The Camp Lejeune lawsuits address one of the largest toxic water contamination cases in U.S. history. Thousands of victims seek compensation from the United States government under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 (CLJA).
The case involves water contamination at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River in North Carolina. Exposure occurred between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.
Statement of Facts
Testing confirmed that the water supply contained dangerous levels of:
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Trichloroethylene (TCE)
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Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)
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Benzene
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Vinyl chloride
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Mercury
PCE levels reached 43 times the safe limit. TCE measured 1,400 ppb against the EPA’s 5 ppb limit. The contamination lasted decades. Victims include Marines, family members, civilian workers, and contractors.
Plaintiff Allegations
The lawsuits claim that the United States:
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Supplied contaminated water to base residents and workers.
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Failed to warn individuals of known hazards.
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Negligently allowed toxic chemicals to remain in the water supply.
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Caused severe illnesses, birth defects, and deaths through exposure.
Injuries and Conditions
Recognized illnesses include:
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Adult leukemia
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Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
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Multiple myeloma
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Bladder cancer
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Kidney cancer
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Liver cancer
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Parkinson’s disease
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Aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes
Other injuries include renal toxicity, scleroderma, breast cancer, esophageal cancer, neurobehavioral disorders, female infertility, miscarriage, and hepatic steatosis.
Legal Basis for Claims
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 grants the right to sue the federal government for harm caused by exposure.
Key points under the CLJA:
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Plaintiffs must have lived or worked at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River for at least 30 days in the covered period.
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Plaintiffs must prove a link between the illness and water contamination.
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Scientific studies can satisfy the burden of proof.
Procedural History
As of August 2025:
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More than 400,000 claims have been filed.
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About 51,000 claims may qualify for the Elective Option settlement program.
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Track 1 cases focus on leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
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Expert evidence disputes remain active. Courts have limited new studies but allowed established science.
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Trials are expected late in 2025.
Damages Sought
Plaintiffs request:
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Medical expenses
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Lost income and future earnings
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Pain and suffering
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Loss of companionship
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Funeral expenses in wrongful death cases
Settlement projections vary:
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Severe cases may approach $1 million.
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Moderate cases may fall between $150,000 – $500,000.
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Lower-impact cases may settle under $150,000.
Wrongful Death Actions
North Carolina law allows the personal representative of the estate to file claims. Damages can cover:
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Medical bills before death
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Lost earnings
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Pain and suffering of the decedent
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Funeral costs
Conclusion
The Camp Lejeune litigation seeks accountability from the U.S. government for decades of toxic exposure. The cases demand fair compensation for victims whose health and lives were damaged.
The outcome will depend on evidence, court rulings, and the pace of settlements in 2025 and beyond.
