Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

Exposed to toxic chemicals? Know your rights. Contact our law firm

Anyone exposed to toxic chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina or Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River who meets the guidelines outlined in the Camp Lejeune Justice Act can file a lawsuit seeking compensation for their injury-related expenses.

Whether you were a U.S. Marine, a family member, or a civilian who resided at either military base, you have the right to seek financial compensation, thanks to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. But just because you can be compensated does not mean you will easily get the money you rightfully deserve.

This is why it’s important for injury victims to talk to a Camp Lejeune water contamination attorney who understands how the legal system works. Coby L. Wooten, Attorney At Law, P.C. is actively reviewing potential legal cases. To learn more about your legal options, contact us and schedule a free consultation. We can answer your questions and get right to work on your potential legal case.

What is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?

In August 2022, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was signed into law as part of the Honoring Our PACT Act, clearing the way for people harmed by toxic chemicals at Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River who lived or worked at either facility for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987.

Before this law was adopted, people exposed to toxic chemicals at Camp Lejeune decades ago could not take legal action seeking compensation for their injuries. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act eliminated the statute of limitations restrictions on anyone who was harmed by toxic chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River. It also made an exception to prohibitions on servicemembers suing the government for service-related injuries.

What caused health problems?

Harmful toxic chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune, which were used to clean military weapons and uniforms, have been linked to many serious health problems. These chemicals include:

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

Cancer and other health problems

Many people exposed to toxic chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River developed cancer. Common types of cancer linked to dangerous chemicals at the two North Carolina military bases include:

• Bladder cancer
• Bone marrow cancer, including leukemia
• Breast cancer
• Esophageal (throat) cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Lung cancer
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Other health problems due to toxic chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River include:

• Brain damage and other neurological problems
• Female infertility, including miscarriages and stillbirths
• Kidney disease or renal failure
• Liver disease, including hepatic steatosis

Other health problems may be linked to exposure to toxic chemicals in the water. If you believe your health condition was caused by contaminated water and you lived or worked at either North Carolina military base between 1953 and 1987, talk to an attorney at our law firm. We can advise you on your legal rights.

Who was exposed to toxic chemicals?

Many people were harmed by toxic chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River nearby between 1953 and 1987, including:

• S. Marines stationed at either base
• National Guard members
• Family members of military service members, including children who were in utero
• Civilian workers at both military bases

Remember, even if you were at either base for as little as 30 days between 1953 and 1987, you can take legal action if you have cancer or other health problems caused by toxic chemicals in the water. You can also pursue legal action if you lost a loved one due to their exposure to toxic chemicals at Camp Lejeune.

Who can file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit?

You don’t have to be a former U.S. Marine or military veteran. Anyone harmed by dangerous chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina can file a lawsuit seeking financial compensation. The only restriction that applies is injury victims had to live or work at either base for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.

How much is my lawsuit worth?

The total value of your claim should be equal to all your injury-related expenses. This might sound simple, but calculating such expenses can be difficult and there can often be a lot of debate about which expenses should be covered.

We believe you should receive money for any expense related to your health problems caused by toxic chemicals in the water at either North Carolina military base. Such expenses can include:

• The cost of all medical care so far due to your health problems.
• Money for future anticipated health expenses.
• Replacement income if you could not work for several weeks, months, or longer due to your health problems.
• Pain and suffering in certain circumstances.

Who is responsible for paying injury victims?

Injury victims harmed by hazardous chemicals at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River who meet the guidelines outlined in the Camp Lejeune Justice Act must take legal action against the federal government. The government has already projected spending over $6 billion to resolve Camp Lejeune claims. This will likely be handled via multi-district litigation (MDL) that will be consolidated in federal court.

Will my lawsuit affect my veterans’ benefits?

No. If you are already receiving benefits as a military veteran, your Camp Lejeune Justice Act lawsuit will not impact how much money you already receive from the government in the form of VA benefits.

If your lawsuit is successful, you will receive compensation on top of your existing VA benefits. No one can touch your military benefits. Your earned those benefits and will continue to receive them, regardless of the outcome of your legal case.

How can a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyer help?

Again, this is a national case with national implications, with potentially thousands of people affected. You don’t want to get lost in the shuffle with a national firm and out-of-state lawyer who you may never meet. As the case proceeds, we can be your local advocate here in the DFW area, keeping you informed on the progress of your case.

Get the legal assistance you need and deserve. An experienced attorney at Coby L. Wooten, Attorney At Law, P.C. can help you every step of the way. Contact us and schedule a free case evaluation with a lawyer you can count on to serve your legal needs. We are actively reviewing potential Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits.