by the time testing revealed the contamination in the late 1980s. Documents show that the military knew about the issue for years before moving to close the wells. The chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune have been linked to a range of illnesses, including:

• Aplastic anemia
• Cardiac defects
• Cancers – bladder, breast, esophageal, kidney, liver, and lung cancers
• Hepatic steatosis
• Infertility and miscarriage
• Leukemia
• Myelodysplastic syndromes
• Multiple myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma  
• Parkinson’s disease
• Renal disease
• Scleroderma

For years, military members who became sick during or after their time at Camp Lejeune had few options for recourse. Historically, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has paid disability benefits to service members stationed at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days who have been diagnosed with a qualifying health condition. Family members have also received benefits through the VA. However, these remedies have proven woefully inadequate. Worse, no assistance has been available for civilians living on base. Simply put, until recently, there were few options for holding the government accountable for its negligence. That changed in 2022 when the bipartisan Camp Lejeune Justice Act became law. Camp Lejeune survivors can now sue the government and recover damages for injuries or wrongful death related to base water contamination.  

To participate, you must file a Camp Lejeune claim with the Navy Office of the Judge Advocate General (JAG). The unit will respond by either denying the claim or presenting a settlement offer. In the event you are denied, or the settlement offer is inadequate, you can then file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit to recover damages. Claimants only have two years from the date of the law’s passing to file a claim, so it’s important to promptly talk to a Camp Lejeune lawyer. Contact Saddle Rock Legal Group for help in determining if you qualify to file a Camp Lejeune personal injury or wrongful death claim. We can walk you through the process and help you determine the compensation you deserve.