Water at Camp Lejeune was dangerously contaminated until the middle of the 1980s. After remediation, the water at the base appears to comply with state and federal regulations since about the middle of 1987.
The Major Water Contaminants at Camp Lejeune
It was earlier in the 1980s that more than 70 contaminants were discovered in parts of the Camp Lejeune water system. Of particular concern were the following:
- Trichlorethylene (TCE)
- Tetrachlorethylene/perchloroethylene (PCE)
- Benzene
- Vinyl chloride
Water Systems That Caused the Contamination
Those contaminants were found to have come from water systems at Hadnot Point and Tarawa Terrace. The two systems were subsequently shut down in 1985. For at least 30 years before that time, military personnel, their family members who lived on the base with them, civilian employees and other individuals were exposed to contaminated water at the base. Levels of contamination were up to 3,000 times those permitted by law.
Is the Water Safe to Drink Now?
As per the U.S. Marine Corps, the water at Camp Lejeune is safe for consumption and all other purposes. It’s now monitored quarterly. It has been found to be free of contaminants since 1987. As we know though, the water from the Hadnot Point and Tarawa Terrace supply systems hasn’t always been safe to consume or use. Both scientific and medical evidence have shown strong evidence between the above-noted contaminants and the following cancers and illnesses:
- Brain, esophageal, breast, lung, kidney, liver, bladder, cervical and rectal cancers
- Multiple myeloma
- Leukemia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Neurobehavioral disorders
- Female infertility
- Miscarriages
- Stillbirths
- Birth defects
- Wrongful deaths
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act
With strong support from both houses of congress, President Joe Biden signed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act on August 10, 2022. It provides for monetary compensation for the harms caused by Camp Lejeune water to veterans, their family members, former base employees and others who were at the base for 30 days or longer between March 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. Compensation from this law can only be sought until August 10, 2024 though. After that date, the window of opportunity closes for many individuals who were harmed by Camp Lejeune water.
The Notice of Claim Prerequisite
Federal law requires a notice of claim to be filed before a formal lawsuit can be bought under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. Without such a claim, a lawsuit will be dismissed. For purposes of this prerequisite, obtaining the appropriate evidence, making the claim and filing a lawsuit calls for the participation of a qualified, knowledgeable and aggressive Camp Lejeune Justice Act lawyer here at Maison Law. You can contact him for a free consultation and case review. He’ll be pleased to answer your questions and advise you further on the issues that you’re confronted with.
Remember that the window of opportunity under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act is only open until August 10, 2024. If you’re lawsuit under the statute isn’t on file by that date, it’s likely to be dismissed. Exercise due diligence and contact us at your earliest possible convenience. If we enter into a retainer agreement with you, our mission is to obtain the highest settlement or award that you deserve.
Contact us for a free, no-obligation case consultation for you and/or your family.
