Key Takeaways
- The Camp Lejeune lawsuit centers on water contamination at the North Carolina military base, affecting individuals exposed between 1953 and 1987. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 enables victims to seek compensation.
- Eligibility for claims requires at least 30 days of residence or work at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period, and proof of harm linked to exposure. The deadline to file was August 10, 2024.
- Litigation is ongoing, with thousands of lawsuits filed and hundreds of thousands of claims pending. Settlement amounts vary widely, and the process is complex, requiring careful attention to legal requirements and deadlines.
Introduction
The Camp Lejeune lawsuit is one of the most significant environmental legal actions in recent U.S. history. It arises from the contamination of drinking water at the Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base in North Carolina. Between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, individuals living or working at the base were exposed to hazardous chemicals, including trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE). These chemicals have been linked to severe health problems, including various cancers and other chronic illnesses.
The legal framework for these lawsuits is primarily the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, part of the Honoring our PACT Act. This legislation provides a pathway for affected individuals to seek compensation for their injuries. The process, deadlines, and eligibility requirements are strictly defined by law and government agencies.
Background: Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune
What Happened at Camp Lejeune?
Camp Lejeune is a major U.S. Marine Corps base in North Carolina. For decades, the base’s water supply was contaminated with industrial solvents and other hazardous chemicals. The main contaminants were TCE (trichloroethylene) and PCE (perchloroethylene), both of which are known carcinogens. The contamination occurred due to leaking underground storage tanks, improper waste disposal, and industrial spills.
Who Was Affected?
Anyone who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, may have been exposed. This includes service members, civilian employees, contractors, and family members. The exposure period and the minimum duration of stay are critical for eligibility.
Health Effects
Exposure to the contaminated water has been linked to a range of serious health conditions. These include:
- Adult leukemia
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Parkinson’s disease
- Other chronic illnesses
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a full list of conditions and eligibility information for benefits related to Camp Lejeune water contamination. For more details, visit the VA Camp Lejeune Water Contamination page.
Legal Framework: The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022
Overview of the Act
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 is Section 804 of the Honoring our PACT Act. It allows individuals who were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune to file lawsuits for damages in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This law overrides previous legal barriers, such as North Carolina’s statute of repose, which had previously blocked many claims.
The full text of the Act and related resources are available on the Navy JAG Corps Camp Lejeune Claims page and Navy.mil Camp Lejeune Justice Act page.
Filing Deadlines
The Act set a strict deadline for filing claims: August 10, 2024. Claims filed after this date are generally not accepted. This deadline applies to both administrative claims and lawsuits filed in court.
Who Can File a Claim?
To be eligible, a claimant must:
- Have lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.
- Have suffered harm or developed a health condition linked to the water contamination.
- File a claim within the specified deadline.
For more on eligibility, see the Friedman & Simon FAQ on Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit.
The Litigation Process
Administrative Claims
The first step is filing an administrative claim with the Department of the Navy. The Navy has established a process for reviewing these claims. If the claim is denied or not resolved within six months, the claimant may then file a lawsuit in federal court.
- The Navy’s official information and forms are available at the Navy JAG Corps Camp Lejeune Claims page.
Lawsuits in Federal Court
If the administrative claim is not resolved, claimants can file suit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This court has set up a dedicated Camp Lejeune Water Litigation resource page for litigants.
As of May 2025, nearly 3,000 lawsuits have been filed, with over 400,000 claims still pending. The litigation is ongoing, and the court is managing a large and complex docket.
Legal Representation and Fees
Claimants may hire attorneys to represent them. The Department of Justice has set limits on legal fees: contingency fees cannot exceed 20% for administrative claims or 25% for lawsuits filed in court. This is designed to protect claimants from excessive legal costs. See the DOJ Camp Lejeune Justice Act Claims page for details.
Settlement Amounts
Settlement amounts vary widely. Factors include the severity of the claimant’s illness, the strength of the evidence linking the illness to the water contamination, and other case-specific details. Reported settlements range from $10,000 to over $1,000,000. For more information, see the TorHoerman Law Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Payout page.
Ongoing Litigation and Recent Developments
Current Status
The Camp Lejeune litigation is active and evolving. As of May 2025, thousands of lawsuits are in progress, and hundreds of thousands of claims are still being processed. The process has included significant procedural disputes, such as plaintiffs seeking sanctions over government actions during litigation. For updates, see the Lawsuit Information Center Camp Lejeune Water Lawsuit page.
Emotional and Social Impact
The litigation has been emotionally taxing for many families. Stories of loss and the search for justice are common, such as the case of a Marine’s widow seeking accountability for her husband’s death. For a personal perspective, see Roll Call’s coverage of Camp Lejeune litigation.
Advocacy and Support
Organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) provide advocacy and information for affected veterans and families. The VFW emphasizes the importance of legal representation and staying informed about the litigation process. Visit the VFW Camp Lejeune Justice Act Litigation page for more resources.
Resources and Next Steps
Official Resources
- Navy JAG Corps Camp Lejeune Claims
- Navy.mil Camp Lejeune Justice Act
- VA Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina Camp Lejeune Water Litigation
- Department of Justice Camp Lejeune Justice Act Claims
- VFW Camp Lejeune Justice Act Litigation
What Should Claimants Do?
If you believe you qualify, review the eligibility requirements and gather documentation of your time at Camp Lejeune and any related health issues. Consult with an attorney experienced in Camp Lejeune claims. Be aware of deadlines and procedural requirements. Use official resources to stay updated on the status of the litigation.
Conclusion
The Camp Lejeune lawsuit is a complex and ongoing legal process. It offers a path to compensation for those harmed by decades of water contamination at a major military base. The process is governed by strict rules and deadlines, and the outcome depends on individual circumstances. Staying informed and seeking qualified legal advice are essential steps for anyone considering a claim.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The Camp Lejeune litigation is ongoing, and the information provided is based on current allegations and available data as of May 2025. Legal outcomes and procedures may change. Consult official sources and a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
