Has Anyone Received a Settlement in a Camp Lejeune Case?

April 29, 2023 by

Since the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was passed into law last August 2022, the influx of lawsuits for compensation shows no sign of slowing. If you’ve already filed yours, or you’re considering one, you may wonder if anyone has received any settlement in a Camp Lejeune case yet.

Settlement in Camp Lejeune case

To date, there have been no settlements for Camp Lejeune water contamination cases. This is not good news for someone who has been waiting a long time to finally get some kind of compensation. Some estimates put the total collective payout of settlements at $6.7 billion. Individual settlement estimates are currently just that—estimates. The Navy’s Judge Advocate General (JAG) has not yet established a system for settlement distribution, even though the deadline for filing a claim is just 18 months away.

What About Consolidation?

To date, claims are individually filed. Currently, there are more than 15,000 claims already filed, with more cases expected.  It is estimated that thousands more of these claims will be filed before the end of the filing period in early August 2024.

It will be very difficult for the government to litigate every one of these cases. One possibility that is being discussed is the consolidation of all the claims. The federal government and plaintiffs’ lawyers have recently and jointly requested that the court consolidate these Camp Lejeune lawsuits in some measure for both discovery and for the eventual settlement distribution.

The court has not yet responded, but it is widely expected that the court will agree with consolidation. While this will not become a class action lawsuit, it will be similar since the US government will settle the claims more or less at once.

Settlement Amounts

There isn’t a formula to determine what you might receive in a settlement. Some experts are making suggestive estimates based on the type of illness someone might have, but they are just educated guesses.

If you are filing a claim for Camp Lejeune water contamination, you will need to show proof of all the damages you suffered, including:

• Medical expenses

• Lost income/wages

• Lost future wages and earning capacity

• Scarring and disfigurement

• Disability

Because this isn’t a normal type of personal injury case, a settlement may not include pain and suffering like it would be for an auto accident, slip and fall, or other type of personal injury cases.

Camp Lejeune Claim? Contact The Herren Law Firm Today

If you served at or worked at Camp Lejeune and are now suffering a chronic illness, you may have a claim under this act. For more than 30 years, the Herren Law firm has helped veterans and other disabled people with their benefits claims and appeals.  Given the short window to file, we have turned our expertise and resources to Camp Lejeune cases. We have extensive experience dealing with governmental agencies and the claims that are filed with them.

If you or someone you know became ill after being stationed at Camp Lejeune, get in touch with us immediately. You may have a claim. There is a strict deadline of two years to file a claim so do not wait.

We’ve helped over 4,000 people, and we can help you as well. Contact us today by calling (713) 682-8194 or using our online contact form. Our consultation is free, and  it is best to discuss it with us to find out if you may have a claim.

Filed Under: Camp Lejeune Justice Act, Veterans Disability Tagged With: , ,

Should I File a Camp Lejeune Claim?

March 20, 2023 by

You may be wondering if you should file a Camp Lejeune claim. Perhaps you have suffered from an illness that may be traced back to your exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. If you were stationed at the Camp Lejeune military facility in North Carolina between 1953-1987 and became ill after a minimum of 30 days of exposure, you may have a claim. Additionally you may want file a claim if you lived at or worked for Camp Lejeune, because this act allows family members and civilian workers to also bring a claims for compensation.

Like other types of personal injury claim, you’ll need to provide proof that you have suffered losses related to this accidental exposure. For best guidance on filing a claim under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, contact a qualified and experienced disability Lawyer, like Houston’s own William Herren.

camp lejeune claims by a military veteran

For Former Military

Marines and other service members stationed at Camp Lejeune can get medical care and disability through the Veterans Administration for related illnesses. They can qualify even if they don’t live in North Carolina anymore, no matter when they were diagnosed. Veterans must produce medical records that they developed a health condition (including cancers) after their time at the base, and that the health condition is linked to chemical exposure. Only veterans who were dishonorably discharged are ineligible.

Unfortunately, the VA mishandled about 1 in 3 of veterans’ claims for Camp Lejeune, with many underpaid because of an incorrect effective date. More than 17,000 veterans saw their claims denied because VA staff failed to send a letter asking for additional documentation. These mistakes resulted from staff not understanding how to process the claims.

Because the VA is notorious for denying veterans’ claims, The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 paves the way for veterans to get the care they need for their conditions as well as compensation. Your settlement  will be offset by other benefits and payments, such as VA Disability, Medicare, Medicaid, or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI.) But you can file even if you’ve received healthcare from the VA for these illnesses.

Survivors of a Marine or other military member may also be able to file a claim or a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of their loved one. The same requirements apply, including proving 30 days or longer on base and proof of medical conditions related to the contamination.

For Civilians

Military veterans are not the only ones who may have been made ill from the contaminated water. Military spouses, children, and civilian workers were also exposed to the toxic water by using and drinking it regularly. But civilians aren’t eligible to receive assistance from the VA, until now.

Claims are filed with the Office of the Judge Advocate General (JAG) of the Navy’s Tort Claims Unit (TCU), with two years to file. If your claim is denied, and no settlement is reached, the next step is to file a lawsuit U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

Just like veterans, a civilian filing a claim must show residency for 30 days during the affected period and a medical diagnosis connected to the toxic water. The list of health conditions attributed to water contamination is long. Birth defects, stillbirths, miscarriages, and neurobehavioral effects are included. Hundreds of babies are believed to have died in utero or at birth because of the contaminated water their mothers were exposed to while at the base.

A Camp Lejeune lawsuit is a personal injury lawsuit against the government to recover losses for pain and suffering, medical costs, and lost wages due to negligence. Survivors can also file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the deceased by their estate. Just like military members, any financial settlement will be offset by any benefit payments already received.

Must File Within Two Years of Passage of Act in 2022

We’re not going to tell you that you should file a claim or not. But we do suggest you at least have a consultation with a disability attorney specializing in Camp LeJeune cases and consider the possibility while the opportunity is available to recover compensation for medical bills and other losses related to your illness. The window of time for filing a claim is short, closing in August of 2024, so you need to start the process immediately.

If you’re still undecided, don’t wait. Speak with a Camp Lejeune water contamination attorney immediately and learn about the options you have and if you have a case. Use the free consultation with your attorney to decide whether it’s something you should pursue. Once you understand what’s involved, you’ll be able to decide if you should file a claim.

Camp Lejeune Claim? Contact The Herren Law Firm Today

If you served at or worked at Camp Lejeune and are now suffering a chronic illness, you may have a claim under this act. For more than 30 years, the Herren Law firm has helped veterans and other disabled people with their benefits claims and appeals. We have extensive experience dealing with governmental agencies and the claims that are filed with them. With the passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act in August 2022, Mr. Herren has added focus in his practice on this section of the population, especially since the window to file a claim is only 2 years from August 2022.

If you or someone you know became ill after being stationed at Camp Lejeune, get in touch with us immediately. Given the deadline to file a claim, do not wait to find out if you may have a claim. Please make a call or schedule a consultation with Herren Law!

We’ve helped over 4,000 people, and we can help you as well. Contact us today by calling (713) 682-8194 or using our online contact form our consultation is free, and you won’t owe us a fee until we win your case.

Filed Under: Camp Lejeune Justice Act, Veterans Disability Tagged With: , ,

What is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?

March 10, 2023 by

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is a piece of legislation signed in 2022 allows both veterans and their families to recover compensation for illnesses caused by toxic contaminated water at Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune near Jacksonville, North Carolina. Between 1953 and 1987, over one million military members, their families, and civilian workers were exposed to high levels of toxins in the base’s water supply, leading to serious illnesses. The Marine Corps discovered the contamination in 1982.

Until recently, veterans and civilians had little recourse for these illnesses. But last year, The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 changed that. Sponsored by Representative Matt Cartwright (D-PA-8), the bill allows individuals to bring suit and prohibits the U.S. government from asserting specified immunity from litigation in response to such a lawsuit.

camp le jeune lawyer

The PACT Act

The VFW-championed Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022 was signed into law in August. Section 804 of the PACT Act, known as the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, authorizes veterans and military families who were exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune to file a federal tort claim for harm caused by such exposure. Veterans applying for VA benefits frequently saw their claims denied for toxic exposure cases. The PACT Act  is the law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances

The full name is The Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. The intent is to increase the availability of healthcare to veterans that suffered illnesses and injuries from burn pits used for waste disposal in recent years. The PACT ended a requirement that veterans prove that their illnesses were caused by the burn pits in order to receive healthcare and other benefits. The VA denied 78% of claims submitted by veterans from 2007 through 2020 that were exposed to burn pits. Veterans who were previously denied disability for burn pit claims can receive retroactive back pay.

Specifically Section 804 of the PACT Act-the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022’s intent is to specifically allow injured parties to file a claim for compensation. Prior to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, only veterans could get VA disability for illnesses suffered from contaminated water. Civilians were prohibited from filing a claim, or receiving any restitution, and could not receive any assistance from the VA. They were further prohibited by North Carolina’s ten-year statute of repose, which disallowed any suits after ten years. This made it difficult for victims whose illnesses weren’t linked to the water contamination until much later.

What The Camp Lejeune Act Means For Everyone

For anyone—military or civilian—who spent 30 days or more at Camp Lejeune and became ill later with a presumptive condition can now file a claim for compensation, which can include:

• Financial compensation for prior medical care related to the illness

• Continuing healthcare for those illnesses from the government

• Health and disability benefits for those rendered unable to work by illness from the contamination

Survivors may also file a wrongful death claim on behalf of a deceased loved one.

While there is a list of presumptive illnesses, even those whose illnesses aren’t considered presumptive may still have a claim.

“Presumptive” only means that there is a definite link to the contamination exposure. The U.S. government will be prohibited from asserting specified immunity, meaning that someone who can demonstrate exposure and illness can file a claim for themselves.

There is a two-year time frame for filing claims and lawsuits, which must be filed by August 10, 2024. Claims take time to build, so it’s imperative to start immediately. If you’re considering filing a claim, contact a Camp Lejeune water contamination attorney today to begin the process.

Camp Lejeune Claim? Contact The Herren Law Firm Today

If you served at (military personnel) or worked (non military worker) at Camp Lejeune and are now suffering a chronic illness, you may have a claim under this act. If you are a family member of military personnel who was also exposed at Camp Lejeune, you may have a claim under this Act. For more than 30 years, the Herren Law firm has helped veterans and other disabled people with their benefits claims and appeals. Bill Herren has indicated that he can bring suit if warranted for illnesses not on the presumptive illness list. While there is a list of presumptive illnesses, even illnesses that aren’t considered presumptive may still have a claim.

If you or someone you know became ill after being stationed at Camp Lejeune, get in touch with us immediately. There is a deadline of two years to file a claim so do not wait to find out if you may have a claim. We have extensive experience dealing with governmental agencies and the claims that are filed with them.

We’ve helped over 4,000 people, and we can help you as well with your Camp Lejeune lawsuit. Contact us today by calling (713) 682-8194 or using our online contact form our consultation is free, and let us talk about your case.

Filed Under: Camp Lejeune Justice Act, Veterans Disability Tagged With: , ,

How To Find A Camp Lejeune Claim Lawyer

February 24, 2023 by

For those who know they were made ill by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, they can now seek compensation. Their next step is to find an attorney to help them through the process.

camp le jeune lawyer

There’s no shortage of attorneys ready and willing to take on your Camp Lejeune water contamination claim. Hundreds of ads on TV, radio, and online can be overwhelming and leave you wondering which one to choose. You only have a short time frame for filing your claim. So how do you find a Camp Lajeune claim lawyer for your case?

Take Advantage Of A Free Consultation

You only have one chance at a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim, so it’s important to find the right attorney who can help. You need to feel comfortable with the person you’re working with for something too personal.

Most Camp Lejeune claim lawyers are offering free consultations before hiring. Think of these as two-way interviews. You’re interviewing the attorney to see if he or she is right for you, and they are interviewing you to see if they have a case and if it’s something they can take on.

You don’t have to work with the first attorney you speak with. In fact, you can speak with more than one attorney before deciding on which one to work with for your claim.

Ask Questions

Before signing up with a law firm, there are several things you need to know:

• How familiar they are with the water contamination problem and these kinds of cases

• Their experience with handling federal cases

• Litigation experience

• Their fees for legal services

• What resources do they have to support your case, such as expert witnesses

• Estimates on what types of compensation you might be able to collect

• What you can reasonably expect for your case

• An idea of what kind of timeline you can expect

Before deciding on what attorney to hire, seek out online client reviews, such as Google, to learn how prior clients feel about the attorney and their service.

Remember that this type of claim is not a VA disability claim. It’s a claim against the US Government that may eventually become a lawsuit. The attorney you choose must be prepared to go to trial if necessary.

Additionally, most lawyers do not ask for their legal fees out of pocket. Rather, they use what’s called a “contingency fee” arrangement, which means their fees come from the money they win for their clients. When they discuss your case with you, they know whether they can win your case beforehand.

Contact The Herren Law Firm Today For Help With Your Claim

For more than 30 years, the Herren law firm has helped veterans and other disabled people with their benefits claims and appeals. We have extensive experience dealing with governmental agencies and the claims that are filed with them.

If you or someone you know became ill after being stationed at Camp Lejeune, get in touch with us immediately.

We’ve helped over 4,000 people, and we can help you as well. Contact us today by calling (713) 682-8194 or using our online contact form our consultation is free, and you won’t owe us a fee until we win your case.

Filed Under: Camp Lejeune Justice Act, Veterans Disability Tagged With: , ,

Making A Camp Lejeune Claim

February 21, 2023 by

If you’ve decided to file a claim after being exposed to the contaminated water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, what time is now to begin gathering evidence and information and starting your claim? There was a two-year time limit to begin you’re filing your claim, backspace. If you miss that time frame, you will lose the opportunity to collect compensation.

camp le jeune claim case with attorney

Anyone who began having health problems that weren’t part of their family’s medical history following a tour of duty, living or working at Camp Lejeune from 1953 through 1987 may have been exposed to the toxic waters. In 2022, Congress set aside funds for Camp Lejeune victims, but you must file a claim to receive compensation for medical expenses and other losses.

Preparation

You’ll need to gather evidence of your time at Camp Lejeune and proof of one of many illnesses that qualify. Families, dependents, and survivors must also show their relationship to a veteran. Workers must show proof of employment, such as tax returns, W-2 forms, etc. This proof is required along with your claim form.

Submit Your Claim

You’ll first file your claim with the Office of the Judge Advocate General (JAG) of the Navy’s Tort Claims Unit (TCU). You’ll need to file a Camp Lejeune Justice Act claims form, which requires personal information, including your background, the basis of your claim, the type and degree of your injuries, and the dollar amount of your claim.

The claim form includes space to list an authorized agent to act on your behalf and their credentials, such as an attorney. It will also list the maximum amount of compensation any claimant can recover. A Camp Lejeune water contamination attorney will ensure that your claim is properly completed and filed timely so you can receive the maximum compensation available.

You will only have two years to file your claim. If you’ve already filed a claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act, you must file a new claim under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. The sooner you begin, the better.

Once submitted, the government has 180 days to respond. They may either deny your claim or discuss negotiations with you (and your attorney.) Should your claim be denied, you then have the option to file a lawsuit.

Do You Need An Attorney?

A Camp Lejeune claim is filed in federal court in the Eastern District of North Carolina. While you aren’t required to have an attorney, we strongly suggest you have one.

• An attorney can assist with claim preparation, such as gathering evidence, retrieving medical records and other documents, and determining the amount of compensation you can receive

• An attorney can handle negotiations if the government offers a settlement that’s lower than you need

• If negotiations are unsuccessful, an attorney can take the case to court and ensure that it is filed before the end of the two-year period.

These are complex claims with a limited time frame. Make sure your claim is done correctly and leaves nothing to chance.

Camp Lejeune Claim? Contact The Herren Law Firm Today

If you served at or worked at Camp Lejeune and are now suffering a chronic illness, you may have a claim under this act. For more than 30 years, the Herren Law firm has helped veterans and other disabled people with their benefits claims and appeals. We have extensive experience dealing with governmental agencies and the claims that are filed with them.

If you or someone you know became ill after being stationed at Camp Lejeune, get in touch with us immediately. There is a deadline of two years to file a claim so do not wait to find out if you may have a claim.

We’ve helped over 4,000 people, and we can help you as well. Contact us today by calling (713) 682-8194 or using our online contact form our consultation is free, and you won’t owe us a fee until we win your case.

Filed Under: Camp Lejeune Justice Act, Veterans Disability Tagged With: , ,

Camp Lejeune Cancer

January 24, 2023 by

The most prominent illness that resulted from the water contamination at Camp Lejeune is cancer. Contaminant carcinogens in the water system caused a myriad of different cancers from 1953 through 1987 before they were discovered in the base’s water supply.

camp lejeune water contamination

These conditions have been positively identified as cancers that resulted from the contamination. Multiple studies have concluded that drinking water contaminants were responsible for cancers and other diseases found in the base population during that period. Conditions on the definitive list all have sufficient evidence that positively proves their connection, making them “presumptive.”

The Known Conditions

The primary chemicals found in the drinking water included the carcinogens trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE) also known as tetrachloroethene, vinyl chloride, and benzene. Whether a person becomes ill with cancer depends on multiple factors, such as length of exposure and frequency.

Of the 15 identified health conditions, these are all the cancers:

1. Esophageal cancer

2. Breast cancer (in both men and women)

3. Kidney cancer

4. Multiple myeloma

5. Renal toxicity

6. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

7. Lung cancer

8. Bladder cancer

9. Leukemia

10. Cervical cancer

11. Myelodysplastic syndromes

The VA recognizes these as “presumptive,” meaning that a veteran is presumed to have developed the condition based on his or her service record. Some are eligible for VA disability benefits while others are only eligible for out-of-pocket medical expense reimbursement.

Other Related Cancers

Rectal cancer and soft tissue cancer are also known to be related to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, along with cancers such as:

• Brain

• Cervical

• Ovarian

• Pancreatic

• Prostate

• Liver

• Bile duct

• Intestinal or colorectal

• Gallbladder

• Sinus

• Thyroid

• Spinal

• Other tumors, cysts, and polyps

These are connected to the contamination but are not yet considered presumptive.

Conditions Not On The List

The list above contains the cancers and other medical conditions that have been positively identified as containing a presumptive condition linked to water contamination. But if you were exposed and have been diagnosed with something different, that doesn’t mean it was unrelated to the chemicals in the water. Other cancers and conditions are “as least likely as not” to have a connection to water contamination.

There are other medical conditions that have not yet been identified as presumptive conditions by the Veterans Administration, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Service, or the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR.) Cancers and conditions not listed will require medical records and proof of residency or work history at Camp Lejeune.
So many people became ill after living and working there during that time that many illnesses have not yet been connected to water contamination. Others could be identified later, so it’s a good idea to file a claim. You may still qualify for compensation, but you won’t know unless you file.

If you were at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, speak with a Camp Lejeune water contamination attorney to assess your rights. You will only have until August 2024 to file your claim or lose your right to compensation.

Contact The Herren Law Firm Today For Help With Your Claim

For more than 30 years, the Herren law firm has helped veterans and other disabled people with their benefits claims and appeals. We have extensive experience dealing with governmental agencies and the claims that are filed with them.

If you or someone you know became ill after being stationed at Camp Lejeune, get in touch with us immediately.

We’ve helped over 4,000 people, and we can help you as well. Contact us today by calling (713) 682-8194 or using our online contact form our consultation is free, and you won’t owe us a fee until we win your case.

Filed Under: Camp Lejeune Justice Act, Veterans Disability Tagged With: , ,

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claim

December 26, 2022 by

By now you know that veterans and others who lived and worked at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC, were potentially exposed to water with high levels of toxic contaminants from 1953 through 1987. These contaminants led to serious illnesses, including multiple types of cancers. You may be eligible too make a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim.

lawsuit claim for camp le jeune

Years of denials by the VA, the US Government, and the state of North Carolina will finally be remedied by the allowance of claims by veterans, their families, and civilian workers following the signing of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, or CLJA. As part of the larger Honoring Our Pact Act of 2022, $6.7 billion of funding is available for veterans who became ill after using and consuming contaminated water while at Camp Lejeune.

Previously, the North Carolina statute NCGS § 1-52(16) caused claims to be dismissed by a rule of repose, which prevented affected parties from filing a lawsuit. However, the new federal laws allow these lawsuits by sidestepping the state statute.

If you’ve decided to file a claim, there are some things you need to know before proceeding.

Marines And Other Military Members

Although Marines are the most frequently stationed at Camp Lejeune, anyone who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune as an active servicemember, reservist, or in the National Guard for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, may have been exposed to the contaminated water supply.

The CLJA states that any service member who wants to file a civilian claim and lawsuit must first file a claim with the Department of Defense in accordance with 28 U.S. Code § 2675. Should your claim with the Department of Defense be denied, you’ll then be eligible to file a federal lawsuit.

As with any disability claim, whether for the Veterans Administration or any other agency, you are required to demonstrate that you were at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period.

Service records are also required to show that you were at Camp Lejeune during this period.

You also need to have your medical records that show that you were diagnosed with an illness that you believe is related. This includes illnesses that are not on the list of currently attributable conditions but may have developed after exposure.

Damages And Compensation

The VA has a fund of $350 million set aside to provide medical care for veterans and their families who were affected and became ill from Camp LeJeune’s contaminated drinking water. These funds are earmarked to cover medical treatment including prescriptions and other necessary healthcare for those affected. Additionally, the VA will be paying $75 million to the families of deceased water victims, and $2 billion in disability benefits.

A successful claim may lead to financial compensation such as:

• Medical expenses
o Current
o Future
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Wrongful death (for survivors of a deceased family member)

However, you will not have the ability to request punitive damages as you would with a personal injury claim or lawsuit. The only compensation available is to cover expenses involved in treating your illness and losses resulting from the contamination-related illnesses.

What About Existing VA Benefits?

If you’re already receiving VA benefits for conditions related to the Camp Lejeune contaminants, you can still file a claim, and your VA benefits will not be affected.

However, if you are receiving any financial benefit payments, such as VA disability, Medicaid, or Medicare, the amount you’re awarded by the court case will likely be reduced by the amount of compensation you’ve already received.

Remember that if you are planning to file a claim, you will only have until August 2024 to file. After that, your claim will be denied and you will not be able to recover any compensation.

Contact The Herren Law Firm Today For Help With Your Claim

For more than 30 years, the Herren law firm has helped veterans and other disabled people with their benefits claims and appeals. We have extensive experience dealing with governmental agencies and the claims that are filed with them.

If you or someone you know became ill after being stationed at Camp Lejeune, get in touch with us immediately. Do not wait to make your Camp Lejeune water contamination claim. There is only a two year window from August 2022 to make your claim.

We’ve helped over 4,000 people, and we can help you as well. Contact us today by calling (713) 682-8194 or using our online contact form our consultation is free, and you won’t owe us a fee until we win your case.

Filed Under: Camp Lejeune Justice Act, Veterans Disability Tagged With: , ,

What Caused the Water Contamination at USMC Camp Lejeune?

November 25, 2022 by

When people comment on a local phenomenon, they sometimes use the old saying, “it must be something in the water.” For thousands of people who became ill after living or working at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina, it really was in the water. Water contamination was eventually discovered.

unaware woman drinking contaminated water

From 1953 through 1987, the water supply at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with high amounts of a host of toxic chemicals in two of the eight water treatment plants. Marines and other service members, their families, and civilian workers who spent time there were unknowingly exposed to these chemicals daily. No one told them that the water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated. Many developed serious illnesses after the exposure, even during pregnancy, long after their time at Camp Lejeune ended.

How It Happened

The first contamination occurred when the off-base company ABC One-Hour Cleaners spilled and improperly disposed of their cleaning chemicals. Ultimately those chemicals ended up in the Tarawa Terrace water treatment system. PCE, or Perchloroethylene, was the primary chemical found in water from Tarawa Terrace.

The dry cleaners began operating in 1953, so it’s presumed that the contamination started at that time. Additional chemicals in smaller amounts were believed to have little impact on the water.

Hadnot Point’s water supply was contaminated with multiple substances and sources, with TCE being the most prominent contaminant. Chemicals seeped in through:

• Drums at storage lots and dumps

• Underground storage tank leaks

• On-base spills from industrial sites that were not properly contained and cleaned

Over time, the chemicals in the spills added up. The contaminated wells were finally closed between November 1984–May 1985, and Tarawa Terrace was closed entirely in 1987.

The Chemicals In The Water

Four main chemicals were identified after the contamination discovery:

• Trichloroethylene (TCE), a solvent used to clean metal parts

• Perchloroethylene (PCE), used in both metal degreasing and dry cleaning

• Benzene, a base chemical used in the manufacture of other chemicals that create plastics, resins, nylon, and synthetic fibers.

• Vinyl Chloride, manufactured to create PVC for a wide variety of plastic products such as piping, packaging materials, cable, and wire coatings

The Marine Corps discovered the contamination in 1982. Several volatile organic compounds (VOC) were detected in three of the eight water treatment plants that provided water to the base, including base housing. The Hadnot Point, Tarawa Terrace, and Holcomb Boulevard facilities were primarily responsible for the family housing units and unmarried troop barracks.

Unfortunately, residents and former residents were not notified of the contamination until 1985, long after many became ill and/or died from their illnesses.

Camp Lejeune Claim? Contact The Herren Law Firm Today

Until recently, only veterans could request help through the VA for their medical conditions. After the signing of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, family members and civilian workers can now file a claim for compensation due to the harm they suffered from the contaminated water.

If you or someone you know became ill after working or being stationed at Camp Lejeune, contact us immediately for help filing your claim.

We’ve helped over 4,000 people, and we can help you as well. Contact us today by calling (713) 682-8194 or using our online contact form our consultation is free, and you won’t owe us a fee until we win your case.

Filed Under: Camp Lejeune Justice Act, Veterans Disability Tagged With: , ,

I Worked At Camp Lejeune – Can I File A Claim?

November 18, 2022 by

Publicity surrounding the Camp Lejeune, North Carolina water contamination issue frequently focuses on military personnel (primarily the Marines) and their families. But military families weren’t the only ones exposed.

worker speaking to a soldier in camp le jeune

The base currently has over 3,000 civilian employees. From 1953 through 1987, thousands of civilian workers were also exposed to the contaminated water daily.

Just like military families, civilian workers on Camp Lejeune developed serious illnesses from that exposure.

The PACT Act

Previously only military veterans were eligible to get benefits through the VA. Family members and civilians were not eligible for any assistance no matter how serious their illness, until now.

The Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) of 2022 expands the availability of benefits to veterans who were previously denied benefits. This legislation includes veterans who suffered illness from burn pits and other toxic exposures.

Tucked into the PACT Act is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 which directly addresses military personnel and their families stationed there during the affected period. The legislation eliminated a North Carolina provision that prevented victims from filing related claims. Family members who were exposed, even in utero, may be allowed to file their own claims, as well as a claim on behalf of a deceased family member.

Civilians Are Now Eligible

The PACT Act gives anyone exposed to the contaminated water supply at Camp Lejeune the chance to file a claim and recover compensation for their injuries. For the first time, civilian workers can also file a claim to recover compensation for their injuries from the toxic exposure.

Civilian workers exposed to the toxic water for 30 days (consecutive or non-consecutive) are eligible to file their own claims.

Former federal employees working at Camp Lejeune can contact the Department of Labor for additional information.

Note that claimants will not be able to recover punitive damages from this claim. Lawsuits are only for injury recovery.

Qualifying For A Claim

You must show that you were working at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days from August 1, 1953, through December 31, 1987. You’ll also need medical evidence that you have been diagnosed with one of the many associated conditions:

• Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
• Bladder cancer
• Breast cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Female infertility
• Hepatic steatosis
• Kidney cancer
• Leukemia
• Liver cancer
• Lung cancer
• Miscarriage
• Multiple myeloma
• Neurobehavioral conditions
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Parkinson’s disease
• Prostate Cancer
• Renal toxicity
• Scleroderma

These are just some of the conditions known to result from the contamination but are not a complete list. Other medical conditions may also be eligible for a claim.

You will need to show proof of the damage caused by the contaminated water, including medical and other records.

Short Time Frame

The law went into effect on August 10, 2022.

Anyone affected by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune has from that date until August 10, 2024, to bring a claim under the CLJA. Once the law expires, you will no longer be able to seek compensation. If you believe you were affected by the water contamination, you should speak with an attorney immediately to begin preparation to file your claim.

Contact The Herren Law Firm Today For Help With Your Claim

For more than 30 years, the Herren law firm has helped veterans and other disabled people with their benefits claims and appeals. We have extensive experience dealing with governmental agencies and the claims that are filed with them.

If you or someone you know became ill after living and/or working on base at Camp Lejeune, contact our office today.

We’ve helped over 4,000 people, and we can help you as well. Contact us today by calling (713) 682-8194 or using our online contact form our consultation is free, and you won’t owe us a fee until we win your case.

Filed Under: Camp Lejeune Justice Act, Veterans Disability Tagged With: , ,

My Condition is Not Listed. Can I Still File a Camp Lejeune Claim?

October 25, 2022 by

It has now been recognized that contaminated water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina caused thousands of people to suffer from serious, even life threatening, chronic conditions for those exposed. With the passing on August 10, 2022, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, our government is helping those who couldn’t get any help before. When President Biden signed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, it allows veterans and their families as well as civilian workers to file for and receive benefits if they lived or worked there during time period of exposure (1953 – 1987)  and file a claim for compensation for their medical and other expenses. It also identified eight presumptive medical conditions that are recognized as connected to water contamination. These conditions are judged to be connected to the contamination and claimants do not have to prove their condition is connected to the contamination.

military personnel with medical condition stationed in camp le jeune seeks treatment

Although the Act only identifies eight presumptive illnesses, there is a range of cancers and other conditions that resulted from the water contamination.

Attorney William Herren wants to make sure potential claimants understand that doesn’t mean those are the only illnesses for which you can file your claim.

Presumptive Conditions

Presumptive conditions again are simply medical conditions recognized as related to service at Camp Lejeune due to exposure to the contamination.  The Camp Lejeune Justice Act listed the following presumptive conditions resulting from contamination exposure:

• Adult leukemia that developed after a qualifying exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune
• Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
• Bladder cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Liver cancer
• Multiple myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Parkinson’s disease

Veterans who were previously denied benefits can now reapply.  Veterans who have a documented diagnosis and other proof of one or more of these illnesses should re-apply for benefits, as the eight conditions are now judged to be due to the contaminated water.  Now it looks hopeful for them to receive benefits because of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.

Currently the VA believes there is insufficient evidence to prove causation for additional conditions that are listed in the Camp Lejeune Act. While veterans can access VA medical care, there is no presumption of a service connection for the list below:

• Breast cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Female infertility
• Miscarriage
• Hepatic steatosis
• Lung cancer
• Neurobehavioral effects (cognitive decline and motor difficulties.
• Renal toxicity
• Scleroderma

All 16 conditions have been traced to the contaminated water, but only the first eight are presumptive conditions. Attorney William Herren though encourages veterans, their family members, and civilian workers who were exposed during the time period to talk with an attorney to see if they may have a claim and not just exclude themselves if their condition is not on this short list.

Family Members

Spouses and children are not normally eligible for VA disability benefits, and the VA is covering out-of-pocket expenses for the above medical conditions.  Family members must provide documentation showing their relationship to the veteran (marriage, birth, or adoption records), proof of residency during the affected time frame, and medical records showing that the condition exists, including the date of diagnosis and treatment records. Additionally, the VA requires proof of payment for these health conditions.

Family members can also file a claim to recover compensation through the Camp Lejeune Act, under the larger PACT Act. Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, spouses and children of service personnel are also eligible to make a claim and Herren Law can help you make that claim by the required deadline of two years after the act was passed on August 10, 2022.

What About My Condition That Isn’t Listed?

These 16 conditions are just some that have been identified from the Camp Lejeune contamination. More medical conditions that have not yet been identified may also be eligible under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. So, you’re not required to have one of these listed illnesses, nor are you limited to just these conditions. Nearly any chronic condition that can be traced back to the water contamination as its source may be eligible to file a claim.

So if you suffer from a medical conditions not listed, and meet the other qualifiers, you may want to explore whether you have a claim and can receive compensation. Like a regular VA disability claim, you’ll need medical evidence of your condition and proof that you were at Camp Lejeune during the designated time frame.

It’s important to note that there is also a two-year statute of limitations on these claims, so you must act quickly to be eligible.

Also if you filed a claim previously and were denied, you’ll need to re-submit your claim now, before the deadline.
Anyone interested in seeking a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim can contact Herren Law immediately to discuss your case and how we can help you.

Contact The Herren Law Firm Today For Help With Your Claim

For more than 30 years, the Herren law firm has helped veterans and other disabled people with their benefits claims and appeals. We have extensive experience dealing with governmental agencies and the claims that are filed with them.

If you or someone you know was stationed at Camp Lejeune during the years of water contamination, get in touch with us immediately. You may be eligible to make a claim and receive compensation.

We’ve helped over 4,000 people, and we can help you as well. Contact us today by calling (713) 682-8194 or using our online contact form our consultation is free.

Filed Under: Camp Lejeune Justice Act, Veterans Disability Tagged With: , ,
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