Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit
A lawsuit filed under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act for people harmed by toxic drinking water at Camp Lejeune from 1953 to 1987.
A Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit is a federal civil claim brought under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 by people who were exposed to toxic drinking water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987. The water was contaminated with industrial solvents (TCE, PCE), benzene, vinyl chloride, and other hazardous chemicals. People exposed for at least 30 days during the covered period — including service members, family members who lived on base, civilian employees, and contractors — can file a claim if they later developed conditions tied to the contamination. Common qualifying conditions include kidney, liver, bladder, esophageal, breast, lung, and other cancers, leukemia, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Parkinson's disease, kidney failure, miscarriage, infertility, and birth defects. Claims start with an administrative filing to the Department of the Navy; if the Navy does not resolve within six months, claimants can sue in the Eastern District of North Carolina. CLJA recoveries are separate from VA disability and health care benefits.
In real life
- A Marine who served at Lejeune in 1975 and developed kidney cancer files a CLJA claim.
- A spouse who lived on base for two years and later miscarried files a CLJA claim.
- A civilian construction worker present at Lejeune for three months in 1980 files for Parkinson's.
Also known as
Frequently asked questions about Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit
Who can file?+
Anyone present at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1953 and December 1987 with a qualifying condition.
Do I need a lawyer?+
No, but most claimants use one because of the complexity and contingency-fee structure.
Is there a deadline?+
Yes — generally two years from the law's enactment (August 10, 2024), with limited exceptions.
Does this affect my VA benefits?+
No. CLJA payouts are separate from VA disability and health care benefits.
Source: va.gov