Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit
As part of the House of Representatives Bill 3967, named the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2021, the survivors of Camp Lejeune are granted the ability to seek justice and bring a cause of action against the United States for the harm that has been caused due to these toxic chemicals. This historic bipartisan Bill has passed the House in March 2022 and passed the Senate on August 2nd, 2022.
You may be entitled to file a claim in the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit. The PACT Act of 2022 now allows anyone who lived, worked, or served at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 to assert claims for damages for harm due to exposure to contaminated water on base. The bill applies to military personnel, guardsmen, reservists, military family members, veterans, and civilian employees who worked on the base. The Act is designed to help anyone who suffered injuries or death from exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune to bring a claim within two years from the date the Act becomes effective. The Act was passed into law on August 10, 2022.
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The contaminated water at Camp Lejeune was used for cooking, drinking, and bathing in enlisted family housing, barracks, schools, base hospitals, recreational areas, and administrative offices. Any individual who was present at Camp Lejeune during August 1, 1953 to December 31, 1987, including veterans, family members, civilian workers, reservists, and guardsmen may be eligible for relief under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.
What was in the Camp Lejeune water?
In 1982, it was discovered that the Camp Lejuene and MCAS New River drinking water were significantly contaminated with toxic “Volatile Organic Compounds” chemicals (“VOCs,”) including, but not limited to:
- Tetrachloroethylene (a dry cleaning agent)
- Benzene (a chemical found in gasoline)
- Trichloroethylene (TCE – a metal cleaning solvent)
- Methylene Chloride (a chemical solvent used in labs and to remove pain)
- Vinyl Chloride (a colorless gas used to make plastics)
Contamination was discovered to be caused from improper disposal of chemicals from ABC One-Hour Cleaners, an off-base dry cleaning firm, leaking underground storage tanks, industrial area spills, and waste disposal sites. Out of the eight water distribution sites (Hadnot Point, Tarawa Terrace, Holcomb Boulevard, Courthouse Bay, Rifle Range, Onslow Beach, New River and Montford Point/Camp Johnson), three were found to be contaminated with these harmful chemicals. Those three plants provided the majority of water to the Base including most of the housing units located therein.
The maximum level of toxicity detected in the drinking water in these plants was 1,400 parts per billion (ppb). The current limit for PCE in drinking water is 5 ppb.
Common injuries that may be compensable include:
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Were you exposed?
It is estimated that more than one million military service members and their family members, as well as countless others who worked on or lived on the base, were exposed to contaminated water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River in North Carolina From 1953 to 1987. Two on-base water supply systems were contaminated with the volatile organic compounds trichloroethylene (TCE), a metal degreaser, perchloroethylene (PCE), a dry cleaning agent, benzene, vinyl chloride and other highly toxic substances. Despite reports from military service members and their families that the water tasted of chemicals, and despite warnings from experts, site inspections and other reports known to the government, no action was taken to address or remedy the contamination.
- Any person that served at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 and has a serious illness, miscarriage, or birth defect is potentially eligible for disability, health care, and compensation.
Why Navigate your Camp Lejuene water contamination lawsuit with a Romano Law Group Attorney
At Romano Law Group, our Mass Torts attorneys are experienced in handling cases nationwide.
Veteran Marine Attorneys
Marine Veterans and Attorneys John Romano and Todd Romano lived and served at Camp Lejeune
We Take on Powerful Defendants
Combat vast resources possessed by powerful corporations
Settlement Negotiations
Resolve case at fair value equivalent to pain and suffering
Nationwide Representation
We have successfully handled Mass Torts cases nationwide
Liable Parties
Identify responsible parties for negligent or intentional actions
Vulnerability
Negligent parties commonly take advantage of plaintiffs
What should you expect?
Romano Law Group lawyers are working with clients who are potentially eligible for relief under this Act and are investigating potential claims against the federal government on their behalves.
Romano Law Group’s founder, USMC Veteran John F. Romano, served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps and was stationed at Camp Lejeune in the mid 1970’s. John and his wife, Nancy, and Romano Law Group Attorneys Eric and Todd Romano (also a Marine Corps officer and veteran) lived in base housing at Camp Lejeune with their parents and their other two brothers while John was stationed there. John and Nancy’s youngest of four sons, Dr. Ryan Romano, a former Naval Officer and veteran, was born at Camp Lejeune.
