JUNE 29, 2023 – Established in 1941 in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Camp Lejeune is a popular Marine Corps base among military personnel. With nearly 14 miles of beaches and a strategic situation between two major ports, it ranks well among the best bases for amphibious military training deployments in the US.
But it continues to be haunted by an environmental disaster that occurred between the 1950s and 1980s… famously known as the Camp Lejeune water contamination.
In recent years, revelations about the incident have attracted thousands of claims from vets and their family members seeking compensation for the damages suffered in what’s now known as the Camp Lejeune lawsuit.
Here’s an overview of the Camp Lejeune contamination incident, how it happened, its deleterious health effects on the victims, and where we are on justice for the victims.
History: The Camp Lejeune Contamination
Between the 1950s and the 1980s, drinking water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with various chemicals that made it unsafe for human consumption. These included carcinogens and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as
- Perchloroethylene (PCE)
- Tetrachloroethylene (TCE)
- Benzene
- Xylene
- Carbon tetrachloride
- Methylene chloride
- Ethylbenzene
- and others
These harmful compounds are thought to have come from various sources– from water treatment plants to industrial spills, and leaks from underground storage tanks.
While it took many years for the damages to manifest, the incident has been linked to several health conditions among veterans; including kidney cancer, birth defects, and leukemia.
Is It Real? Evidence for the Lawsuit’s Validity
Yes, it’s indeed real. Strong arguments are available that support the validity of the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit claims.
Extensive studies have established a strong link between the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and several health problems experienced by individuals who spent time there between the fifties and the eighties.
Documentation shows that these range from cases of cancer to reproductive health disorders, leukemia, and other serious illnesses among those exposed to contaminated water. The testimonies and medical records of affected individuals provide additional compelling proof that supports the legitimacy of this lawsuit.
There is also evidence that various high-ranking officers in the base at the time were aware of the problem, at least from as early as the 1980s. But they failed to take action or communicate it, leaving personnel and their loved ones exposed to health and safety hazards.
The accumulation of scientific evidence, historical records, and personal accounts strengthens the case for justice and accountability for those impacted by this environmental disaster at Camp Lejeune.
The Pursuit of Justice
The pursuit of justice for Camp Lejeune contamination victims has faced numerous obstacles over the years. This is not necessarily breaking news since class action lawsuits have been famously known to take years if a decade or more before settlement payouts are offered.
But that still doesn’t explain why it took too long for Camp Lejune water contamination victims to start realizing recognition and seeking compensation just recently. And even then, getting justice seems to still be a matter of if and when.
Why It’s Been Hard for Victims to Get Justice
Here’s a brief overview of potential reasons why Camp Lejeune contamination victims are still yet to be compensated for the harm they suffered while at the base.
Difficulty in Proving Causation
Firstly, proving causation between specific health conditions and exposure to contaminated water can be challenging due to the long latency periods associated with some illnesses. It becomes difficult to establish a direct link between the exposure and subsequent health issues that may have emerged years or even decades later.
Legal Battles with the Military Are Tough
Moreover, legal battles involving military institutions often face significant hurdles due to sovereign immunity, which limits liability for government entities. This immunity can make it more challenging for victims to hold responsible parties accountable and seek fair compensation.
Military Concealment, Inaction, and Limited Access to Information
Probably a case of lack of transparency- there was limited access to the details surrounding the contamination, including its extent and the potential health risks faced by the affected military personnel and their family members who were stationed at the camp.
Despite these challenges, ongoing efforts by advocacy groups, public awareness campaigns, and successful legal precedents have provided some hope for victims seeking justice.
Expensive Lawsuits
Lawsuits against the military are also utterly expensive, adding to the challenges faced by those affected by the Camp Lejeune contamination. Legal proceedings require financial resources for hiring experienced attorneys, gathering evidence, conducting investigations, and covering related costs.
This is just to mention a few of the many, costly expenses that a majority of victims may find difficult to bear on their own.
Good thing is…
There are various ways to get financing and ease the burden as you pursue justice. One such option you could look into is a loan, specifically from legal lenders who specialize in Camp Lejeune lawsuit related funding. The loan can provide you with funds upfront to cover your legal fees alongside other expenses involved in pursuing your compensation case.
Another great option is to find a reputed law firm or compensation attorney who is willing to work on a contingency basis. In both these options, you only pay when and if your case is settled and has been compensation granted.
Responses from the Federal Government
While it might have taken several years, the federal government eventually acknowledged the Camp Lejeune contamination as well as its impact on public health. This was in various ways:
- Janey Ensminger Act of 2012: Provided healthcare benefits for affected vets and their family members. These covered illnesses related to water contamination at Camp Lejeune.
- Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022: Permits affected victims to file claims and seek compensation for the damages suffered.
5 Signs You Could Have a Valid Camp Lejeune Lawsuit
1. Residency at Camp Lejeune between the 1950s and 1980s
If you lived or worked at Camp Lejeune during this time period, there’s a big chance you might have been exposed to the contaminated water.
2. Documented health issues
If you or a loved one developed health conditions such as cancer (including breast cancer, kidney cancer, or leukemia), birth defects, neurological disorders, or other chronic illnesses associated with the chemicals found in the water, you may also have grounds to file a claim.
3. Knowledge of exposure
If you were previously unaware of your exposure to contaminated water but have now learned about it due to increased awareness, media coverage, base disclosures, or conversations with other affected individuals, it is worth considering legal action.
4. Medical diagnosis and supporting evidence
A documented medical diagnosis directly linking you or a loved one’s health condition to the toxic substances from Camp Lejeune can be significant evidence in pursuing legal recourse.
5. Communication failure from base officials
If there is evidence that base authorities knew about the water contamination and failed to disclose the information to those stationed at Camp Lejeune during the affected period, it strengthens your potential for a valid lawsuit.
Getting Legal Assistance
In either of these cases mentioned above, obtaining guidance from experienced attorneys who specialize in Camp Lejeune contamination cases can help determine the validity of your lawsuit.