Camp Lejeune Toxic Water FAQs: Get Answers Here

What happened to the drinking water at Camp Lejeune?

Located in New River in North Carolina, Camp Lejeune is a base for the United States Marine Corp. From 1953 to 1987, the drinking water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with toxic chemical compounds. Over one million military staff and civilians, including families and children of the marines, were unknowingly drinking the contaminated water.

What chemical compounds have been found in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune?

The following chemicals were found in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune:

• Benzene
• Vinyl Chloride
• Trichloroethylene (TCE)
• Perchloroethylene (PCE)
• Other chemical compounds

Why are these chemicals so dangerous?

The chemicals found in the water at Camp Lejeune have been associated with the development of cancer and other serious diseases. In fact, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has established a presumptive service connection for veterans stationed at Camp Lejeune during the toxic chemical exposure. This presumptive service connection states that the development of one of the eight following diseases can be presumed to have been caused by military service:

• Adult leukemia
• Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
• Bladder cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Liver cancer
• Multiple myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Parkinson’s disease 

While there may be other illnesses and diseases caused by these chemicals, the above eight diseases are currently the only conditions given the presumption of causation. 

Who can bring a claim for exposure to the toxic drinking water at Camp Lejeune?

Service members and their family members, as well as anyone else that was on the base for more than 30 days between August 1953 and December 1987, may be able to bring a claim for compensation. This also includes staff that served on the base. Family members of a deceased person who would have qualified to bring a claim if they were alive may also bring a claim on their behalf. 

What should I do if I or a family member was exposed to these chemical compounds at Camp Lejeune?

If you believe that you, or a family member, has suffered or is currently suffering from exposure to the chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune, the time to act is now. Contact the attorneys at Hendler Flores Law to find out how we can help you obtain any compensation to which you are entitled. Your story matters.