Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Lawsuits

Helping Service Members and Their Families Pursue Justice

Between the 1950s and 1980s, military members, civilian employees, and their families living and working at Camp Lejeune were potentially exposed to contaminated drinking water. The toxins have been linked to various health conditions, including cancer and birth problems. For decades, individuals who developed diseases or other medical problems because of exposure to the Camp Lejeune water could not file lawsuits against the U.S. Government to seek compensation for damages. However, in 2022, President Biden signed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, removing this limitation. Injured parties may now make claims against the government and pursue justice for the harm they suffered.

Although this long overdue and much-needed relief is available for military members and their families, taking legal action can be challenging. The person filing the lawsuit must prove a connection between their injury and the exposure to toxic water. At The Law Office of Brian H. Sumrall, our Atlanta attorney can help you through the process. We recognize the sacrifices members of the Armed Forces have made to keep our country safe, and we stand proudly by their side as we seek what is right for them. When you turn to us, you’ll receive personalized legal representation from a lawyer who will do what is necessary to seek compensation on your behalf.

To schedule a free initial consultation with our Atlanta team, please call (404) 857-3835 or submit an online contact form today.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was signed as part of the Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022. It provides relief for service members, civilian employees, and their family members exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune. Those harmed may file lawsuits against the U.S. Government for financial recovery for expenses and losses arising from injury because of the contaminated water.

To be eligible to file a claim, the injured party must have been a service member, civilian worker, or family member who:

• Lived or worked at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and
• Was exposed to the toxic water, including in utero, for at least 30 days.

The injured individual may seek compensation if a causal relationship exists between the toxic water exposure and the development of a health condition. 

The Issue at Camp Lejeune

Camp Lejeune is a Marine Corps Base in North Carolina. The Marine Corps discovered that between 1950 and 1980, two of the eight wells supplying water to the base contained contaminants. Those living or working at the base may have consumed the toxins by drinking, cooking with, or bathing in the water. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry estimates that around 1 million people were exposed to the contaminated water. 

The toxins got into the water because of waste disposal practices by an off-base dry cleaner, leakages in storage takes, and industrial spills.

The contaminants identified include the following:

• Trichloroethylene (TCE)
• Perchloroethylene (PCE)
• Benzene
• Vinyl chloride

These compounds have been linked to a range of health conditions and medical issues, including, but not limited to:

• Adult leukemia
• Bladder cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Liver cancer
• Multiple myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Parkinson’s disease
• Breast cancer
• Renal toxicity
• Miscarriage

Filing a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit

When seeking compensation for damages resulting from toxic water exposure, the person bringing the claim has the burden of proving a link between their medical condition and the contaminants. 

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act gives individuals two years to take legal action against the U.S. Government. Therefore, it is imperative that anyone considering filing a claim act quickly. Building a case and providing the evidence necessary to meet the burden of proof can be challenging.

At The Law Office of Brian H. Sumrall, our Atlanta attorney understands the importance of obtaining the compensation necessary to cover expenses and losses stemming from harm resulting from negligent practices. We put in the time and effort to develop compelling legal strategies for our clients.

To speak with us about your case, please call (404) 857-3835 or contact us online today.