For decades, people living and working at Camp Lejeune drank, bathed in, and used water that was later found to be contaminated.

The U.S. government initially denied many claims for compensation.

But in August 2022, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was signed into law as part of the PACT Act.

This law allows individuals who were exposed for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987 to file claims against the U.S. government for damages — something that was previously blocked by North Carolina’s statute of limitations.

The Camp Lejeune lawsuit involves claims by veterans, family members, and workers who were exposed to toxic water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina between 1953 and 1987. The water was contaminated with harmful chemicals, including:

• Trichloroethylene (TCE)
• Perchloroethylene (PCE)
• Benzene
• Vinyl chloride

These are known carcinogens and have been linked to cancers, birth defects, Parkinson’s disease, and other serious health problems.

Note: This article provides an in-depth analysis of the Camp Lejeune lawsuit, focusing on the water contamination issues, legislative responses, and the current status of legal proceedings.

Background: Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune

Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, located in North Carolina, was established in 1941 to serve as a training facility for the U.S. Marine Corps.

Between 1953 and 1987, the base’s water supply was contaminated with hazardous chemicals, including trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride.

These contaminants originated from sources such as leaking storage tanks, industrial spills, and improper waste disposal practices.

Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to severe health conditions, including various cancers, neurological disorders, and reproductive issues.

Discovery and Initial Responses

The contamination was first identified in 1982 when the Marine Corps discovered volatile organic compounds in the base’s water supply.

Despite this discovery, wells supplying contaminated water were not closed until 1985. Over the years, numerous veterans, their families, and civilian workers who resided or worked at Camp Lejeune reported health problems believed to be associated with the contaminated water.

However, legal barriers, including North Carolina’s statute of repose, prevented many affected individuals from seeking compensation.

Legislative Actions: The Camp Lejeune Justice Act

In response to mounting pressure from affected individuals and advocacy groups, the U.S. Congress enacted the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) as part of the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022.

This legislation provided a federal cause of action for those exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, allowing them to file claims for damages.

To be eligible, individuals must have lived, worked, or been otherwise exposed to the water at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.

The Act also removed certain legal immunities, making it easier for claimants to seek redress.

For more info. en.wikipedia.org

Filing Claims Under the CLJA

The CLJA established a two-year window, beginning on August 10, 2022, for affected individuals to file administrative claims with the Department of the Navy. This step is mandatory before initiating a lawsuit in federal court.

Over 546,500 claims had been filed, making it one of the largest injury cases in U.S. history.

The claims process requires detailed documentation of exposure and medical conditions, and claimants must demonstrate a causal link between their health issues and the contaminated water.

Current Status of Lawsuits

Despite the high volume of claims, progress has been slow. By March 2025, only about 400 claims had been resolved, with approximately $38.8 million paid out.

Over 2,600 lawsuits have been filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina, with the first trials anticipated to begin later this year. Plaintiffs’ attorneys have accused the Department of Justice of deliberately stalling cases by disputing diagnoses and causation links.

Expert discovery is nearing completion, with all expert reports exchanged and most depositions finalized. A hearing scheduled for March 25, 2025, will determine trial scheduling and case management.

Challenges and Criticisms

The slow pace of claim resolutions has drawn criticism from veterans and advocacy groups. Many claimants are elderly or in poor health, and delays in the legal process may prevent them from seeing justice in their lifetimes.

Additionally, the sheer volume of claims has overwhelmed the administrative system, leading to concerns about the efficiency and fairness of the process. Efforts are underway to streamline proceedings, but significant challenges remain.

Health Implications of the Contamination

Exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune has been linked to a range of serious health conditions, including:

• Cancers: Kidney cancer, liver cancer, leukemia, and bladder cancer.
• Neurological Disorders: Parkinson’s disease and other neurobehavioral effects.
• Reproductive Issues: Miscarriages, birth defects, and infertility.

These health issues have had profound impacts on the lives of those affected, underscoring the importance of the ongoing legal proceedings.

Government Response and Accountability

The U.S. government has acknowledged the contamination and its potential health effects. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides healthcare benefits for certain conditions related to Camp Lejeune service.

However, the slow pace of claim resolutions under the CLJA has led to calls for greater accountability and expedited processing. The upcoming court hearings and trial schedules are expected to address some of these concerns.

Looking Ahead: Future Implications

The Camp Lejeune lawsuits represent a significant moment in environmental and military justice. The outcomes of these cases may set precedents for how the U.S. government addresses similar situations in the future.

For the thousands of affected individuals, these proceedings offer a path toward recognition and compensation for their suffering. As the legal process unfolds, it will be crucial to balance thoroughness with timeliness to ensure that justice is served.

Conclusion

The Camp Lejeune water contamination and subsequent lawsuits highlight the long-term consequences of environmental negligence and the challenges of seeking justice decades later.

While legislative actions like the Camp Lejeune Justice Act have provided a pathway for compensation, the slow progress underscores the need for efficient legal processes.

As the cases move forward, they will not only impact the lives of the claimants but also influence future policies on environmental health and military accountability.