Camp Lejeune Water Lawsuit: How to Claim $25,000–$300,000 If You Lived or Worked There
From 1953 to 1987, thousands of military families, veterans, and civilian workers were unknowingly exposed to toxic water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.
The U.S. government has finally opened a path for those affected to receive financial compensation — ranging from $25,000 to over $300,000, depending on exposure and illness.
If you or a loved one lived, worked, or served at Camp Lejeune during that time, you may be eligible.
💧 What Happened at Camp Lejeune?
For over three decades, the drinking water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — cancer-causing chemicals like:
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Trichloroethylene (TCE)
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Perchloroethylene (PCE)
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Benzene
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Vinyl chloride
These toxins came from industrial spills, leaking underground storage tanks, and improper disposal by military operations.
Estimates suggest over 1 million people were exposed — many for years — without being informed.
⚠️ Health Conditions Linked to Exposure
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and CDC acknowledge a strong link between Camp Lejeune water and several serious diseases, including:
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Leukemia
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Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
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Liver cancer
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Kidney cancer
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Bladder cancer
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Parkinson’s disease
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Multiple myeloma
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Aplastic anemia
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Female infertility
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Miscarriages and birth defects
Even short-term exposure has been linked to long-term health issues.
🧠 Who Is Eligible for Compensation?
You may be eligible if:
✅ You lived or worked at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987
✅ You were exposed to the base's contaminated water supply for 30 days or more (cumulative, not continuous)
✅ You later developed a qualifying illness (as listed above)
✅ You are a veteran, family member, child born on base, or civilian worker
This includes:
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Military personnel stationed there
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Spouses, children, and unborn children (prenatal exposure)
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Base workers: janitors, kitchen staff, nurses, admin, and others
Even if the affected person is deceased, surviving family members can often file a claim.
💰 How Much Money Can You Receive?
Settlement amounts vary based on illness, duration of exposure, and personal circumstances.
💵 Estimated ranges:
| Condition | Average Payout Range |
|---|---|
| Mild-to-moderate illness | $25,000 – $75,000 |
| Cancer-related conditions | $100,000 – $250,000 |
| Fatalities / lifelong disability | $300,000+ |
In some cases, multiple family members in a household may each qualify individually.
📄 How to File Your Camp Lejeune Claim (Step-by-Step)
You don’t need a lawyer to start your claim — but you must file it correctly to qualify.
Here’s how:
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Gather your records
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Proof of residence or service at Camp Lejeune during the qualifying years
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Medical records showing your condition
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Birth or death certificates (for family claims)
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Visit the Official VA Info Page
👉 https://www.va.gov/camp-lejeune/ -
Choose your path:
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File through the VA for health benefits
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Or submit a compensation claim under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act
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Optional: If unsure how to proceed, contact a VA-accredited attorney or claim assistant (some work on contingency).
Note: This is not a class action. It’s an individual mass tort — your claim is handled separately.
🕒 Important Deadlines You Must Know
Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) passed in 2022, you have only 2 years from August 10, 2022 to file a claim — which means:
⏳ Deadline: August 10, 2024
Miss it, and you lose your right to compensation permanently.
💬 FAQs About the Camp Lejeune Settlement
Q: Can I file for a deceased family member?
A: Yes. Many survivors have successfully filed on behalf of deceased veterans or relatives.
Q: Do I need a lawyer to file?
A: No. But legal help can simplify the process — especially if you’re claiming for more than one person or a wrongful death.
Q: Is this legit or a scam?
A: This is an official government-authorized program. Scammers do exist — only use .gov websites or verified legal blogs like ours.
🔎 Related Settlements You Might Also Qualify For
If you lived near other military bases or used products like firefighting foam, Roundup, or Zantac, you might be eligible for additional compensation.
We’ll cover these in upcoming posts — subscribe or bookmark to stay updated.
✅ Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss What You’re Owed
The government exposed families to dangerous water for decades. Now it’s paying up — but only if you act.
You could be one of the many eligible for life-changing compensation.
Take 10 minutes to check your eligibility.
Start with the official VA page, or read our upcoming articles for deeper claim breakdowns.
🔁 This post is part of our series: “Are You Owed Money?”
Stay tuned for more legal claims you might not know you qualify for.