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If you lived or worked at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 and developed health problems, you may be eligible for compensation. Schedule a confidential consultation to review your claim.
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For decades, people at Camp Lejeune Marine Base in North Carolina drank, bathed in, and cooked with water filled with dangerous chemicals. This contaminated water has caused cancers, birth defects, and other serious illnesses in veterans, their families, and civilian workers.
At DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall, our North Carolina attorneys fight for Camp Lejeune victims nationwide. With offices near the federal court where all Camp Lejeune cases must be filed, we offer advantages that out-of-state firms simply can’t match.
You served our country. Now let us serve you in your fight for justice.
Between 1953 and 1987, the water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina, was poisoned with harmful chemicals, including:
These toxic substances leaked into the base’s water from several sources, including leaky storage tanks, industrial sites, waste dumps, and a nearby dry cleaner. Tests later showed chemical levels up to 300 times higher than safety limits allow.
Almost one million Marines, family members, and civilian employees were exposed to this toxic water while living or working on the base. Many have since gotten sick with illnesses directly tied to these chemicals.
The initial administrative claim filing deadline under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was August 10, 2024. While this deadline has passed, there are important developments for victims:
A bill to amend the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 to make technical corrections is being pushed by lawmakers to address serious problems with how claims are being handled. This new legislation aims to fix:
The corrective legislation seeks to:
If you missed the initial deadline, these changes could potentially create new opportunities for filing claims. Our attorneys keep close watch on these developments and can advise on the latest options.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act created a way for victims to seek payment for their injuries. You may qualify if:
People who can file claims include:
If you or a loved one meets these criteria, you may be eligible for compensation under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.
Studies show clear links between Camp Lejeune’s toxic water and many serious health problems, including:
If you’ve been diagnosed with any of these conditions after exposure to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water, you may have a right to seek compensation. Our team is here to review your situation and help you understand your legal options.
If you qualify for a Camp Lejeune claim, here’s what happens:
First, you must file a claim form with the Navy. This form details your exposure and medical conditions. The Navy then has six months to either:
If your claim is denied or the offer is too low, your lawyer will file a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. All Camp Lejeune cases must go through this specific court.
The government created a faster settlement program called the “Elective Option.” It groups conditions into three tiers:
While this program offers faster results, many victims find the amounts too low compared to their suffering.
Cases that don’t settle are organized into “tracks” based on disease type. The court will select some cases as “bellwether trials” to go first.
These test cases help show how juries respond and set the stage for other settlements.
If you or someone you love might qualify for a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, call DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall today for a free case review. Our skilled North Carolina lawyers will look at your situation and explain your options.
Call or contact us online to talk with a dedicated North Carolina personal injury lawyer about your Camp Lejeune water contamination case.
Serving clients in Raleigh, Durham, Orange, Carteret, and Chatham Counties, and throughout North Carolina.
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Johnston County (Smithfield courthouse only)
Yes, you definitely need a lawyer for a Camp Lejeune water case. These lawsuits involve tricky scientific proof, special legal rules, and fighting the federal government. A good lawyer will check if you qualify, gather all needed proof, file your Navy claim correctly, handle court papers, and fight for the most money possible. Without a lawyer, you might make mistakes that kill your case or accept much less money than you deserve.
How long it takes to get money from a Camp Lejeune case depends on which path your case takes:
Every case is different, and timing depends on how complex your health problems are, how strong your proof is, and how many other cases are moving through the system at the same time.
Over 100,000 Camp Lejeune claims have been filed with the Navy. This is only a portion of the nearly one million people who may have been exposed to toxic water at the base between 1953 and 1987.
The “35-year rule” refers to the time when the water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated, from August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987, which is about 35 years. To qualify for a Camp Lejeune claim, you must have been exposed to the toxic water for at least 30 days during this 35-year period.