At Ferraro Law, we understand the difficult road faced by individuals harmed by toxic water exposure at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. For decades, contaminated drinking water ran through faucets and showers on base, unknowingly placing active duty service members, National Guard members, their family members, and civilian workers at serious health risks.
Understanding Camp Lejeune Water Contamination & Its Impact
Understanding Camp Lejeune Water Contamination & Its Impact
For more than 30 years (1953–1987), Camp Lejeune water was polluted with toxic substances such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene, trichloroethylene (TCE), and perchloroethylene (PCE)—exceeding the safe thresholds established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This contamination flowed through the water supply, exposing thousands of Marines, National Guard members, family members, and civilians stationed or living in base housing records. Further factors included underground fuel storage tanks and industrial waste disposal, compounding the severity of Camp Lejeune water contamination.
Common Sources & Exposure Routes
On-Base Facilities
Leaking underground fuel storage tanks, industrial operations, and subpar waste disposal led to toxic chemicals seeping into the groundwater.
Base Housing
Families unknowingly drank, cooked with, and bathed in Camp Lejeune water laced with harmful chemicals.
Military Operations
Marines, National Guard members, and other service personnel frequently came into contact with these hazardous substances during daily tasks or training exercises.
According to the VA and disease registry data, those exposed to Camp Lejeune water frequently developed serious health conditions: adult leukemia, aplastic anemia, Parkinson’s disease, kidney disease, various cancers, and more. In many cases, these conditions materialized decades after the toxic water exposure.
40 Years Of Fierce Representation
40 Years Of Fierce Representation
For decades, Ferraro Law has represented individuals harmed by environmental contamination. Our firm has fought for veterans, families, and civilian workers in mass tort and environmental litigation, holding responsible parties accountable for negligence.
Through scientific research, collaboration with medical experts, and strategic litigation, we have advocated for those impacted by toxic substances, ensuring that affected individuals have the opportunity to seek justice.
While we are no longer accepting new Camp Lejeune cases, Ferraro Law remains committed to raising awareness about toxic exposure risks. If you or a loved one was affected, we encourage you to stay informed about ongoing litigation and available resources.
Regulatory & Legal Framework
Regulatory & Legal Framework
Laws and federal initiatives have provided pathways for individuals to seek compensation for Camp Lejeune-related illnesses:
Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA)
Part of the PACT Act, this legislation allows those exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune to pursue compensation.
Federal Tort Claims Act
Under specific conditions, individuals may sue the federal government for negligence related to toxic water exposure.
VA Health Care & Disability Benefits
The VA has recognized certain conditions as presumptively linked to Camp Lejeune water exposure, offering health benefits and compensation to qualifying individuals.
How We Have Helped
How We Have Helped
Ferraro Law has fought for individuals impacted by toxic exposure, including those harmed by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. We have helped veterans, families, and civilian workers navigate legal claims and pursue compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages caused by toxic exposure.
Case Evaluation & Legal Action
Our legal team worked closely with clients to document their time spent at Camp Lejeune, exposure history, and medical conditions, building cases that demonstrated the connection between contaminated water and serious illnesses.
Litigation & Legal Strategy
Through detailed investigations, expert medical testimony, and legal advocacy, we helped individuals file claims under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, navigate VA benefits, and pursue compensation through federal claims processes.
Pursuing Compensation & Accountability
For those facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and long-term health struggles, Ferraro Law pursued settlements and litigation strategies aimed at securing financial relief. Our firm advocated for the rights of those impacted by toxic water exposure, ensuring that their voices were heard.
What We Have Handled
What We Have Handled
Ferraro Law has represented clients in a wide range of cases involving Camp Lejeune disease-related exposure:
Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Lawsuits & Claims
We have advocated for veterans, family members, and National Guard members exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, demonstrating how industrial negligence led to severe health outcomes.
Camp Lejeune Benefits & VA Health Care
We have guided qualified individuals through the Camp Lejeune claims unit or administrative claim process, assisting with disability compensation submissions, and clarifying how to receive cost free health care or paid health care expenses.
Wrongful Death & Birth Defects
We have sought justice for families who have lost loved ones or faced birth defects due to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water is about holding responsible parties accountable for failing to act. Losing someone dear is an immense challenge, particularly when it might have been prevented if government authorities or base leadership had properly addressed the toxic conditions.
Legal Remedies Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act & PACT Act
We helped individuals leverage the formal amendment process to file claims for diseases like adult leukemia, aplastic anemia, various cancers, or other injuries recognized by the VA or DoD.
Compensation for Victims of Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water
Compensation for Victims of Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water
A successful Camp Lejeune contamination claim provided essential financial support to help victims and their families navigate the long-term impact of exposure.
Compensation covered:
Medical Expenses
Cancer treatments, surgeries, and ongoing therapies for other diseases can overwhelm any family’s finances. A successful Camp Lejeune claim may recover health care expenses, so that you or your loved ones receive proper treatment.
Lost Wages & Future Earnings
Some conditions—like Parkinson’s disease or advanced cancer—undermine your ability to work. Damages often include both current wage loss and projected losses if your illness hinders future employment.
Pain & Suffering
Beyond tangible costs, serious ailments from Camp Lejeune carry emotional and psychological burdens. Courts can award damages for mental distress, anxiety, or diminished quality of life.
Wrongful Death Claims
When family members pass away from diseases caused by toxic water, the loss is devastating and irreplaceable. Loved ones may file wrongful death lawsuits to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of consortium, and financial support for survivors, providing some relief during such a difficult time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
01.
Who is eligible to file a claim?
Eligibility includes veterans, civilian workers, and family members who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 cumulative days during the contamination period (1953–1987). Documentation, such as medical records, base housing records, or proof of dependent relationships, may be required.
02.
What conditions are linked to Camp Lejeune water contamination?
Conditions associated with the contaminated water include adult leukemia, aplastic anemia, Parkinson’s disease, kidney disease, liver cancer, bladder cancer, and birth defects, among others. The VA has a presumptive service connection for certain illnesses.
03.
How do I prove my exposure to contaminated water?
Proof of exposure often includes military service records (e.g., DD214), base housing records, or documentation showing time spent at Camp Lejeune. Medical evidence linking your condition to toxic substances like TCE, PCE, benzene, or VOCs is also critical.
04.
Can I file a claim if I’ve already received VA benefits?
Yes, filing a Camp Lejeune claim under the Justice Act does not interfere with VA disability benefits. It provides an additional avenue for compensation.
05.
How long do I have to file a claim?
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act imposed a strict deadline for claims, which was in August 2024.
06.
Do I need a lawyer to file a claim, and how much does it cost?
While you can file a claim independently, having an experienced attorney increases the chances of success. At Ferraro Law, we work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing upfront—we only get paid if we secure compensation for you.
07.
Is Ferraro Law still accepting Camp Lejeune cases?
No, Ferraro Law is no longer accepting new Camp Lejeune cases. However, our firm has extensive experience handling toxic exposure claims, and we encourage affected individuals to consult legal professionals who specialize in Camp Lejeune litigation.
glossary of key terms
glossary of key terms
Camp Lejeune Justice Act
Legislation enabling victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination from 1953 to 1987 to pursue legal or administrative claim remedies.
Camp Lejeune Families Act
Addresses extended health care coverage for family members of Marines stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.
VA Health Care
Veterans affairs-sponsored medical services for eligible service members, including those with Camp Lejeune-linked injuries or diseases.
Federal Tort Claims Act
Permits lawsuits against the federal government for negligence, relevant in Camp Lejeune claims if the government’s actions led to contaminated water.
Presumptive Service Connection
A VA policy automatically linking certain diseases to military service under specific conditions, easing the path to disability benefits.
CLJA Claims
Refers to claims filed under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, covering illnesses or injuries from water at Camp Lejeune.
Birth Certificate Documentation
Documents proving a dependent’s relationship to a veteran, often necessary for family members to get health care or compensation.
Base Housing Records
Official stationing or marriage license documents showing how long veterans or families lived on base—crucial for meeting the 30-day presence rule at Camp Lejeune.
Marine Corps
The responsible for operating Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, where contaminated water occurred.
Staying Informed About Camp Lejeune Litigation
Staying Informed About Camp Lejeune Litigation
While Ferraro Law is no longer accepting new Camp Lejeune cases, legal proceedings remain active for individuals who filed claims before the August 10, 2024 deadline. If you or a loved one lived or worked at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 and submitted a timely claim, staying informed about case developments and available resources is essential.
We encourage individuals with pending claims to speak with legal professionals familiar with Camp Lejeune litigation for guidance on next steps, including the potential to pursue compensation through the court system.
