Justice for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Victims is Coming

U.S. House Representative Matt Cartwright Announces the Camp Lejeune Justice Act will be included in the Honoring Our Pact Act of 2022

Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC is one military base that has seen its share of protests, lawsuits, and controversy. Many people that have been battling against NC and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are one step closer to being compensated for their suffering.

A bill has passed both the House and the Senate and is now awaiting the signature of the President to allow victims to file suits against the federal government to seek VA Disability Benefits and compensation for damages.

The Camp Lejeune Water Contamination controversy has been going on for decades.

Military members, their families, and others were exposed to dangerous water from 1952 until 1987. This training facility saw many visitors during this time. Most veterans did not experience adverse health issues right away but at least 8 diseases have now been presumed to be associated with exposure to the dangerous water.

- - Adult leukemia
  - Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
  - Bladder cancer
  - Kidney cancer
  - Liver cancer
  - Multiple myeloma
  - Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
  - Parkinson’s disease

What VA Benefits Can Victims Seek?

If you or a family member meets the following conditions and has been medically diagnosed with one of the 8 diseases above you might qualify for full or partial VA Disability benefits and possible compensation for other damages. Your can will be expedited with:

Proof you served at Camp Lejeune or MCAS for at least 30 days (consecutive or nonconsecutive).
Proof served at Camp Lejeune or MCAS sometime between August 1, 1952, and December 31, 1987.
No dishonorable discharge.

Water Contamination and Diseases

The Camp Lejeune Water Contamination case should be a wake-up call to everyone that drinks water or is responsible for drinking water quality.

According to the CDC, tap water can get contaminated with germs and chemicals with high enough levels to make you sick.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates drinking water quality in public water systems and sets limits for germs and chemicals in the water.

The EPA requires water utilities to test for and address many germs and chemicals in their drinking water systems. Water utilities are required to tell customers about testing for contaminants.

Some people are more likely to get sick from contaminated water:

Infants and young children
Pregnant women
Seniors
People with weakened immune systems

Toxins can get in drinking water at the water’s source or in the system after it has been treated. Chemicals and germs can get in the water from many sources, including:

Fertilizers, pesticides, or other chemicals
Concentrated feeding operations – farms
Manufacturing operations
Sewer overflows
Stormwater
Rocks and soil that naturally have chemicals and minerals such as arsenic, radon, and uranium
Cracks in pipes or other problems in the system

Private wells are not regulated by EPA.

Owners of private wells are responsible for testing their water. Test it at least once a year, after flooding or if you suspect a problem.

Germs and chemicals can get in wells after flooding, particularly if wells are shallow or were covered by flood water for days.

If your water is contaminated do not drink it and contact your health department and your neighbors.

Your Rights to a Consumer Confidence Reports

Understanding your Drinking Water

Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) provide you with important information about the quality of your drinking water. The EPA requires every community water supplier to provide a CCR to its customers upon request.

Drinking Water Advisories

Drinking water advisories let people know that tap water could be contaminated. Advisories tell people about the situation and what action is necessary. Advisories can include:

Boil Water Advisory
Do Not Drink Advisory
Do Not Use Advisory

How Can a Lawyer Help with the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?

The Camp Lejeune Water Contamination case has been changing with new updates over the past several years. This is a massive and complicated case.

Victims and family members will benefit greatly if they have a professional team on their side. A law firm with the experience and staff needed to help you with your case is recommended.