Camp Lejeune Water Contamination & Leukemia
Leukemia is an aggressive type of cancer that affects a person’s blood cells and bone marrow, and it generally comes with a poor prognosis for those diagnosed.
Unfortunately, those who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune from 1953 to 1987 could have been put at risk of leukemia. Toxic chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), often found in harsh cleaning solutions and solvents, contaminated Camp Lejeune’s water during this time.
The water supply at Camp Lejeune contained these toxic chemicals:
- Benzene
- PCE (perchloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene)
- TCE (trichloroethylene)
- Vinyl chloride
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry has since linked these chemicals to leukemia and other life-threatening conditions. In particular, benzene has been shown to increase the risk of leukemia, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
Anyone impacted by the hazardous chemicals on base may be able to seek financial compensation, but there is limited time remaining. All Camp Lejeune leukemia claims must be filed before August 2024.
If you or a loved one was harmed, find out if we can help right now with a free and simple claim review.
Compensation Options for Camp Lejeune Leukemia
Adult leukemia patients who were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune have legal options and other avenues to seek compensation and support for their condition.
Learn about the different options for those impacted by Camp Lejeune leukemia below.
Camp Lejeune Lawsuits
If you or a loved one was harmed by the toxic water, filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit may be the best way to get the compensation you need.
Camp Lejeune leukemia lawsuits can help families affected by this tragedy seek compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
Working with a top Camp Lejeune lawyer means they will handle all legal work for you. Find out if we can connect you with a skilled attorney by getting a free claim review right now.
Elective Option
The voluntary Elective Option (EO) for Camp Lejeune claims is a fast-track settlement option provided by the Justice Department and Navy.
The EO lets eligible victims receive a predetermined payout quickly, bypassing the lengthy claims process.
VA Benefits
If you or your loved one developed adult leukemia after being exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you may be eligible for VA disability benefits.
You can file with the VA to access health care, disability, and survivor benefits that can provide financial support for medical treatment and more.
Adult leukemia is a Camp Lejeune water contamination presumptive illness, which means the VA automatically assumes that military service caused it.
The Camp Lejeune Claims Center partners with VA-accredited attorneys who may be able to help you access VA benefits.
If you or a loved one was diagnosed with Camp Lejeune adult leukemia, get a free claim review right now.
Eligibility for Camp Lejeune Leukemia Lawsuits
Eligibility for Camp Lejeune leukemia claims is determined by criteria established in the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 (CLJA).
The general eligibility requirements to file a Camp Lejeune leukemia lawsuit include:
- Connection to contaminated water: Medical evidence linking adult leukemia to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune
- Diagnosis of adult leukemia: A doctor’s confirmation of leukemia, documented by medical records and tests
- Proof of time at Camp Lejeune: Military records that show a minimum of 30 days on base between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987
It’s okay if you are not sure whether you or your loved one meets these requirements. Our trained claims advocates are standing by to help you determine your eligibility.
Steps to Filing a Camp Lejeune Leukemia Lawsuit
While each case will vary, there are a few general steps to follow when filing a Camp Lejeune leukemia lawsuit.
1. Contact a Camp Lejeune Lawyer
The first step is to seek help from an experienced Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyer. They will assess your eligibility to file a claim for free, handle the legal process, and help you determine the best course of action based on your circumstances.
2. File Your Camp Lejeune Leukemia Claim
Your lawyer will guide you in gathering the documentation needed to support your Camp Lejeune claim. This may include medical records, service history, and evidence linking leukemia to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water.
Then, your Camp Lejeune attorney will prepare and file the claim on your behalf, ensuring all deadlines are met.
3. Negotiate a Camp Lejeune Settlement
If you are eligible, you may be offered a Camp Lejeune settlement.
Your attorney will represent your interests during settlement negotiations, striving to secure the maximum compensation for your case.
If you don’t get a settlement offer, or if you think the offer isn’t fair, your lawyer might suggest taking your case to court. If that happens, they will manage all the details and keep you updated throughout the process.
Our legal partners have the expertise and resources to build a strong case for you, and there are no upfront costs to work with them.
Filing Deadline for Camp Lejeune Leukemia Cases
You must file your Camp Lejeune claim before August 10, 2024. After this date, you cannot take legal action under the CLJA.
Once you file, the Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) has 180 days to respond to your claim with a payment offer or a denial. If they do not respond or you are not satisfied with the decision, your claim may proceed to a lawsuit in North Carolina court.
If you or a loved one was diagnosed with Camp Lejeune leukemia, don’t wait. Get a free claim review right now.
Damages in Camp Lejeune Cancer Leukemia Lawsuits
The reasons someone receives a payout through a lawsuit are known as “damages”. The damages in every Camp Lejeune leukemia case will be unique depending on each patient’s circumstances.
Damages may be commonly claimed in Camp Lejeune lawsuits include:
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of income and loss of future income
- Medical care expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
Settlement Value of Camp Lejeune Leukemia Claims
Settlement values for Camp Lejeune leukemia victims will vary based on numerous factors, including a person’s age, prognosis, and the extent of their medical treatment.
As of July 2024, no Camp Lejeune lawsuit settlements have been reached, so there’s no truly reliable way to assess how much someone will receive. However, over $2 million has been paid out for leukemia cases through the government’s Elective Option.
Our team will provide updates when the first settlements have been reached. Get the latest Camp Lejeune litigation news here.
Top Camp Lejeune lawyers will do all they can to get the most compensation possible for everyone they help.
Other Health Issues Linked to Camp Lejeune Water
While adult leukemia is one of the more serious health conditions linked to Camp Lejeune water, it is far from the only one.
Other Camp Lejeune health problems include:
- Aplastic anemia
- Birth defects
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Infertility
- Kidney cancer
- Kidney disease
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Neurobehavioral disorders
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Parkinson’s disease
- Scleroderma
If you or your loved ones have any of the conditions listed above, you may be able to file a Camp Lejeune claim.
Get Help With a Camp Lejeune Leukemia Claim
If your family was affected by leukemia due to water contamination at Camp Lejeune, the Camp Lejeune Claims Center team is here to help.
Our legal partners have already helped over 30,000 families with their Camp Lejeune claims.
Our knowledgeable claims advocates are available to answer your questions and guide you through the process of seeking compensation.
Camp Lejeune Leukemia FAQs
Has the water at Camp Lejeune been linked to leukemia?
Yes, toxic chemicals found in the water at Camp Lejeune have been linked to leukemia. Leukemia is associated with exposure to benzene, which polluted Camp Lejeune’s water for decades.
Leukemia is only one of many types of cancer and serious illnesses connected to Camp Lejeune. Bladder cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and more have also been tied back to the toxic substances in the water.
Who is eligible to file a Camp Lejeune leukemia lawsuit?
A person may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit for leukemia if they can prove that they developed this cancer after serving on the base.
It is also possible for someone to file on behalf of a family member who passed away from leukemia that was a direct result of their time spent at Camp Lejeune.
Is leukemia considered a presumptive condition for Camp Lejeune claims?
Yes. Adult leukemia is considered to be a presumptive illness for Camp Lejeune VA claims, meaning that a person can file to receive disability compensation and health care benefits.
In addition to filing a claim through the VA, a person may also file an additional Camp Lejeune lawsuit in order to receive additional payouts from the federal government.
If you are unsure whether you qualify to start either type of claim, reach out to a Camp Lejeune lawyer to learn what it takes to qualify.
What is the average payout for a Camp Lejeune leukemia settlement?
There isn’t an average settlement amount for Camp Lejeune leukemia cases yet, as none have reached the point of settlement.
The Camp Lejeune Claims Center will make sure to provide examples of leukemia settlements as more information is released.
Will I lose my VA benefits if I file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit?
No. Your VA benefits, which can include both disability compensation and health care benefits, will not be affected if you decide to file a separate Camp Lejeune lawsuit.
If your Camp Lejeune leukemia lawsuit is successful, it may earn you an additional payout from the federal government.
