Houston Attorney Advocates for Camp Lejeune Victims

November 22, 2023 by

The heartbreak of the Camp Lejeune water contamination situation unfolded between 1953 and 1987 when the water supply at the United States Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina was contaminated by toxic wastewater.

Houston Attorney Advocates for Camp Lejeune Victims

The Tragedy of Camp Lejeune

Unfortunately for many years, servicemen, their families, and Camp Lejeune workers were unknowingly using contaminated water for drinking and bathing at Camp Lejeune. An eventual investigation into the situation determined that over a million individuals residing or employed at Camp Lejeune were exposed to water contamination between the years 1953 to 1987, which led to chronic illnesses, lifetime health issues, and death.

Camp Lejeune Cases Handled by Houston Attorney

William Herren is a well-known lawyer from Houston, Texas, who has made a strong name for himself in his practice areas of veterans disability, social security disability, and long-term disability. For over 35 years, Bill and his law firm, Herren Law, have worked hard to help his clients by giving good representation and standing up for justice for the people who need his help. He’s known for being knowledgeable, seasoned, and trustworthy.

With the passing of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act,  Attorney Herren has been focused on offering his services to potential Camp Lejeune claimants. Anyone who has lived or worked at Camp Lejeune may be wondering if the illnesses or deaths in their family may be related to exposure to the contaminated water. If there is a possibility of that, he recommends you contact his office to explore whether you should file a claim as the deadline is fast approaching.

How to Make a Camp Lejeune Claim

Herren Law has helped over 4,000 people in the Houston area with their veteran disability claims and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, so getting involved with the Camp Lejeune situation was a logical step.  Though an attorney is not required to make a claim, it is recommended, as the complexity of properly filing may be daunting.

Deadline File by July 2024: There is a deadline of two years from when the act was passed on August 10, 2022, so do not hesitate to find out as soon as possible if you or a family member may have a claim.

When you make an appointment with Herren Law, we’ll discuss your case with you. This includes when and where you were stationed, (as well as your family) along with your current medical condition that brings you to this point. We will ask about:

  • Your tenure at Camp Lejeune
  • Medical conditions that developed later, and their impact on your life
  • Provide an assessment of your case and the possibility of recovering compensation.
  • Collect and collate all required evidence to support your claims.
  • Ensure that your claim is prepared and filed correctly and on time.

Contact Herren Law for Your Camp Lejeune Concerns

Bill Herren and his dedicated staff at the Herren law firm have helped veterans and other disabled people with their benefit claims and appeals. We have extensive experience dealing with Veterans Affairs and other governmental agencies and the claims that are filed with them.

If you or someone you know became ill or died after being stationed at Camp Lejeune, get in touch with us immediately. Contact us by calling (713) 682-8194 or using our online contact form. Our consultation is free, and we work on a contingency basis.

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

Make A Camp Lejeune Claim Soon!

September 29, 2023 by

It’s been a year since the signing of the Honoring Our Pact Act of 2022, in August of last year. The Act included The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 which acknowledged the water contamination that sickened many people during their time on the Camp Lejeune base. This legislation also provided funding to compensate those who suffered illnesses from being exposed to the contaminants in the water. Both military veterans, their dependents who were also at Camp Lejeune, and civilian workers are eligible.

camp le jeune claims

What Happened at Camp Lejeune in 1953

In 1982, the US Marine Corps discovered the presence of toxic chemicals in three of the water treatment plants that provided drinking water to the base. Those plants provided drinking water to several base housing units for Marines and their families as well as barracks for unmarried service members.

The contamination was believed to have started about 1953 from a chemical dumpage by a dry cleaner near the base and improperly disposed of chemicals. Later, other volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) used for construction and industrial purposes leaked into the water plants, adding to the toxic load.

These chemicals in such high amounts led to millions of people being exposed and potentially made ill with various diseases such as cancers, miscarriages, and other serious illnesses. No one understood why there was such a high rate of serious illnesses among service members and their families until the discovery of the contamination.

Deadline is Coming – One Year Left To File

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act allowed just two years for both veterans and civilians to file a claim for their illness. This two-year period began the day the Acts were signed, August 10, 2022. A year has passed, and the last day to file is August 10, 2024.

If you or a family member believes they are eligible, you must act quickly to avoid missing the window of opportunity to file a claim. Once the deadline passes next year, there may not be any way to file a claim and potentially receive compensation.

This compensation will cover medical expenses for illnesses that resulted from exposure to the toxic chemicals for both the military and civilians who spent time at Camp Lejeune. This includes children who were exposed during pregnancy or after birth, as well as children who moved there with their parents.

Surviving spouses and children can also file a wrongful death claim on behalf of a deceased family member. This can include spouses of military members and children of either military members or civilian parents who died from illnesses related to water contaminants.

Not sure how to file your claim? Let us help. Herren Law understands the seriousness of the Camp Lejeune situation and stands ready to guide you throughout the process.

Camp Lejeune Claim? Contact The Herren Law Firm Today

For more than 30 years, the Herren law firm has helped veterans and other disabled people with their benefit 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 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: , ,

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: , ,

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: , ,
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