Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit (September 2026 Update)

Seeking Justice for Our Marines and Their Families

Thousands of people who worked or served at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 may have been exposed to dangerous, carcinogenic toxins found in contaminated water on the base. The consequences of this exposure can be severe, leading to deadly cancers and other expensive illnesses. If this toxic water contamination harmed you, keep reading to learn more about bringing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit to request compensation for your losses.

It is estimated that as many as 1 million service members, families, and workers may be affected by the toxic water at Camp Lejeune, and many have already brought personal injury claims against the government as a result. In recognition of the seriousness of this situation, the United States government has allocated $2 billion to compensate those who have been harmed.

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Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Table Of Contents

Latest Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Updates

Our mission at Lawsuit Legal News is to provide the latest, most accurate information about pending lawsuits to help injured people and other readers stay informed about their legal rights. If you have specific questions about your unique situation, reach out to our dedicated LLN team today. In the meantime, bookmark this page to learn more about the Camp Lejeune lawsuit updates as they emerge.

November 1, 2025 

The Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit continues to unfold at a steady, if slow, pace in federal court. As of mid-October, 3,637 lawsuits have been filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina, and more than 400,000 administrative claims have been submitted under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. 

Despite the volume, the litigation remains in a holding pattern while the court addresses critical pretrial issues—many of which could shape the future of thousands of claims.

Judge Balances Expert Testimony Rules

In one of the most impactful rulings this month, the court clarified the limits of expert testimony in Phase III of the litigation. Plaintiffs are allowed to reference general causation findings from earlier phases, but they cannot introduce new scientific evidence or modeling that has not been previously disclosed. The same restrictions will now apply to government experts, following a motion from plaintiffs demanding equal treatment.

Government Shutdown Attempt to Delay the Litigation Denied

On October 1, the Department of Justice filed a motion to pause all Camp Lejeune litigation activities during the federal government shutdown, citing limits on DOJ counsel availability. Plaintiffs strongly opposed the request, arguing that any delay would be devastating to aging and terminally ill victims who have already waited decades for justice.

The court sided with the plaintiffs, denying the motion on October 6. The judge ruled that the litigation must proceed and that justice cannot be held hostage by administrative gridlock.

DOJ Files More Than 30 Motions Targeting Experts and Requesting Summary Judgment

The government has ramped up its procedural strategy, filing over 30 motions in the most recent round. These include broad efforts to:

• Exclude key expert testimony
  
• Challenge exposure models
  
• Dismiss cases through summary judgment
  

Plaintiffs have responded with more focused motions but note that the DOJ’s strategy is clearly designed to narrow the scope of scientific evidence before any jury hears a case. Until the court rules on these motions, much of the litigation remains procedurally stalled.

Settlement Framework in Development by Year’s End

Magistrate Judge James Gates has ordered the parties to begin building a settlement framework by the end of 2025. This is a significant step that could lead to structured resolution pathways for thousands of claims. The framework will likely take into account:

• Disease type
  
• Exposure history
  
• Latency periods
  
• Supporting documentation quality
  

This long-awaited move could accelerate negotiations in 2026, especially for claimants who do not qualify for the government’s limited Elective Option.

Privacy Protections Ordered for Mental Health Records

In a recent ruling, the court ordered that plaintiffs’ mental health records must remain sealed and only accessible to defense counsel and the Plaintiffs’ Leadership Group. This measure was put in place to protect the privacy of toxic exposure victims, especially those who suffered psychological harm from prolonged illness, trauma, or loss.

Bottom Line

While case filings have slowed slightly, legal activity is intensifying behind the scenes. The court’s next decisions—especially on expert admissibility and summary judgment—will determine how soon trials begin. Plaintiffs’ counsel continues to push back against procedural delays and work toward a comprehensive, fair resolution for veterans and families exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune.

October 1, 2025 - Delays, Disputes, and a Push for Fairness

The Camp Lejeune toxic water lawsuits continue to grow, with over 3,600 cases filed and 400,000+ administrative claims now pending. But only about 64,000 claims qualify for faster settlement under the government’s narrow Elective Option, and even fewer are being seriously reviewed.

Veterans and families are running into unnecessary delays—not because of weak claims, but because the government is enforcing overly strict document requirements. Plaintiffs’ attorneys say the Navy is using red tape to slow things down and avoid meaningful settlements.

At the same time, the Department of Justice missed key discovery deadlines, prompting plaintiffs to request a brief extension for their own expert disclosures. This would be a fair adjustment considering the government’s delay.

In a related dispute, plaintiffs are also asking the court to apply the same limits on expert testimony to both sides. While plaintiffs are barred from introducing new general causation opinions in Phase III, defense experts have crossed that line. Plaintiffs argue that the same rules should apply to both parties to keep the process fair and focused on trial preparation, and to avoid new science debates.

September 1, 2025 – Expert Battles Heat Up as Trial Prep Continues

As of late August 2025, the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits are gaining traction, with nearly 3,600 lawsuits now filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina. The caseload is evenly spread across four federal judges, while the Navy continues to process over 400,000 administrative claims. Despite those high numbers, only about 63,000 claims involve illnesses that may qualify under the government’s Elective Option—a limited settlement program that has come under growing scrutiny.

Elective Option: Narrow Criteria, Low Payouts

Originally promoted as a fast-track resolution path, the Elective Option has done little to satisfy claimants. The eligibility criteria are rigid, and many who meet them still receive settlement offers far below courtroom value. Plaintiffs’ attorneys argue the program excludes thousands of legitimate claims, and the delays and document demands have left many families in limbo.

Expert Discovery Reaches Critical Stage

Litigation is now deep into expert discovery, unfolding in three key phases:

• Water contamination
  
• General causation
  
• Specific causation
  

Expert depositions for the first two phases have concluded, and all motions for the water contamination phase are in. The court has set September deadlines for causation-related motions, while damages and offset discovery are underway. Plaintiffs continue to push for full access to federal health data, especially from CMS, to counter the government’s offset arguments.

One of the most contentious issues remains the use of ATSDR water models to establish individual exposure. The government is seeking to exclude this modeling, citing a recent Fourth Circuit ruling in its favor. Plaintiffs, in turn, are challenging the attempt to narrow exposure theories and are also appealing a prior court decision that excluded expert testimony related to vapor intrusion—a critical piece of the exposure timeline.

Court Rulings Begin to Shape the Legal Landscape

In July, the court issued a key ruling that impacts how expert testimony will be handled moving forward. Plaintiffs’ experts are allowed to rely on prior general causation evidence, including scientific literature and previously submitted opinions, but they may not introduce new analysis or studies that weren’t disclosed before December 2024. This strikes a balance between preserving the court’s phased discovery structure and allowing plaintiffs to present vetted scientific testimony.

Another recent clash involves the government’s move to block plaintiffs from submitting updated medical information, even when their medical conditions worsen or new diagnoses arise. Plaintiffs strongly oppose this, arguing that toxic exposure injuries can evolve over time and that justice demands an accurate and up-to-date medical record.

Track 1 Trials Take Shape

The initial Track 1 bellwether cases, focusing on leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, have been consolidated under one judge. Future disease categories are expected to follow, and both sides are in talks over trial format, including whether to hold a live evidentiary hearing during the water contamination phase. A revised case management order is already in place to streamline the upcoming wave of motions and pretrial filings.

The government is also pursuing discovery against a non-party epidemiologist whose research on Parkinson’s disease was cited by plaintiffs. This has raised concerns over the government’s strategy and whether it will open further battles around expert influence and credibility.

Bottom Line

While progress remains slower than many had hoped, the Camp Lejeune litigation is entering a decisive phase. Courts are now weighing foundational scientific evidence that will shape the future of thousands of claims. Plaintiffs’ attorneys are aggressively fighting to preserve access to science, ensure fair trials, and hold the government accountable for decades of toxic exposure that harmed Marines, their families, and civilian workers.

August 1, 2025 - Navy Releases Data on Claims — Few Elective Option Cases Ready For Settlement

The Department of the Navy has released new data that sheds light on the status of the nearly half a million Camp Lejeune claims filed. According to the Camp Lejeune Claims Unit (CLCU), approximately 401,000 administrative claims have been submitted after removing duplicate claims.

But buried in that headline number is an important reality: only a small percentage of these claims are currently positioned for fast-track settlement under the government’s Elective Option (EO) program.

Key Numbers from the CLCU:

• 401,000 total unduplicated claims filed
• 153,006 include at least one supporting document
• Just 48,026 claims involve injuries that may qualify under the Elective Option criteria

That last figure, about 12% of all claims, is especially telling. While it initially looked like this litigation could become unmanageable in size and scope, the actual number of cases that might qualify for streamlined resolution is far smaller than expected. And that may be good news for injured veterans and families waiting for movement in their cases.

What This Means for Injured Claimants

The Elective Option is designed to offer faster settlements for a narrow list of presumptively linked illnesses, such as kidney cancer, bladder cancer, leukemia, and Parkinson’s disease. Only a fraction of total claims fit this model, which means that, according to recent projections, those cases are likely to be resolved first, possibly by the end of the year.

For the remaining claims, those involving injuries not currently on the EO list, the road to compensation may be longer and more complex. These cases may still result in successful outcomes, but they will likely require stronger medical documentation, expert support, and more time to move through the legal system.

Many advocates argue that the government’s EO list is far too narrow, and plaintiffs' attorneys continue to fight for broader recognition of other illnesses linked to toxic water exposure at Camp Lejeune.

What Comes Next

The litigation now appears to be splitting into two paths:

1. Elective Option claims that may move forward quickly through settlement negotiations.
2. Non-EO claims, which could take longer due to evidentiary hurdles, but still offer a path to justice for many veterans and their families.

While the scale of this litigation remains enormous, the recent data gives hope that progress is being made, especially for those claimants whose illnesses align with the government’s current criteria. For everyone else, patience and persistence remain key as the fight continues for broader accountability and fair compensation.

July 1, 2025 - Settlement Progress and Legal Pushback Against Key Government Expert

Settlement Talks Are Finally Moving Forward

There’s encouraging news for veterans and families waiting for progress in the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit. A group of 25 specially selected “Track 1” cases is heading into settlement mediation this summer. These cases represent several serious illnesses believed to be caused by the toxic water at the base: bladder cancer, kidney cancer, Parkinson’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and leukemia.

Mediation sessions are set to begin in late July and wrap up by the end of August. While most claimants aren’t part of this small group, the outcome of these mediations is critical because it could help set the values used in a broader settlement matrix that will apply to thousands of cases.

This matrix would help the government make more consistent settlement offers based on the type of injury, how long the person was exposed to the water, and other details. It's a key step toward recovering fair compensation for the thousands of affected families—but we’re not quite there yet. For now, most claimants will need to wait until this early mediation phase is completed. We hope to have good news by early fall.

Plaintiffs Push to Limit Government Expert’s Testimony

At the same time, lawyers for Camp Lejeune victims are pushing back hard against a government expert whose opinions could affect the outcome of future trials.

The expert, Dr. Remy Hennet, was questioned again during a court-ordered deposition on June 4. Plaintiffs’ attorneys argue that Dr. Hennet’s opinions about the base’s contaminated water system, specifically a supply well called HP-651 at Hadnot Point, are based on flawed assumptions and questionable modeling. They’re now asking the court to block this new testimony through a supplemental Daubert motion.

This request comes after earlier delays by the government in sharing important information, which kept plaintiffs from fully questioning Dr. Hennet the first time around. The court agreed and ordered sanctions, allowing the additional deposition.

The Department of Justice is fighting the motion, saying the plaintiffs are too late to object. But the plaintiffs argue that, without full access to the data until recently, they’re well within their rights, and they’re doing everything they can to ensure that only reliable, scientifically sound evidence is allowed in court.

Why It Matters

Every step in this case matters to the nearly 500,000 people who were exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune—many of whom have waited decades for answers. From fighting to exclude weak government science to laying the groundwork for a large-scale settlement system, plaintiffs’ attorneys are working to move this litigation forward and secure justice for service members and their families.

If these early mediation efforts are successful, we may start to see meaningful progress toward settlement offers in the months ahead. The LLN team will keep you posted.

June 1, 2025 - Discovery Clashes as Camp Lejeune Trials Approach

Discovery Delays and Disputes Mount

With nearly 3,000 lawsuits and over 410,000 administrative claims pending, the Camp Lejeune litigation is one of the largest toxic exposure cases in U.S. history. But as the first Track 1 trials inch closer, the discovery process is mired in delays, late disclosures, and mounting frustration, particularly among plaintiffs’ attorneys who are facing an uphill battle to ensure a fair trial process.

Government’s Damages Data Arrives Months Late

A major flashpoint has been the government’s recent production of damages-related records, including VA disability, Medicare, and TRICARE files, that were delivered approximately eight months past the court-mandated discovery deadline. These files are now being used by defense experts to argue for damage offsets, even though plaintiffs had already finalized their expert reports without access to this data. Plaintiffs are exploring legal motions to exclude this evidence or seek additional time to respond.

Expert Witness Withholds Working Materials

Further controversy erupted during the deposition of Dr. Peter Shields, a government expert, who arrived with a DOJ-issued laptop containing linked reference materials. Plaintiffs received a copy just hours before the deposition, but it was riddled with broken hyperlinks and inaccessible files. The deposition proceeded anyway, despite the plaintiffs’ inability to review or question key materials. That deposition remains open, and challenges over these irregularities are expected to intensify.

Sanctions Over Undisclosed Site Visit

Adding to the tension, a federal judge sanctioned the government on May 8 for a previously undisclosed site visit to Camp Lejeune by another expert, Dr. Remy Hennet. Conducted well past the expert disclosure deadline, the visit included photos and measurements central to the case’s chemical exposure claims. The court ruled this was improper “bolstering” of the defense’s position in response to the plaintiffs’ rebuttal experts. While the evidence wasn’t thrown out, the judge granted plaintiffs four extra hours to re-depose Dr. Hennet, reinforcing the importance of fair play in expert discovery.

Broader Transparency Concerns

The plaintiffs also allege a larger pattern of obstruction. Key records—like consulting firm compensation files and expert notes—remain unproduced, raising concerns about transparency and compliance with court procedures. These delays threaten to derail timelines and compromise the integrity of the MDL process.

Looking Ahead

Trial Readiness: The Track 1 trials are scheduled to begin soon, but unresolved discovery conflicts could result in further delays if not resolved quickly.

Rebuttal Deadlines: Expert rebuttals will continue through mid-June, with Parkinson’s disease cases wrapping up last.

Pending Motions: Plaintiffs are preparing motions to block late damages evidence and seek time extensions for impacted depositions.

May 1, 2025 - Discovery Disputes Escalate Ahead of Trial

As the first Track 1 trials approach, the Camp Lejeune litigation has entered a tense and procedural-heavy phase. A series of discovery conflicts have emerged, putting pressure on both parties and threatening trial timelines.

One of the most significant disputes involves a privilege claim by the Department of Justice (DOJ). During a deposition, plaintiffs used a document not previously marked as privileged. After the expert answered questions, the DOJ objected and demanded that the document be removed from the record. Plaintiffs contend the objection came too late and have asked the court to review the document in camera (in private) to determine whether it qualifies for protection.

This is one of several disputes tied to access to expert evidence. Plaintiffs have faced resistance in obtaining details related to expert witness opinions, medical evidence, and discovery of compensation records. Many argue that without full transparency, a fair trial is out of reach, particularly given the limited relief offered through the Elective Option settlement program.

Controversial Government Site Visit Sparks Sanctions Motion

Tensions reached a new high after a February 2025 site visit to Camp Lejeune by one of the government’s experts, Dr. Remy Hennet. The visit occurred after expert disclosure deadlines and was conducted without notice to plaintiffs or the court. Dr. Hennet collected new data, took photographs, and spoke with facility employees—generating new findings that were not part of his original report.

Plaintiffs responded by filing a motion to exclude all evidence tied to the visit, arguing that the government violated procedural rules and created an uneven playing field. Requests by plaintiffs for reciprocal access were denied unless they agreed to additional unrelated depositions. The court has not yet ruled on the motion, but its decision could significantly impact what evidence is admissible at the upcoming trials.

Case Volume and Trial Prep Status

As of late April 2025:

• Roughly 2,900 lawsuits are pending in the Eastern District of North Carolina.
• Over 400,000 administrative claims have been submitted to the Department of the Navy, with only a small fraction actively reviewed.
• Track 1 cases (focusing on leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma) are moving toward trial under the oversight of Judge James Dever.
• Discussions are underway to break these Track 1 cases into smaller subgroups for trial scheduling.

Meanwhile, expert discovery is nearing completion in Phases I–III, but challenges continue. Plaintiffs are juggling requests for supplemental disclosures and last-minute medical updates. In one case, a Track 1 plaintiff was recently diagnosed with bladder cancer, prompting attempts to supplement expert reports after deadlines had passed. The DOJ raised objections due to timing, but both sides are working toward a compromise.

What’s Next

Trial preparations continue, with high stakes as both sides finalize strategies for the first bellwether cases.

The court will rule on whether the disputed document is privileged and whether evidence from the February site visit will be excluded.

Discovery disputes over expert access, supplemental evidence, and medical updates remain unresolved.

April 1, 2025 - Slow Movement Toward a Complicated Settlement

Settlement discussions in the Camp Lejeune litigation are ongoing, with court-appointed Settlement Masters regularly meeting with both the Department of Justice and the Plaintiffs’ Leadership Group. These talks are happening alongside the pending litigation, meaning cases are still progressing while parties work behind the scenes to reach a potential global resolution.

A key part of this process involves collecting data to help determine how claims may be valued. A detailed questionnaire is being finalized and will be sent to 2,500 randomly selected claimants. Additionally, bellwether mediations—test mediations that serve as a reference point for overall settlement discussions—are expected to begin this summer. Together with ongoing court proceedings, these mediations will help shape the structure of any future settlement.

One major element under development is a proposed settlement matrix, which would guide compensation based on factors such as injury severity and the claimant’s connection to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. Although no final structure has been announced, the goal is to establish a clear settlement process by the end of 2025. That timeline would not guarantee immediate payouts, but it would mark a significant step toward resolving claims.

So far, over 408,000 claims have been submitted, but fewer than 400 have resulted in payments, totaling just $38.8 million. Plaintiffs’ attorneys have accused the government of slowing progress by disputing medical diagnoses and causation. Key upcoming events include a hearing in North Carolina to address trial scheduling and Phase One case management, and legal deadlines for briefings and discovery that stretch into the fall of 2025.

March 1, 2025 - Litigation Amping Up, Small Percentage of Cases are Settled, Disputes Over Medical Exams Continue

While the Department of Justice (DOJ) requests re-depositions of sick plaintiffs and further proof of causation between the contaminated water and the plaintiff's medical conditions, plaintiffs' attorneys are pushing back to protect their clients. With more than 2,600 pending lawsuits and over 400,000 administrative claims at the Department of the Navy, only a tiny percentage of cases have been settled.

At this point, 103 cases have been dismissed, mostly voluntarily by the plaintiffs for various reasons. Only about 6,000 claims are currently being considered for settlement offers, which is only 1.5% of all pending claims. Sadly, only 37 cases have settled for amounts that range from $100,000 to the maximum offered amount of $450,000.

Thankfully, the government's motion to disallow cases involving leukemia and lymphoma was denied, so those cases can move forward. A Phase 1 hearing is scheduled for March 25, 2025, and we hope the court will further define the term "water contamination" and clarify how it can be linked to the various illnesses suffered by the service members and their families.

February 1, 2025 - Preparing Cases For Trial or Settlement Negotiations, PCE and TCE are Banned

Now that the filing window of opportunity has closed, 2,298 lawsuits have been filed pursuant to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, and more than 480,000 administrative claims are pending with the Navy. As plaintiffs' lawyers prepare their individual cases for settlement discussions or trials, the overall claims processing system faces further challenges.

Disagreements continue to slow the discovery process, evidentiary stipulations, and expert testimony. The Navy reports it has a new strategy to organize the massive volume of claims, but it continues to struggle with keeping cases straight and moving them toward resolution.

Meanwhile, the EPA is banning TCE use in manufacturing items like batteries starting January 16 and all consumer-use manufacturing is banned as of March 17. Also, a ban on PCE use in consumer and commercial processes, like dry cleaning, started on January 17 and includes a ten-year phase-out process beginning in June of 2026.

These bans might be affected by President Trump's Regulatory Freeze Pending Review, but since they went into effect before his inauguration, they may be exempt. Clearly, bans on these dangerous chemicals are an important step in protecting US citizens.

January 1, 2025 - Trial Reassignments, EPA Phases Out TCE Use

In anticipation of upcoming trials, the "one judge—one injury" plan is taking effect. Under this plan, all cases involving plaintiffs with similar medical conditions will be transferred to the same judge to allow them to become more familiar with those illnesses. For instance, Judge Dever has been assigned to hear the cases brought by plaintiffs suffering from non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and leukemia.

Last month, the EPA finally issued a ruling that will end all uses of the dangerous solvent trichloroethylene (TCE). This chemical has been associated with certain types of cancer and damage to the central nervous system. TCE has been found in refrigerants, adhesives, lubricants, and degreasers. So, how does this relate to the Camp Lejeune litigation?

At Camp Lejeune, some of the well water was tested and showed TCE contamination up to 280 parts per billion. The EPA considers only 5 parts per billion a safe limit. At the Camp, TCE was traced back to two main sources. Hadnot Point Industrial Area used this chemical for degreasing and cleaning machinery on the base, while off-base, a local laundromat illegally dumped cleaning chemicals and solvents that leached into the groundwater.

December 1, 2024 - Medical Exam Protocols Set, Government Ignoring the Purpose of the CLJA

When a plaintiff is claiming an injury, the court can establish certain procedures for medical examinations, including requiring the plaintiff to submit to an independent exam so both sides can determine the extent of the injury. The Camp Lejeune courts have entered an order addressing medical exams, including these requirements:

• All plaintiffs who are examined by expert witnesses must tell the government before the exam. Then, the defense can request an independent exam or waive it.
• If the plaintiff's medical provider will testify, the government must be notified ahead of time. If the examiner is not expected to testify but later becomes a trial witness, the plaintiff must tell the government. The defense then has 45 days to set up an independent exam if desired.
• Standards are created for remote exams, the scope of the exam, whether they can be recorded, and who may be present.
• No invasive testing, such as MRIs or blood tests, will be allowed. The examiners must provide specific findings according to Federal rules.
• These rules apply to both sides if the government requests a medical exam.

In most mass tort injury claims, the defendant (often a large corporation) presents an aggressive defense to reduce the amount they may be ordered to pay. Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA), the government is mandated to ensure those injured by toxic water at the camp are compensated properly and in a timely manner.

Sadly, the government continues to fight these claims without any concern about the true condition of the suffering plaintiffs. For example, a plaintiff's lawyer is asking the court to remove a lawsuit from the priority trial pool because the plaintiff is too sick. The lawyer wants to protect him from the stress and physical impact a trial would cause.

The government is fighting the request, probably because it thinks it can win that case or minimize the amount to be paid. Instead, it should be working to provide the compensation this person needs during their serious medical decline.

November 1, 2024 - Settlement Activity Continues, Contamination Evidence in Dispute

The Court has ordered the government to provide regular updates to the Settlement Masters, Liasons, and the Plaintiffs' Leadership Group. These updates must explain which administrative claims have been settled and how many settlement offers are pending.

Also, the Camp Lejeune Claims Unit (CLCU) has disclosed steps it will take to encourage settlement, including:

• Accepting certain documents to prove a plaintiff was at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days
• On January 13, 2025, all administrative claims that have not been validated will be moved forward without law firm validation. Law firms must correct their claims before that date or formally request the right to amend their claims to be considered for settlement
• Of the 550,000 pending claims, the defense is estimating 100,000 are duplicate claims filed by various law firms for the same injured claimants. These claims must be dismissed before settlement offers are extended. This leaves 450,000 potentially viable claims, which still seems exaggerated, in our opinion

The plaintiffs' lawyers want the court to consider evidence regarding the Camp's water quality, as well as vapor emissions and intrusions when determining how toxic the environment was for the injured plaintiffs. The government wants to limit the evidence to the chemicals found in the drinking water. Excluding certain evidence could harm cases involving illnesses like lymphoma and leukemia.

Why You Should Consult With Lawsuit Legal News For Your Claim

Filing an injury claim or lawsuit is a complex, detailed process. If you have questions about a Camp Lejeune claim, start by consulting with an experienced mass tort lawyer affiliated with Lawsuit Legal News (LLN). The LLN legal team can:

• Guide you through the entire legal process,
• Help you file a claim with the correct governmental department,
• File a civil lawsuit and/or join the multi-district litigation (MDL) now pending in North Carolina and
• Ensure that you receive the benefits and compensation you deserve.

Our team of legal professionals is actively investigating hundreds of Camp Lejeune water contamination injury claims. The LLN Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyers are dedicated to examining each case thoroughly and assisting you in exploring your legal options. We understand the impact this contamination has had on the lives of countless individuals and families, and we are prepared to fight for your legal rights.

We also remain on the cutting edge of these cases, so we understand all of your options and can explain what you can expect going forward with your Camp Lejeune claim or lawsuit. In fact, the Camp Lejeune litigation has recently taken an interesting turn. Keep reading to learn more...

First Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Filed

Just hours after the PACT Act and Camp Lejeune Justice Act were signed into law by President Biden, the first Camp Lejeune lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, naming the United States of America as a defendant. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Timothy Pugh a service member who served at Camp Lejeune between 1984 through 1986 and was later diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2012. While this may have been the first Camp Lejeune lawsuit filed, we expect many more to be filed over the coming weeks in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina

Please note that before Camp Lejeune lawsuits are filed, your lawyer must file an administrative claim to the Judge Advocate General for the Department of the Navy. This is a condition precedent to any Camp Lejeune lawsuit. Thus, the lawsuits that have been filed in the U.S. Federal Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina already filed an administrative claim for disability coverage. Once an administrative claim is filed, the Department of the Navy has six months to approve or deny the said claim. A Camp Lejeune lawsuit can only be filed after such a determination.

What Is The PACT Act?

The PACT Act expands eligibility for veterans exposed to serious toxins and contamination, such as burn pits and the water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. Further, the PACT Act will expand screenings, including lab testing and medical treatment available to veterans exposed to toxic chemicals and water contamination, such as the water at Camp Lejeune. The PACT Act also codifies specific cancers and illnesses, which removes the burden of proof on our veterans to receive necessary benefits.

Camp Lejeune Is Not a Class Action Lawsuit

Camp Lejeune is not a class action lawsuit.

There is a misconception that there is a Camp Lejeune class action lawsuit because of the number of potential plaintiffs. While a class action lawsuit does involve multiple plaintiffs, a designated lead plaintiff represents the rest of the plaintiffs. The plaintiffs in a class action lawsuit don't get to choose the law firm that represents them or make important decisions about how the case plays out.

Class action lawsuits make sense when multiple plaintiffs sue the defendant for a relatively small amount of money. It makes sense for a law firm to group these cases, as individually pursuing each claim is not financially feasible.

Many of these claims have the potential to be high value and complex. As such, there is no Camp Lejeune class action lawsuit. That means eligible individuals who want to pursue compensation must file their own claim.

7 Important Facts About the Camp Lejeune PACT Act claims

You won't automatically receive compensation.

Camp Lejeune claims under the PACT Act of 2022 are not a benefit you will automatically receive from the government. You must file a Camp Lejeune claim with The United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

You can file a personal injury claim for yourself or a wrongful death claim for a family member.

The law generally allows the surviving spouse, lineal descendants (children and grandchildren), or parents to pursue a wrongful death claim. In some circumstances, an appointed representative may file a wrongful death claim. Consult a Camp Lejeune lawyer if you have questions about your eligibility to pursue a Camp Lejeune wrongful death lawsuit.

Compensation under the PACT Act is separate from VA benefits.

Compensation under the PACT Act is not limited to veterans and their family members. Any individual exposed to Camp Lejeune water and later developed a qualifying medical condition can pursue a claim.

Some service members and their families may qualify for both types of compensation - a settlement and VA benefits. Let your attorney know if you've received VA benefits when pursuing a Camp Lejeune claim.

You have a limited time to pursue a Camp Lejeune payout.

The PACT Act grants eligible individuals until August 10, 2024, to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim. Victims only have this one opportunity to pursue a settlement for damages.

Payouts are not guaranteed.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 is not a guaranteed government program. Rather, the act opens a window of time for eligible individuals to pursue a claim in civil court. Ordinarily, the deadline to file these claims would have already passed under the law.

There is no guarantee that you will receive the amount you request, and the court may deny claims. A lawyer can help you determine if you have a viable claim and negotiate an adequate settlement.

You can choose your own Camp Lejeune lawyer.

The benefit of Camp Lejeune not being a class action lawsuit is that you can pursue your claim on your terms. You choose the law firm you want to handle your claim and receive individualized attention. You will also have a say in whether you accept an offer or pursue a trial.

Pursuing adequate compensation without a lawyer will be difficult for most individuals.

There is more to filing a Camp Lejeune claim than filling out a simple form. Many individuals aren't aware of how much money they may be entitled to recover. It takes legal experience and knowledge to accurately assess personal injury and wrongful death damages.

Under the Government's "Elective Option" Program, You May Be Eligible For a Settlement Now

On September 6, 2023, the U.S. Government finally announced a system to start settling the thousands of Camp Lejeune claims and lawsuits. In general, our legal team at Lawsuit Legal News considers the offered settlement amounts insufficient to adequately compensate most Camp Lejeune claimants. However, we are sharing this information to ensure everyone affected by Camp Lejeune's toxic water understands their legal options.

Basically, if you or a loved one were diagnosed with one or more of the specific medical conditions listed in the Elective Option guidelines, you could receive a settlement payment ranging from $100,000 to $550,000. The settlement amounts break down as follows:

Tier 1 medical conditions qualify for settlement payments ranging from $150,000 to $450,000:

• Kidney cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
• Liver cancer
• Leukemia

Tier 2 medical conditions qualify for settlement payments ranging from $100,000 to $400,000:

• Parkinson's disease
• Multiple myeloma
• Systemic scleroderma and systemic sclerosis
• Kidney disease and end-stage renal disease

The settlement amounts also depend on how long the claimant was exposed to the toxic water. For exposure of 30 days or fewer, the lowest amount applies for each tier. Claimants who were exposed for more than five years are eligible for the highest amount in each tier. Those exposed to the Camp's water contamination for at least 30 days up to five years fall in the middle category of settlement amounts.

Finally, the families of claimants who died as a result of a Tier 1 or 2 condition related to the toxic water would receive a $100,000 wrongful death payment.

Before you make any decisions about settling your pending claim or lawsuit, or if you are considering filing a claim, it's imperative that you speak with a dedicated Camp Lejeune lawyer. Our team is ready and willing to answer your questions during a free consultation. Reach out now.

Partner With LLN to Recover Compensation For Your Losses

The best way to protect your rights is to work with an experienced mass tort injury lawyer. They can help you build and file a successful Camp Lejeune claim to request the financial compensation you deserve to help pay your medical expenses, cover lost income, and move on in your life. Without the assistance of a skilled water contamination attorney, you may struggle with financial worries and ongoing stress while you try to treat your medical condition.

The pending Camp Lejeune lawsuits are brought against the federal government, which has done little more than stall the process and delay paying any compensation to deserving injured service members and their families. Our dedicated and tenacious Camp Lejuene lawyers can dramatically increase your odds of receiving fair compensation for your losses by advocating for you throughout the long legal process.

LLN's Award-Winning Legal Team Has Secured Millions of Dollars for Our Injured Clients

The personal injury lawyers behind LLN are proud of their successful record of helping injury victims recover the financial damages they deserve. While fighting for more than 40,000 clients, they have recovered more than $400 million through trial verdicts or negotiated settlements in the past two decades. Award-winning lead attorney Matthew A. Dolman is a highly respected litigator and a lifetime member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an elite group reserved for attorneys who have resolved a claim for more than $2 million.

The legal professionals at LLN offer more than 120 years of combined legal experience and substantial resources for each mass tort claim they accept. They are not afraid to challenge big corporate giants or even the US government to protect their clients' rights. When you need exceptional legal advocates in your corner, turn to the team at Lawsuit Legal News.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Basics

Between 1953 and 1987, the water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune was contaminated with industrial solvents, benzene, and other harmful chemicals. Servicemembers, civilian workers, and families used this contaminated water for drinking, cooking, bathing, and other everyday activities. 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized these hazardous chemicals as known carcinogens, meaning they have the potential to cause cancer.

As a result of their exposure, Marines and their families have suffered from various health problems, including cancer, liver disease, kidney disease, and reproductive disorders. Those who have suffered birth defects, cancer diagnoses, and other illnesses related to the Camp Lejeune water contamination deserve healthcare benefits and compensation.

Which Treatment Facilities Were Involved?

The Tarawa Terrace Facility and the Hadnot Point Treatment Plant Facility, located near Camp Lejeune, were primarily responsible for supplying the contaminated water to residents and workers. Tarawa, which began operations in 1952, provided water contaminated with an industrial solvent known as PCE. By the 1980s, the levels of PCE in the water reached 215 parts per billion, far exceeding the EPA's safety threshold of five parts per billion.

The Hadnot Point Treatment Plant Facility supplied water contaminated with trichloroethylene (TCE). This contamination likely originated from waste disposal sites and underground storage containers. In 1979, a fuel farm in close proximity to the base dumped tens of thousands of gallons of oil into the ground, further polluting the groundwater. The release of these toxic carcinogens into the base's water supply and surrounding communities was a direct consequence of this fuel dump.

What Contaminants Did Testing Show in the Camp Lejeune Water Supply?

Testing showed several potential contaminants in the Camp Lejeune water supply.

Trichloroethylene (TCE)

Trichloroethylene is a solvent that removes grease from metal during manufacturing. It has no color, making it hard to detect if it gets naturally washed into a water supply. Commercial dry cleaners may use TCE as part of their spot cleaning treatments, especially to remove grease stains on the fabric.

Because TCE breaks down slowly, it can accumulate in groundwater and soil over time. As a result, tests can find it in drinking water long after initial contamination.

TCE can cause a significantly increased risk of multiple types of cancer, including kidney cancer.

Perchloroethylene (PCE)

Perchloroethylene, or PCE, is often used in metal degreasing and dry cleaning operations. PCE can prove highly carcinogenic. It can cause immediate, acute problems based on short-term exposure or longer-term problems with the respiratory tract, kidneys, or coordination. Consistent or long-term PCE exposure can also raise the risk of developing certain types of cancer.

Like TCE, PCE breaks down relatively slowly over time, which can linger in water sources and soil.

Benzene

Across the United States, benzene is used in lubricants, detergents, and pesticides, among other products. In effect, benzene causes cells to fail to work correctly. It may lead to anemia, damage the immune system, or decrease white blood cells in people exposed to it at high concentrations.

Long-term exposure to benzene can lead to a significantly increased risk of leukemia in humans.

Vinyl Chloride

Vinyl chloride has many commercial uses, including making plastic for pipes or wire coverings. While vinyl chloride evaporates quickly, it may contaminate local water supplies. When contaminated water evaporates, including water used for household purposes like showering or cleaning, it can evaporate, causing users to inhale it.

Vinyl chloride exposure may increase the risk of liver cancer, brain cancer, lung cancer, and leukemia.

Estimating the Degree of Contamination

No records show the level of contamination at those water treatment facilities before 1982. Therefore, the Marine Corps must rely on estimates of potential contamination over time, based on the contaminants in the water when testing began and the supposed historical amount of contamination in the water.

A committee from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) performed a historical reconstruction of potential contamination to determine what levels likely existed in the water supply over time.

Unfortunately, those models uncovered unacceptably high levels of contaminants in the water, likely beginning around November 1957 for the Tarawa Terrance water supply. The Hadnot Point water supply also likely had similarly high levels of contamination, potentially beginning as early as the late 1940s.

Exposure in Humans Varies by Behaviors

Many may wonder if they faced exposure to any potentially hazardous chemicals while serving or living at Camp Lejeune, particularly if they have faced a devastating cancer diagnosis. Historical reconstruction of the likely contamination of those water supplies, combined with a reconstruction of the individual's movements through the area, may provide insights into how much contamination the individual may have faced.

Experts may ask:

• Where did you live and work while at Camp Lejeune? How much of the water you used likely came from the contaminated supply?
• Did you use a great deal of water? Did you typically shower, which could result in more inhalation of those chemicals present in the water, or bathe?
• Where did you use that water?

Unfortunately, providing an accurate historical recollection of those events can prove difficult, especially since they occurred so long ago. In addition, people may have had nonresidential exposures to contaminated water, particularly as they moved and worked around the base. Records do not show which water source supplied many activities that service members engaged in regularly. As a result, we cannot easily measure exposure in individuals.

All Marines serving at Camp Lejeune between the 1950s and 1980s may assume that they, and any family members living on the base, may have faced a high degree of potential contamination.

The Illnesses and Health Conditions Linked to Camp Lejeune Water Our LLN Team Can Handle

Studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have revealed that PCE and TCE are the two most prevalent contaminants found in Camp Lejeune's water. Exposure to these substances through ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption can result in severe health conditions and illnesses, including internal organ damage and central nervous system problems.

The LLN mass tort lawyers accept cases involving PCE, which is causally linked to bladder cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and end-stage renal disease, as well as TCE that has been associated with birth defects, leukemia, liver cancer, Parkinson's disease, and more. 

Environmental testing has also detected vinyl chloride in the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. We handle cases involving this industrial gas, which is causally linked to liver cancer, brain cancer, lung cancer, and liver cirrhosis. Furthermore, we deal with benzene, another harmful chemical that entered the water supply through the Hadnot Point system, which can cause leukemia and other blood-related health issues.

Non-cancerous personal injuries and illnesses:

• Aplastic anemia
• Myelodysplastic syndromes
• Impaired immune system
• Neurological effects
• Neurobehavioral performance deficiencies
• Severe hypersensitivity skin disorder
• Liver cirrhosis
• End-stage renal disease
• Parkinson disease
• Scleroderma
• birth defects

Birth Defects and Conditions Related to Exposure to Contaminated Water:

• Low birth weight
• Fetal death
• Major malformations/disfigurement
• Miscarriage
• Neural tube defects
• Oral cleft defects
• Small for gestational age
• Choanal atresia
• Eye defects
• Cardiac defects

In many cases, the effects of Camp Lejeune's contaminated water were not apparent until years later. Unfortunately, this has had the effect of depriving many families of the compensation they are rightfully owed. Our lawyers are prepared to help families take advantage of their right to seek a fair settlement in light of the soon-to-be-passed Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022.

Call us as soon as possible at 866-535-9515.

Other Medical Conditions Linked to Both PCE and TCE Exposure

• eye defects
• fetal death
• low birth weight
• miscarriage
• neural tube defects
• oral cleft defects
• breast cancer
• esophageal cancer
• kidney cancer
• Hodgkins disease
• ovarian cancer
• neurobehavioral performance deficits
• prostate cancer
• rectal cancer

Adult Leukemia Basics

Leukemia refers to cancer that affects the white blood cells, and although this disease will usually develop in children, there are certain types of leukemia that healthcare professionals will diagnose in adults.

Types of adult leukemia typically include:

• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
• Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

The symptoms of adult leukemia frequently include:

• Fatigue, weakness, and dizziness
• Skin paleness
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Fever and night sweats
• Persistent infections
• Bone or joint pain
• Red, purple, or brown spots under the skin
• Excessive bleeding
• Enlarged lymph nodes

The Toxic Chemicals in the Water That Might Cause Adult Leukemia

The investigation further revealed that the water was contaminated at two facilities, Hadnot Point Treatment Plant and Tarawa Terrace Treatment Plant. The toxic substances found in these water treatment facilities include:

Tetrachloroethylene: This substance is generally used as a dry cleaning agent and a degreasing solvent for metals. It is also known as a building block for creating other chemicals and can be found in water, soil, and air.

Benzene: The chemical does not fully dissolve in water, and it is used in the production of pesticides, detergents, and certain types of rubber materials.

Trichloroethylene: This chemical is primarily used in refrigerants and as a degreasing solvent for equipment made out of metal.

Vinyl chloride: This colorless gas burns quickly and does not occur naturally. It is produced mainly for commercial use and to make various plastic products.

Other Contaminants: In addition to the above toxins, many other carcinogenic toxins were also found in the water, including pesticides and heavy metals.

How Can I Show That My Adult Leukemia Diagnosis Is Connected to the Toxic Water at Camp Lejeune?

Even if you believe that your or your loved one's health condition is the result of the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you may still need to prove this connection before you can obtain compensation for your illness and the losses you suffered.

For instance, according to the regulations, there are certain conditions that are presumed to be caused by the toxins in the water, including adult leukemia, meaning that qualified individuals suffering from this disease will only have to show that they were residing or working at the military base for the period of time indicated in the Act.

However, other diseases and ailments may require further medical proof to obtain benefits. To know what you have to prove to secure financial damages, reach out to a skilled personal injury attorney. These lawyers can help you figure out what documents you will need to prove your case and can even involve medical experts to determine whether your disease or condition can be linked to contaminated water.

Aplastic Anemia Causes

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), based in Atlanta, Georgia, made it known that benzene can cause blood disorders, such as aplastic anemia. As such, the federal government recognizes the illness as a presumptive medical condition of the water contamination at Camp Lejeune.

Living With an Aplastic Anemia Diagnosis

This disease causes bone marrow failure because the blood-manufacturing cells in the marrow do not make sufficient new red blood cells necessary to oxygenate the body. Aplastic anemia can strike at any age without warning, but it is more likely to present itself between the ages of two to five, 20 to 25, and 55 and older. Although aplastic anemia is not necessarily fatal, it has many side effects and complications. The treatments are unpleasant, and a patient's quality of life is compromised.

Challenges and Symptoms of Aplastic Anemia

Those living with aplastic anemia can experience the following symptoms:

• Persistent and debilitating fatigue
• Frequent bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), bruising, and unexplained and prolonged infections
• Excessive and uncontrollable bleeding from cuts
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid or irregular heart rate
• Unexplained bruising
• Skin rash
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Fever
• Unusual paleness

Due to low white blood cell counts, infections are a significant concern and can be fatal in patients with aplastic anemia. Social distancing is a daily occurrence for those with such a compromised immune system—avoiding public gathering places and keeping away from anyone with a cold can often mean the difference between life and death.

Additionally, aplastic anemia (AA) patients must deal with these special issues:

• Airplane travel concerns. An airplane's changes in cabin pressure can result in bleeding inside the ears and chest pains. The recirculated air leaves an AA patient highly susceptible to a viral infection. If air travel is necessary, those with aplastic anemia often require a prophylactic blood transfusion to keep platelet counts in check.
• High-altitude geographic locations should be avoided. The higher someone goes above sea level, the less oxygen there is.
• The need to take antibiotics before any dental work.
• Recommendations to restrict physical activity to avoid internal injury and uncontrolled bleeding.

Pregnancy and surgery also pose significant health risks for those suffering from aplastic anemia.

Significant Aplastic Anemia Data

Although there is no established blueprint for building a case for an applicant's compensation due to acquiring aplastic anemia from the volatile organic compounds in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune, there are guidelines and precedents that may shed some light on the potential determination.

Aplastic anemia is considered a presumptive condition in a Camp Lejeune claim against the government. The Veteran's Administration (VA) grants monthly disability benefits to veterans with this condition. Every medical condition is assigned a diagnostic code—the code for aplastic anemia is 7716.

Aplastic Anemia (DC 7716): A condition in which the bone marrow does not produce enough red blood cells. It may be treated with blood transfusion or, in severe cases, peripheral blood or bone marrow stem cell transplant. It may be rated at 30, 60, or 100 percent.

The VA Disability Group: The dollar amount of disability depends on the percentage of the disability rating assigned to each individual, and the rating is based on the needed and proven treatments.

Treatment options for aplastic anemia

Medical therapy and supportive care

Because fungal and bacterial infections can prove fatal for those with severe aplastic anemia, patients often receive antibiotics, antiviral, and anti-fungal drugs, sometimes by infusion.

Drug therapy

Some patients are treated with a drug, or a combination of drugs, designed to help restore blood cell production.

Blood transfusion

A blood transfusion provides red blood cells and platelets and can help stabilize a patient with severe deficiencies. Some patients may require frequent transfusions to help prevent cardiac and respiratory complications and spontaneous bleeding.

Bone marrow transplant

A bone marrow transplant is an intensive procedure involving destroying the patient's non-functioning marrow with drugs and radiation and replacing it with healthy marrow from a compatible donor. This procedure can be highly successful, although it is not a guarantee of a cure, and can lead to infections, sterility, and further complications to the patient's immune system.

Aplastic Anemia VA Rating

The VA has established the following disability ratings for people diagnosed with aplastic anemia:

• 30 percent: for those who require an infusion of platelets or red blood cells or have an infection at least once in a 12-month period.
• 60 percent: for those who require an infusion of platelets or red blood cells or have an infection at least once every 90 days during a 12-month period—or use continuous therapy with an immunosuppressant agent.
• 100 percent: for those who require an infusion of platelets or red blood cells or have an infection at least once every six weeks over a 12-month period.

Bladder Cancer Basics

Bladder cancer is a relatively common cancer affecting hundreds of thousands of Americans. However, it is also on the long list of potential diseases caused by toxins, heavy metals, and prolonged exposure to these chemicals at Camp Lejeune.

It begins with only a few cancerous cells and can quickly develop and spread throughout the urinary system, including the ureter tubes and kidneys. It is treatable if caught early but can become fatal as it progresses, metastasizing in other organs, bones, and blood. Advanced bladder cancer is cancer that has spread beyond the bladder to other parts of the body. The five-year survival rate for advanced bladder cancer is approximately 38%.

The levels of toxins in the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune were more than 400 times the levels considered safe by the Environmental Protection Agency. In turn, even those who are not genetically disposed to cancers, have a significantly increased likelihood of developing cancer after spending time at the site, according to scientific research. With so many cancers and health concerns reported at Camp Lejeune, investigations were launched to uncover the source. Bladder cancer is among the presumptive conditions listed by the VA.

Causes of Bladder Cancer

Since the bladder is an active part of a system designed to remove waste and toxins from the body, various forms of cancer can grow in it.

Here are some common factors in bladder cancer patients:

• Smoking: This vice is the source of various cancers because of the tar and nicotine levels and the additives in cigarettes and tobacco that have been proven to be carcinogens. Smoking among military service people is common and, in the past, may have been a reason bladder cancer was ignored in VA claims for disability benefits.
• Gender and age: Men are more susceptible to developing bladder cancer than women. Also, the older a person gets, the greater the risk of bladder cancer.
• Cancer treatments: When the body processes chemotherapy, medications, and other cancer treatments, the harmful materials might cause cancer in different regions of the body where they collect, such as the bladder.
• Chronic bladder infections: Continued damage to these cells due to infection or trauma can lead to cancerous cells and growth.
• Genetic disposition: If you have a family history of cancer or just the genetic markers which make you susceptible to bladder cancer, you might develop this condition. An indication that other factors were involved at Camp Lejeune was noticed when those without genetic markers for certain cancers were diagnosed.
• Environmental: The source of bladder cancer at Camp Lejeune was environmental, due primarily to toxins that had been dumped or leached into the drinking water supply from upriver. Heavy metals, benzene, and other carcinogens caused a higher-than-average rate of bladder cancer in camp residents over the years.

How is Bladder Cancer Diagnosed?

Symptoms most commonly identify bladder cancer. Blood in urine, pain, discomfort during urination, and frequent urination are just a few indications that something is not right. Back pain is also a symptom but is also shared with many other health concerns. A biopsy can determine which kind of bladder cancer it is.

Urothelial carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma affect different functions and tissues within the bladder. Usually, the type of cancer can help determine the cause; but due to the environmental causes in the water supply, any of these types are likely in Camp Lejeune residents.

How is Bladder Cancer Treated?

Bladder cancer can be treated in a variety of ways. Removal of cancerous tissue followed by chemotherapy, radiation, and follow-up care are common treatments. Removal of the bladder may also be an option. Treatments are often costly and painful, and a procedure such as removing the bladder may affect the patient's quality of life.

Medications such as chemotherapy can have side effects such as hair loss, weight loss, nausea, and reduced immune systems. Radiation also has various adverse effects, which can make a patient miserable for the duration of their treatments.

These methods are costly and can require a patient to lose a lot of time at work, which can further jeopardize their livelihood due to lost wages. Debilitating results from bladder removal or other treatments might result in long-term physical and mental stress and mental anguish. Successful treatment might only put cancer into remission but may require subsequent treatment and/or eventually cause death if the cancer worsens or metastasizes in other organs and tissues.

Bladder Cancer Linked to Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

Scientific and Medical Evidence

A 2014 morbidity study by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) illustrated that the drinking water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), benzene and vinyl chloride. The ATSDR (disease registry) study examined medical surveys filled out by 247,000 former Camp Lejeune residents and produced scientific and medical evidence that exposure to known carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) such as PCE and TCE leads to a significantly increased risk of bladder cancer.

Camp Lejeune Breast Cancer Is Not Just a Women's Disease

Breast cancer is most commonly diagnosed in women. Although rare, for every 100 women diagnosed with breast cancer, one male develops this cancer. Perhaps the best-known male breast cancer survivor was actor Richard Roundtree.

Although males have mammary glands, male and female breasts develop differently. However, both genders are vulnerable to the effects of toxic chemicals during embryonic development. Because breast cancer is a rarity in men, a spike in cases is easy to spot. The federal government now acknowledges a definite connection between the drinking water contamination at Camp Lejeune and breast cancer diagnoses for both males and females.

In an interview with NBC News, the son of a Marine stationed at Camp Lejeune talked about his breast cancer diagnosis at age 39 (the average age for male breast cancer diagnosis is 70). After learning of the toxic contamination on the base, he told the reporters, “The entire time my mother was pregnant with me, we were drinking high levels of tetrachloroethylene, trichloroethylene, and benzene in our water.”

Believing his cancer came from the exposure, he investigated further and found 83 men who lived or served at Camp Lejeune with a breast cancer diagnosis. At the time of this interview, the Marine Corps said there was no “reliable scientific evidence: to connect this cluster of male breast cancer to the water source."

At that time, Dr. Richard Clapp was an epidemiologist at the University of Massachusetts and one of the nation's experts in cancer and the environment. He agreed with the young person living with cancer, stating, “I've been working on this kind of thing for 30 years. I have never heard of a community that's had the levels of contaminants that they had at Camp Lejeune.”

The U.S. military may have known about the potential for toxic water supply contamination but failed to act

The Stages and Treatment of Breast Cancer

There is both scientific and epidemiological evidence linking breast cancer to toxic exposures.

Every claimant's case is different. The intensity of the treatments and the duration of the recovery process depends on the type (or stage) of cancer, as well as the patient's individual treatment plan. For example:

• Stage 0 cancers are non-invasive—examples might include ductal carcinoma in situ or lobular carcinoma in situ.
• Stage I cancers are usually small in size and may or may not have started to spread to the lymph nodes and beyond.
• Stage II cancers are larger in size and have spread.
• Stage III cancers are not only spreading into the lymph nodes but are invading nearby tissue.
• Stage IV cancers have spread to other body parts.

How do doctors treat breast cancer?

Based on a patient's individual preferences, lifestyle, and stage of the disease, treatment options may include:

Surgical options:

• Radical mastectomy: Removal of the entire breast, underlying muscles, and lymph nodes.
• Modified radical mastectomy: Removal of the entire breast and axillary lymph nodes—muscles are left intact.
• Simple (or total) mastectomy: Removal of all of the breast tissue, nipple, and a portion of the overlying skin, lymph nodes—muscles are left intact.
• Wide local excision: Removal of a portion of the breast tissue—lumpectomy.

Additional treatment options include chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and radiation therapy.

The Physical, Emotional, And Financial Costs of Breast Cancer

Today, breast cancer's survival and cure rates are better than ever, but the impact of the treatments continues to be life-altering.

Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments can leave breast cancer patients with:

• Extensive fatigue
• Changes to the hair and skin
• Lymphedema (swelling of the arms, chest, and abdomen)
• Bone and joint pain
• Physical deformity
• Decrease in libido
• Infertility
• Bone fractures
• Blocked blood vessels
• Organ damage
• Memory issues
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Nausea
• The possibility of metastasis

Breast cancer is an emotionally charged illness for both men and women. The thought of losing a body part often leaves a patient suffering from anxiety and depression. Breast cancer wreaks havoc with self-esteem and body image.

The financial fallout from breast cancer can last years after diagnosis and cause cumulative and progressive economic consequences for survivors and their families.

The passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act empowers those affected by the contaminated water at Camp LeJeune to seek compensation for their illnesses which includes medical care, emotional distress, as well as any additional related costs and expenses.

Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer

If you lived at Camp Lejeune during the 1950s through 1985 and you have symptoms of esophageal cancer, you should have your doctor check you for cancer immediately. If you want to file a lawsuit, you will have to receive a diagnosis and file a claim with the Navy JAG immediately, as you only have two years from the enactment of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.

Symptoms of esophageal cancer include dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), losing weight without trying, chest pain, including burning or pressure, coughing, hoarseness, or indigestion and/or heartburn that seem to get worse.

Once you notice the symptoms, you most likely have had the cancer for some time, as esophageal cancer doesn't typically cause early symptoms. Additionally, if your doctor diagnosed you with Barrett's esophagus, you are more likely to develop esophageal cancer.

What if My Spouse Died of Esophageal Cancer from Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune?

You may still be able to recover compensation on behalf of your loved one's estate. Even if the estate was closed, we recommend contacting a Camp Lejeune water contamination attorney to discuss your options.

Kidney Cancer and Renal Toxicity Signs and Symptoms

Kidney cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the kidneys or the two bean-shaped organs that are about the size of your fist, located behind your abdominal organs. In adults, the most common type of kidney cancer is renal cell carcinoma.

Although kidney cancer does not usually produce any symptoms in the early stages, as the cancer grows, signs and symptoms may include:

• Blood in the urine
• Back pain that does not go away
• Appetite loss
• Unintentional weight loss
• Fever
• Exhaustion

In comparison, renal toxicity or nephrotoxicity is one of the most common kidney issues. It typically develops when the body is exposed to dangerous toxins that cause damage to the kidneys.

The Link Between the Water at Camp Lejeune and Kidney Cancer and Renal Toxicity

Today, numerous studies link the toxins in the water at Camp Lejeune to kidney cancer and other types of kidney diseases.

Consider:

NRC Report: According to a National Research Council report, one of the earliest public health studies done on the impact of the water at Camp Lejeune, there is overwhelming evidence that connects the water at Camp Lejeune to kidney cancer and other kidney diseases.

The ATSDR Report: The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) released the next major study in 2014, which revealed that Camp Lejeune residents had much higher rates of kidney disease and cancer than the control group. This study also concluded that these specific health issues (kidney cancer and kidney disease) had the most convincing evidentiary connection to the toxic water on the base.

The VA Committee: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) established a special committee in 2015 of medical experts to help the administration with new health benefits for Camp Lejeune service members. The VA Committee's findings and supporting evidence were detailed in the report titled VA Clinical Guidance on the Health Conditions Identified by the Camp Lejeune Legislation, which concluded that kidney cancer has a clear connection to the water at Camp Lejeune and had the most substantial evidence of causation.

Signs and Symptoms of Liver Cancer

Your liver is a football-sized organ that sits in the upper right portion of your abdomen. When individuals develop liver cancer, it is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the liver.

Although most people will not have any symptoms or signs during the early stages of liver cancer when these symptoms do finally appear, they will usually include:

• Unintentional weight loss
• Appetite loss
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Upper abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• General weakness
• Abdominal swelling
• Yellow discoloration of the skin
• White, chalky stools

The Link Between Liver Cancer and the Toxins in the Water At Camp Lejeune

According to a report done by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) on health risks linked to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune, it has been shown that liver cancer is one of the diseases that can be directly linked to the contaminants in the water on the base.

In fact, this study found convincing evidence that individuals exposed to trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene in the water at Camp Lejeune had a significantly increased rate of liver cancer. In addition, other medical studies have also established that vinyl chloride exposure has been known to increase the risk of a rare form of liver cancer known as hepatic angiosarcoma.

There was even a report done by the National Research Council (NRC) called Conta

What Are Myelodysplastic Syndromes?

Doctors once labeled myelodysplastic syndromes as precancerous conditions such as preleukemia or smoldering leukemia. They now consider MDS a group of cancers. Approximately 33 percent of MDS patients progress to acute myeloid leukemia, a rapidly progressing cancer. While people of all ages develop MDS, they occur most frequently in people aged 60 or older. Researchers have also determined that a connection exists between certain environmental conditions and MDS.

When a stem cell mutates in your bone marrow, it can initiate an MDS. Your bone marrow begins producing abnormal (aplastic) red and white blood cells and platelets. Some of these defective cells simply die too soon, while the body kills off others. This process of attrition leaves you with a low supply of blood cells. As described by the American Cancer Society's Types of Myelodysplastic Syndromes page, doctors categorize MDS based on specific blood cell characteristics visible under a microscope.

Types of MDS

• Multilineage Dysplasia: Dysplasia (abnormalities) in two or three types of early cells, at least one type of cell has low numbers, blasts in the bone but not in the blood
• Single Lineage Dysplasia: Early dysplasia in one type of cell, low numbers of two to three types of cells, minimal or no blasts in the blood
• MDS With Ring Sideroblasts: At least 15 percent of the blood cells are ring sideroblasts ( iron deposits around the nucleus).
• MDS With Excess Blasts: More blasts than normal and a possibility of severe dysplasia in bone marrow
• MDS With Isolated Del: Bone marrow chromosomes missing chromosome number 5, two types of cells have low numbers, dysplasia in one type of cell
• Unclassifiable MDS: Uncommon, with characteristics that don't fit other MDS types

What Causes Myelodysplastic Syndromes?

Doctors don't always understand what causes a person to develop Myelodysplastic Syndromes. When an MDS is of unknown origin, they classify it as primary. They classify an MDA as secondary when they understand what caused it. Even though doctors can't always diagnose a cause, research has determined that certain factors increase the risk of developing MDS.

These include:

• Familial genetic mutations
• Smoking
• Environmental factors (chemical contaminants, etc.)
• Chemotherapy treatment for a prior cancer
• Unknown

Environmental factors at Camp Lejeune included trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (tetrachloroethylene/PCE), and VOC-contaminated air, sediment, soil, surface water, groundwater, and drinking water. Researchers have found a connection between TCE exposure and latent diseases such as MDS.

Diagnosing MDS

Doctors diagnose MDS when a test confirms that something has disrupted your bone marrow's blood-cell production. As the National Cancer Institute's Myelodysplastic Treatment Page explains, patients usually experience no early symptoms. Doctors often find MDS when they notice physical changes in your blood during a routine blood screening.

As an MDS progresses, you may experience a variety of symptoms, including:

• Tiredness
• Shortness of breath
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Pale skin
• Infections
• Easy Bruising or bleeding
• Petechiae (noticeable blood spots under the skin)

To confirm your diagnosis, doctors conduct a physical examination and obtain your complete health history.

They also conduct one or more tests.

• Complete blood count (CBC): Count the number of platelets and red and white blood cells
• Peripheral Blood Smear: Examine a drop of your blood on a slide
• Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy: Remove and test bone, bone marrow, and blood samples from your upper hip
• Cytogenetic Analysis: Count chromosomes and assess any damage
• Blood Chemistry Studies: Measure substances (folate, b-12, etc) in a blood sample

MDS Treatments

Doctors treat your MDS based on your cancer's specific characteristics.

The broad treatment categories include supportive care, drug therapy, and chemotherapy with stem cell transplant.

• Supportive Care: This includes transfusion therapy, stimulating agents to increase blood cells, and antibiotic therapy to fight infections.
• Drug Therapy: Drugs target your specific type of cancer: immunosuppressive therapy, chemotherapy, and others.
• Chemotherapy with stem cell transplant: Chemotherapy kills your cancer cells. The stem cell transplant process involves removing, freezing, thawing, and replacing your own stem cells after chemotherapy

Pharmaceutical companies continually work on developing drugs for MDS treatment. You have access to these therapies by participating in myelodysplastic syndromes clinical drug trials.

Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that develops in a plasma cell or a type of white blood cell. As a result, these cancerous cells accumulate and crowd out healthy blood cells, producing abnormal proteins that can cause issues and complications.

Although the symptoms of multiple myeloma vary as the disease progresses, some of the more common signs of the disease include:

• Bone pain
• Nausea
• Mental fogginess
• Weight loss without trying
• Confusion
• Extensive fatigue
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Frequent infections
• Weakness or numbness in the legs
• Excessive thirst

Sadly, higher rates of multiple myeloma and other cancers have been linked to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune, meaning that residents and others living or working at the base from 1953 through 1987 have significantly higher rates of this cancer compared to the rest of the population.

Consequently, if you believe your multiple myeloma developed because of your exposure to this contaminated water, reach out to an experienced Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyer as soon as possible. These legal representatives can help you determine whether you have a valid claim, figure out the legal options you should pursue.

What Contaminants in the Water Raised the Risk of Developing Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?

The dangerous substances found in the waters of Camp Lejeune between 1953 to 1987 included various materials potentially harmful to humans. Those living on the base were not coming into contact with contaminated water in one particular instance or situation, but rather it was a continuous risk of exposure over 30 plus years when the contaminants were entering the water system.

Testing of the water and analysis of the sources of the water contamination revealed that the substances entering the water included TCE, also known as Trichloroethylene. Additionally, PCE compounds discovered in the water increased the risks of developing certain illnesses and medical conditions.

However, TCE, in particular, is relevant to victims that developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma after their time at Camp Lejeune. This chemical compound is a cancer-causing substance linked to developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma, kidney cancer, and possibly liver cancer.

Individuals that sustain prolonged or repeated exposure to this chemical are at an increased risk of developing one of these types of cancer. Each time exposure occurs a victim's risk increases. For example, victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination could have suffered exposure multiple times when TCE was in the water on the base.

Victims of TCE exposure may inhale or absorb the substance through the skin. However, the victims of Camp Lejeune could have also ingested the substance through the water, which may exacerbate and increase the risk of disease as well.

The Development of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma After Your Time at Camp Lejeune

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that can develop after environmental exposures, certain infections, viruses, or due to unknown reasons. While exposure to TCE does not automatically mean you will develop cancer, if you develop cancer after your exposure to these compounds, it is likely the exposure played a part in the development of the illness. For example, if you developed non-Hodgkin Lymphoma after your time serving, living, or working at Camp Lejeune, you might be eligible for compensation.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma primarily affects your lymphatic system, and the treatment is often extensive and traumatic. Remission from non-Hodgkin lymphoma is possible with today's medical advances. Unfortunately, the treatment for this condition is often costly, requires prolonged monitoring even after completion of therapy, and can involve various approaches and combinations of therapies to get the best possible outcome and prognosis.

Treatments that water contamination victims with this type of cancer may undergo include:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation
• Bone marrow transplant
• Drug therapy
• Immunotherapy

How Can the Categorization of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma as a Presumptive Condition Affect Your Case?

The inclusion of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma on the VA's list of presumptive conditions relating to the Camp Lejeune water contamination is likely to work favorably in your case. A presumption indicates that the government acknowledges the contaminants of the water present during the period of contamination are likely to have caused these specific conditions.

Proving the causal link between your illness and the exposure is likely to be easier in cases where a victim's ailment falls into one of the presumptive condition categories. You will still need to prove you were at Camp Lejeune when the contamination occurred, that you spent at least 30 days there and that you developed and received treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at some point after.

What is the Likelihood That Camp Lejeune Parkinson's Disease Came From Water Contamination?

For many, receiving a Parkinson's disease diagnosis can be a traumatic moment that brings fear, anger, confusion, and uncertainty. In general, the cause of Parkinson's disease is unknown. However, studies have shown that exposure to certain substances and environmental factors could cause a person to develop the disease after the toxic exposure. Camp Lejeune and Parkinson's disease have a strong link.

At the Marine Corps base Camp Lejeune, scientific and medical evidence revealed that the contaminated drinking water there exposed individuals to higher risks of Parkinson's disease. In turn, residents of Camp Lejeune faced an exponentially high risk of developing Parkinson's disease.

Of all the environmental toxins and toxic substances found in the Camp Lejeune military base water system, one, in particular, creates a significantly increased risk of Parkinson's disease. Scientific testing revealed TCE, also known as trichloroethylene, in high concentrations throughout the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune, specifically in the water processed at the Hadnot Point water treatment plant.

Neurobehavioral Effects of Camp Lejeune Water Exposure: The Scientific Link Between Camp Lejeune and Parkinson's Disease

The single most conclusive scientific research illustrating a link between Camp Lejeune's water and Parkinson's disease is the "Goldman study." The full name of this study is Solvent exposures and Parkinson's disease risk in twins, Annals of Neurology 2012;71(6):776-784. The Goldman study found that occupational exposure to TCE and PCE greatly increased the risk of Parkinson's disease compared with the general population. In fact, those exposed to TCE were six times more likely to develop Parkinson's disease compared to the general population. Those exposed to PCE were ten times as likely to develop Parkinson's disease.

Another scientific research study entitled, Trichloroethylene, a ubiquitous environmental contaminant in the risk for Parkinson's disease, showed that TCE causes degeneration of brain neurons which slowly results in the onset of Parkinson's disease.

In 2009, the National Research Council (NRC) published a study titled Contaminated Water Supplies at Camp Lejeune: Assessing Potential Health Effects. These epidemiological studies showed potential health outcomes and related TCE and PCE exposure to Parkinson's disease diagnoses. The harmful chemicals found in Camp Lejeune water are linked to a wide variety of medical issues and a host of cancers, according to this study.

Finally, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has performed a number of similar research studies, again linking these primary contaminants in the water supply at Camp LeJeune to a later diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.

Camp Lejeune residents were routinely exposed to harmful chemicals and known carcinogens, such as TCE and PCE. Thus, we believe there is a very strong causal link relating Camp Lejeune Parkinson's disease diagnoses to the toxic water based on independent scientific evidence.

What Can Victims Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease Expect?

Although medical advances in treatment options and therapies have greatly improved the potential quality of life and life expectancy for individuals that develop Parkinson's disease, the illness is still a life-altering diagnosis. There is no cure for Parkinson's disease, and how the disease will progress in an individual is often unpredictable.

The progressive condition's symptoms will worsen with time, and the impacts on a person's life will grow more severe. A Parkinson's disease diagnosis can affect your relationships, your ability to work, and your future plans.

Who Is Most at Risk of Developing Parkinson's Disease from the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?

Those most likely to become ill from the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune include both civilians and members of the military and their families who spent extensive time at the base. It did not matter whether you were living on base or working there; if you were exposed to the water at Camp Lejeune in your day-to-day activities, you were at risk of becoming ill from the toxic materials in that water.

The more time an individual was at the base during the period of contamination, the higher the chance they could develop a threat to their health.

One of the statute's requirements allowing for recovery of damages is that a person must show they were at the base for a minimum of 30 days. This does not mean you must show you were at the base for 30 days straight but rather that, in totality, you had at least 30 days of cumulative time at the Camp Lejeune military base.

The reality is that many of the victims spent significantly more than 30 days on the military installment. Families and service members stationed at the camp could likely be there for months or years. At the same time, civilians working at the base could spend much of their careers at the base, depending on their role or position.

The Link Between the Contaminated Water and Camp Lejeune Prostate Cancer

Researchers studying the water at Camp Lejeune and its effects have discovered that men exposed to this water have an increased risk of prostate cancer, and numerous other diseases and cancers can affect all people.

In fact, according to studies done by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), those who have been exposed to these toxins for an extended time have a higher rate of prostate cancer, brain cancer, kidney cancer, lung cancer, and other types of diseases. However, the ATSDR report is not the only one to study this connection.

In addition, the following reports also show that there is an increased risk between exposure to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune and prostate cancer:

• The Report on Carcinogens details the effects of trichloroethylene, explicitly indicating that occupational exposure to this chemical is associated with “excess incidents” of prostate cancer.
• An EPA report entitled Toxicology Review of Trichloroethylene also examined the relationship between trichloroethylene and prostate cancer and shares similar findings as the other reports.

These health studies have linked the toxins in Camp Lejeune's water to potential prostate cancer developments. Further legal action will help strengthen these connections, allowing numerous individuals to pursue the financial damages they deserve.

Prostate Cancer Basics

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the prostate, which is a small gland in males that produces seminal fluid and nourishes and transports sperm. Yet, while prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, and the survival rate is high, it can still lead to lifelong effects and debilitating symptoms.

Some of the more common signs and symptoms of prostate cancer include:

• Urination problems
• A decreased force of urine
• Blood in the semen or urine
• Pain in the bones
• Unintentional weight loss

Additionally, several other complications can be associated with prostate cancer, primarily if treatment is not taken soon after warning signs develop.

These complications include:

• A loss of bladder control
• The spread of cancer to the other parts of the body
• Erectile dysfunction

Possible Treatment Plans for Prostate Cancer

While low-grade prostate cancer may not require immediate treatment other than active surveillance, if a patient needs treatment, these procedures can include:

• Radiation therapy
• Surgery to remove the prostate
• Hormone therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted drug therapy
• Other types of treatments, depending on the circumstances

However, no matter what treatment is needed, the procedure will likely result in extensive medical bills that can forever impact you and your family financially and cause numerous hardships. As a result, if you are going through this challenging ordeal and believe you have a case, reach out to an experienced Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyer today. These attorneys can help you figure out the legal steps you should take next and help you recover the financial damages you deserve.

Damages Inflicted by Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

Damages are the losses that a plaintiff suffers as a result of a liable party's negligence. Knowing what damages you have suffered and calculating their value is an integral part of filing a Camp Lejeune water lawsuit. In the case of those harmed by Camp Lejeune water contamination, the damages inflicted by exposure to chemicals such as PCE and TCE can not only be severe but long-term as well.

Types of Damages Available Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act

Economic damages are usually the most apparent and consist of financial losses caused by personal injuries, such as cancer or disorders that develop due to water contamination. These damages are measurable in dollar terms thanks to bills, invoices, wage calculations, etc., and are often the first losses that come to mind.

Compensation can involve not only past and immediate expenses incurred because of water contamination injuries but future costs too.

Non-economic damages can also be claimed in personal injury lawsuits. These damages are not tangible but still are significant in terms of their negative effects on a plaintiff's quality of life.

Experienced personal injury lawyers can help you calculate your damages and pursue compensation.

The following are some potential damages that could be claimed in a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit.

• Medical bills
• Lab Tests
• Ambulance Rides
• Surgeries
• Hospital Stays
• Medication
• Home Healthcare Services
• Physical or Occupational Therapy
• Lost Wages
• Lost Earning Potential
• Costs of Job Retraining
• Missed Promotions
• Inability to Continue Career
• Pain and Suffering
• Loss of Consortium
• Punitive Damages
• Physical Disfigurement/Scarring
• Permanent Disability

How Do I Get Copies of My Military Records?

You can retrieve medical and military records from the National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records. The organization also stores deceased and discharged veterans' health, personal, and medical records.

If you are a veteran or your loved one was a veteran, and you believe you might have a right to file a lawsuit, you will need these records.

You must provide enough information for the organization to locate your records, including:

• Your complete name as it appeared on your service records.
• Your social security number. Veterans who used a service number instead of a social security number should provide their service number.
• The branch of service you served in. If you served in more than one branch, include the dates of service for the branches you served in instead of a range of dates encompassing all of your service.
• Birthdate and birthplace.

— Matt Dolman, Camp Lejeune Attorney

If you believe your records burned in the 1973 Records Center fire, also include:

• Your place of discharge.
• Last unit of assignment.
• Place you entered the service.

Send your request to the National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records, 9700 Page Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63132-5100.

Better yet, get a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyer to do all of this for you.

Camp Legeune Water Contamination FAQs

Why You Can Afford to Work With LLN

At Lawsuit Legal News. our mission is to help those who have been injured by the harmful acts of others. Often, these victims do not have the financial resources to pay their monthly expenses, let alone legal fees. This is why we never charge for our legal consultations and case reviews, and we don't get paid until you receive compensation for your losses.

Since you have no upfront costs, you have nothing to lose by contacting us. Reach out today!

Don’t Miss Your Opportunity, Contact Our Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Attorneys Today

If you or someone you love served at Camp Lejeune or worked near the base between 1953 and 1987, you may be entitled to compensation from the United States government. Our affiliated law firm is nationally recognized for its aggressive and successful litigation against large corporations, companies, and manufacturers, advocating for injured consumers and citizens.

You can rely on our mass tort lawyers to stand up against the federal government without backing down. We possess the financial resources necessary to handle cases of any size, ensuring that justice is served.

However, it is crucial to act swiftly because there is a short window of opportunity for filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit. Follow the pending multidistrict litigation on our Camp Lejeune lawsuit update page to ensure you don't miss out on any potential compensation. We encourage you to take advantage of a free consultation with our legal team to explore your legal options as soon as possible. 

If your claim is approved, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses related to your exposure, reimbursement for out-of-pocket medical costs, disability benefits, or survivor benefits if you have lost a loved one due to their exposure. 

Our law firm operates on a contingency basis, which means that you only pay us if we are successful in collecting compensation on your behalf. This ensures that justice is accessible to all military members and families affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination.

Let Us Help You Receive the Compensation You Deserve

Suffering the effects of Camp Lejeune water contamination is a serious issue that has impacted the lives of more than a million individuals and families. If you believe you qualify for a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit to seek compensation for the harm you have suffered, it is essential to consult with an experienced mass tort lawyer as soon as possible. 

The legal team behind Lawsuit Legal News is committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive the benefits and compensation you deserve. Don't hesitate to take the first step towards justice by contacting our Camp Lejeune lawsuit attorneys today. Time is of the essence in mass tort litigation cases, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

Our dedicated Camp Lejeune lawyers can help you through this difficult time. We are prepared to challenge the US government and win. Call us today at 866-535-9515 or reach out online for your free evaluation!