Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is a military training ground in North Carolina. The base has served as a home for military personnel, their families, and other civilian workers since 1941. However, it is now coming to light that between 1953 and 1987, everyone who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune was exposed to contaminated water. Many are now suffering long-term and preventable illnesses as a result.

Military bases are considered federal property, which means that the U.S. government has a duty to keep those residing there safe from harm. If you or someone you love lived at Camp Lejeune and are now suffering illnesses related to contaminated water exposure, then you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit and claim compensation.

As a resident of Texas, you have access to the esteemed attorneys here at Abraham Watkins. You may live more than 1,400 miles from the camp that was once your home, but this does not take away your right to justice, and we are here to help.

At Abraham Watkins, we are committed to seeking justice for victims of contamination at Camp Lejeune. That means securing compensation for your current and future losses and ensuring that your mental suffering is considered when determining what you are owed. We will quickly get to work to ensure that you have a robust case while putting pressure on liable parties to improve their practices.

Let Us Help You!

Our law firm has been serving Texas for more than seven decades, making us one of the longest-serving law firms in the state. We have a wealth of experience and resources to draw upon, which makes us uniquely prepared to handle complex cases, including those involving federal courts, mass tort, and the United States government.

Arrange a free consultation today with a Camp Lejeune lawsuit lawyer at 713-535-9319 .

Military Personnel from camp Lejeune having check up for medical issues.

Why Should I Take Legal Action For Contaminated Drinking Water at Camp Lejeune?

Over a million people lived or worked at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, and the tap water they drank, bathed in, and washed their things with during those years was contaminated. The contamination was so severe that many consider Camp Lejeune to be the worst case of water contamination in U.S. history.

Camp Lejeune’s water supply was contaminated by not one but several sources. The contaminants included toxic chemicals, industrial water, and oil, many of which were knowingly dumped into local storm drains.

What is worse is that there were several points at which the water contamination could have reasonably been recognized and stopped. In 1980, there were reports regarding how buried fuel tanks could contaminate water, but testing was not carried out until two years later. In 1984, there was an effort to outline proper disposal techniques, but the damage was already done.

Victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination include the heroes who serve our country, their families, and civilian workers who believed they were safe under the protection of the U.S. government. Tens of thousands of people have suffered preventable illnesses or lost loved ones due to the negligence surrounding this case.

We understand that most people would rather not involve themselves in legal action. However, at Abraham Watkins, a Texas Camp Lejeune lawsuit lawyer will handle every aspect of your case and take away most of the stress associated with a legal battle. Victims deserve justice and should not be left in financial hardship because of the negligent actions of another party.

No amount of money can make up for the harm caused to those living and working at Camp Lejeune, but it can ensure that your medical care and lost wages are taken care of and that you receive something for your emotional pain and suffering.

Filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit with the help of your attorney will also help bring attention to the larger problem. Every voice counts, and together, we can help protect current and future servicemembers and their families.

Health Conditions Associated With Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

People who lived at Camp Lejeune between 1957 and 1987 were exposed to dangerous levels of toxic substances in their drinking water. Now, years later, they are struggling with serious diseases.

Toxic water exposure at Camp Lejeune has been associated with conditions such as:

  • Parkinson’s disease;
  • Cancers such as bladder cancer, breast cancer, kidney cancer, brain cancer, liver cancer, rectal cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, adult leukemia, and others;
  • Birth defects and miscarriage;
  • Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma;
  • Scleroderma;
  • Lupus;
  • Multiple myeloma;
  • Kidney disease;
  • Aplastic anemia;
  • Cardiac defects;
  • Spina bifida;
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS);
  • Neurobehavioral effects;
  • Lymphomas; and
  • Other serious medical conditions.

How Do I Know if My Illness Was a Result of Contamination at Camp Lejeune?

Health complications are common as we age, and many of the conditions associated with contamination at Camp Lejeune can also be attributed to a number of other factors. In order to claim compensation successfully, you will need to establish that your illness was a direct result of contaminated water exposure.

At Abraham Watkins, we have access to medical experts who can help establish the route of your illnesses using your medical records and evidence regarding how much time you spent at Camp Lejeune.

How Was Camp Lejeune Water Contaminated?

One of the reasons why the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune was so damaging is that the water was contaminated by various volatile organic compounds, including:

  • Vinyl chloride.
  • Trichloroethylene (THE).
  • Trans-12 trichloroethylene.
  • Tetrachloroethylene or perchloroethylene (PCE).
  • Benzene.

Two of the main sources of contamination were Hadnot Point and Tawawa Terrace water treatment plants. These water treatment facilities were two of eight facilities that were used to provide water to Camp Lejeune.

The water from the Hadnot Point treatment plant contained high levels of TCE, around 280 times the amount that is currently considered safe. The water was contaminated by leaking underground storage tanks, industrial area spills, and waste disposal sites. Prolonged exposure to TCE has been associated with illnesses such as liver and kidney cancer and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

The water supplied from Tarawa Terrace contained high levels of PCE, around 43 times more than water that is now considered safe. This was due to negligent waste disposal practices at an off-base dry cleaning company called ABC One-Hour Cleaners. Exposure to high levels of PCE has been connected to multiple myeloma, bladder cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Who Can File a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?

The recent passing of the Honoring Our PACT Act, which incorporates the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, means that more victims are eligible for compensation than ever before. This legislation was put in place to address the preventable suffering that veterans are now experiencing due to exposure to toxic substances.

Prior to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, victims had no recourse to compensation, despite suffering illnesses due to the negligence of another party. Fortunately, the passing of the Act means that anyone harmed by water contamination at Camp LeJeune may be able to claim compensation outside of Veterans Affairs (VA).

If you or your loved one lived at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, you may be eligible for compensation. This includes military service members and their families, guardsmen, civilian workers, and family members.

It also means that if you suffered the loss of a loved one who was harmed by water at Camp Lejeune, then you may be able to claim compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit. Or, if your loved one does not have the capacity to represent themself, then you may be able to claim compensation on their behalf.

Thanks to this new legislation, the federal government is unable to assert immunity. It also overrides a North Carolina statute that would otherwise prevent tort claims after ten years.

If you are unsure whether you are eligible to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit in Texas, then you should contact Abraham Watkins for a free consultation. We will evaluate your case and give you no-obligation advice about your next steps.

Justice For Veterans

Veterans who were exposed to contaminated tap water at Camp Lejeune may already be claiming VA disability benefits, which provide direct payments to veterans whose medical conditions are a result of their service in the military.

Now that the Camp Lejeune Justice Act has passed, veterans are also eligible for compensation in a lawsuit, which should compensate them for all of their financial losses, as well as their emotional anguish. Even those already receiving VA could be eligible to file a lawsuit.

At Abraham Watkins, our Texas Camp Lejeune lawsuit lawyers will fight for what you deserve. Whether you are already receiving VA benefits or have been denied them, you may still have a claim for compensation. We will explore every avenue to help you recover damages, whether that involves filing a lawsuit, seeking VA benefits, or both.

Justice for Non-Military Personnel at Camp Lejeune

When people think of exposure to toxins at military bases, they think of veterans. However, the family members of active duty members, civilian workers, and guardsmen were also exposed to the same substances. These people are suffering from preventable illnesses and are unable to seek VA benefits. Until recently, there was nothing they could do.

Now federal courts recognize that all victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination deserve compensation. The U.S. government has therefore allowed victims to join their lawsuits together under a mass tort.

A mass tort is possible when there is a common defendant and similar facts. Since the courts have already agreed that those affected by water contamination at Camp Lejeune meet these criteria, a mass tort lawsuit is already in progress. If you or someone you love was affected, then now is the time to act.

How Much Could I Claim in a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?

How much you are owed in compensation will depend on a number of things, including the severity of your illness and the quality of your representation. At Abraham Watkins, our seven decades of experience means that we know how to strive for maximum compensation.

Some damages you may be able to claim include:

Wrongful Death

If you lost a family member such as a spouse, child, or parent because of contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, then you may be owed compensation. If successful, your compensation could cover funeral expenses, loss of income to a family household, and compensation for your emotional anguish and loss of companionship.

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering damages are compensation for non-economic damages such as emotional anguish and the effect on your quality of life. These types of damages are often heavily negotiated, so it is important that you have the help of an experienced attorney.

Medical Expenses Past and Future

All medical bills related to a preventable illness from contaminated water at Camp Lejeune should be compensated for. It is also important that the costs of future treatment are established and reflected in your settlement.

Lost Wages

If your illness has resulted in time away from work and lost wages, then this should also be compensated for. Your settlement should also reflect your loss of earning potential if your illness is preventing you from returning to work in the same capacity.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Texas FAQ

What Are the Benefits of Mass Tort Action?

Together our voices are stronger, and we urge all victims to reach out for help. Strength in numbers can increase the chances of success, especially in cases that involve a powerful defendant. Mass tort litigation also saves money and time; representing attorneys can share evidence and strengthen their cases.

When mass tort lawyers such as those at Abraham Watkins come together, it usually means bigger wins for everybody.

How Much Will Representation in a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Cost Me?

At Abraham Watkins, we are committed to providing high-quality representation to all victims of personal injury. That is why we offer a free case evaluation and represent victims on a no-win no-fee basis.

That means that if, for some reason, your case is unsuccessful, the representation will not cost you anything. If your case does succeed, then we will take a percentage, which will be agreed upon with you beforehand. We assume all the risk so that victims are never left out of pocket.

How Long Will It Take to Receive Compensation?

It is not possible to predict how long a mass tort action will take. However, some experts predict that it could take two years before victims recover compensation.

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Camp Lejeune Claim?

Thanks to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, anyone exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune should currently be eligible to file a lawsuit, regardless of how long it has been since they lived there.

However, a new time limit of two years from the date the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was signed has been put in place, which means victims will not be able to file a claim for compensation after August 10, 2024.

We recommend that you contact a Texas Camp Lejeune lawsuit lawyer as soon as possible to take advantage of the momentum currently existing around this case. Every voice counts, and with your help, we hope to help all victims achieve the justice they deserve.

Arrange a Free Consultation with a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Lawyer in Texas Today

If you or someone you love has suffered an illness from water contamination at Camp Lejeune, you should contact Abraham Watkins for a free consultation as soon as possible. These lawsuits require a comprehensive understanding of federal law and medical issues, and our attorneys are uniquely prepared to handle your case.

Utilizing seven decades of experience, we will do everything possible to secure maximum compensation in your case. When you agree to representation from us, you send a message that you are committed to justice.

Our law firm keeps its phone lines open 24/7, so give us a call today at 713-535-9319!

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We offer a free consultation to prospective clients. If you have been injured and wish to speak to one of our attorneys in a no-cost consultation, please call us at (713) 222-7211. or toll free at 713-222-7211

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