If you or a loved one were stationed, working, or living at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a legal claim for toxic water exposure. But time is running out. Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, victims must act before the August 10, 2024 filing deadline—or risk losing their right to compensation altogether.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know before that cutoff date, including how to file, who qualifies, and what you can expect in terms of settlement or trial.
What Happened at Camp Lejeune?
For over three decades, service members, civilian workers, and their families at Camp Lejeune were unknowingly exposed to toxic chemicals in their drinking water. The contamination included dangerous levels of:
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Perchloroethylene (PCE)
- Benzene
- Vinyl chloride
These chemicals, used in industrial cleaning and dry-cleaning operations, seeped into the base’s groundwater, leading to devastating health effects for thousands of people.
Health Conditions Linked to Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
Scientific research and government reports have linked the contaminated water to numerous serious health issues. Victims have developed:
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Leukemia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple myeloma
- Female infertility and miscarriage
- Birth defects
- Aplastic anemia and other blood disorders
If you or a loved one experienced these conditions and spent time at Camp Lejeune during the exposure years, you may qualify for compensation.
What Is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?
Signed into law on August 10, 2022, as part of the Honoring Our PACT Act, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA)gives victims the right to file federal lawsuits against the U.S. government.
Before this law, the Feres Doctrine and other legal barriers prevented veterans and their families from suing. But the CLJA opened a two-year window for affected individuals to pursue justice—regardless of how long ago the exposure occurred.
Important: This legal action is not a class action. Each case is handled individually and compensation depends on your specific exposure and health history.
Key Deadline: August 10, 2024
Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, you must file your lawsuit by August 10, 2024. This date marks the end of the two-year window opened by the 2022 law.
Failing to file by this deadline could mean:
- Losing your legal right to compensation
- No access to future VA benefits tied to this case
- A complete forfeiture of your claim, even if your health issues are proven
Who Is Eligible to File a Camp Lejeune Claim?
You may be eligible if:
- You lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 cumulative days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987
- You were exposed to contaminated water through drinking, bathing, or cooking
- You developed a qualifying medical condition (cancer, neurological issues, birth defects, etc.)
Eligible groups include:
- Active-duty military members
- Veterans and reservists
- Civilian base workers
- Military family members
- In utero victims (if the mother was pregnant on base)
Even if you already receive VA benefits, you may still qualify for additional compensation through this lawsuit.
How to File a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Before the Deadline
Here’s what you need to do before the August 2024 cutoff:
Step 1: Collect Evidence of Presence at Camp Lejeune
You’ll need documents such as:
- Military service records (DD214)
- Base housing leases or work logs
- Medical records showing diagnosis
- Family member affidavits
Step 2: Confirm Diagnosis of a Qualifying Condition
Your attorney will help link your medical condition to toxic exposure. In most cases, this requires evidence of diagnosis and treatment history.
Step 3: Choose a Qualified Camp Lejeune Attorney
The government has designated the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina to handle these cases. You need a lawyer with:
- Mass tort experience
- Familiarity with federal toxic exposure cases
- No upfront fees (most work on contingency)
Step 4: File an Administrative Claim First
Before filing a lawsuit, you must submit an administrative claim to the Department of the Navy. If there’s no response within 6 months—or your claim is denied—you can proceed with a lawsuit.
What Compensation Can Victims Receive?
Camp Lejeune claimants may receive compensation for:
| Damage Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Past and future treatment costs for illness or disability |
| Lost Wages | Income lost due to illness or caretaking responsibilities |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical, emotional, and psychological distress |
| Funeral Expenses | Burial and related costs in wrongful death cases |
| Loss of Consortium | Compensation for family impact due to illness |
There is no cap on compensation, but the amount will depend on the strength of your evidence and diagnosis.
What If the Victim Is Deceased?
Family members (spouses, children, or legal representatives) may file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of a deceased loved one—so long as the exposure and diagnosis occurred during the qualifying time.
You’ll need to provide:
- Death certificate
- Proof of exposure
- Medical diagnosis before death
- Legal authority to represent the estate
Should You Join a Lawyer Now?
Yes. Thousands of claims are already in motion. The earlier you act, the better your chances of:
- Securing a stronger case file
- Meeting all administrative requirements
- Being considered in early rounds of settlement offers
Common Myths About the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit
Myth 1: “I already get VA benefits, so I can’t sue.”
Fact: You can still sue. Any lawsuit compensation may be offset against your VA benefits, but you won’t be disqualified.
Myth 2: “It’s a class action lawsuit.”
Fact: It’s not. Every claim is filed individually and evaluated separately.
Myth 3: “I missed my chance.”
Fact: You still have time—until August 10, 2024—but you must act now.
Final Thoughts
The Camp Lejeune water contamination crisis robbed thousands of veterans and families of their health, safety, and peace of mind. But the Camp Lejeune Justice Act offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for accountability and financial relief.
With the deadline looming in August 2024, now is the time to gather your documents, speak to a qualified attorney, and protect your right to justice. Whether you’re a veteran, family member, or civilian, your story—and your suffering—deserves to be heard.