Camp Lejeune Birth Defects Lawsuit 

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination & Birth Defects

Those living or working on the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina may have been exposed to chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through the water that was used for cooking, bathing, and cleaning.

The toxic chemicals found in the water supply at Camp Lejeune included benzene, vinyl chloride, PCE (perchloroethylene or tetrachloroethylene), and TCE (trichloroethylene), which put over 1 million people at risk of serious health issues.

Exposure to these chemicals during pregnancy has been linked to birth defects, infertility, and miscarriages.

In fact, there were so many miscarriages, stillbirths, and fatal birth defects during this time period that a portion of a nearby cemetery came to be known as “Baby Heaven” due to the number of infants buried there.

If you or your child was injured from the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you may now be eligible to pursue compensation under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 — even if your loved one passed away decades ago.

However, Camp Lejeune birth defect lawsuits may only be filed until August 2024. Thousands of claims have already been filed nationwide, and the government is actively evaluating cases.

Birth Defects from Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

Many families experienced the devastating loss of a child or children as a result of severe birth defects caused by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. Other children were born with health issues that required extensive medical care throughout their lifetime.

Some of the birth defects linked to Camp Lejeune include:

• Anencephaly (when a baby is born without parts of the brain or skull)
• Fetal death
• Heart problems
• Immune system disorders
• Low birth weight
• Major congenital malformations
• Oral cleft defects, such as cleft lip and cleft palate
• Spina bifida, a type of neural tube defect (NTD) that affects the spine

Many children at Camp Lejeune also faced an increased rate of childhood hematopoietic cancers, like non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Additionally, the chemicals found in the water at Camp Lejeune have been linked to infertility and miscarriages.

If you or a loved one was born with a birth defect after being exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you may be eligible to pursue financial compensation.

What the Camp Lejeune Justice Act Means for Victims

In August 2022, President Biden passed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act as part of the larger Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act.

This new law allows veterans, their families, and civilian workers to file lawsuits if they were affected by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, including:

• Women who were pregnant while living there
• Anyone who was born at Camp Lejeune
• Those who lived on the base as children

Previously, victims were unable to pursue legal claims for injuries caused by the chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune. Stay up to date with the latest news on Camp Lejeune litigation and settlements.

Who Can File a Camp Lejeune Birth Defects Lawsuit?

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was created to provide benefits to those who suffered harm from the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, like the parents of children affected by birth defects and the children themselves.

You may be eligible for a Camp Lejeune birth defect lawsuit if you or your family member:

• Resided or worked at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987
• Spent at least 30 days on base (consecutively or non-consecutively)
• Developed a health issue as a result of exposure to the water at Camp Lejeune

Even if your child passed away decades ago, you may still be able to file a lawsuit on their behalf. These are known as Camp Lejeune wrongful death lawsuits.

Thousands have already filed, and the U.S. government is actively evaluating claims — but you only have a small window left to take action!

How to File a Camp Lejeune Birth Defects Lawsuit

When you work with Sokolove Law, we strive to make filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit as stress-free as possible for you and your family.

If you have a case, our Camp Lejeune birth defect attorneys can handle every step of the legal process for you, so you can focus on your health and recovery.

1. Contact Sokolove Law

At Sokolove Law, we can provide you with a free legal consultation to determine if you are eligible to file a claim.

During your consultation, we will ask you questions about your story and listen to how the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune has impacted you and your loved ones.

2. Gather Evidence for Your Case

Our Camp Lejeune attorneys will work with you to gather important evidence and documents like medical bills, medical records, and military service records.

Not sure where to find these records? Our team can figure out what’s needed and help you find it when the time comes.

3. File a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit

Our attorneys will file the Camp Lejeune birth defects water lawsuit on your behalf. By working with an experienced legal team, you can get help ensuring that all deadlines are met and the paperwork for your case is properly submitted.

Those impacted by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune only have until August 2024 to file a lawsuit, so it is important to contact a Camp Lejeune birth defect lawyer as soon as possible.

4. Negotiate a Camp Lejeune Birth Defect Settlement

Your attorney may be able to negotiate a Camp Lejeune birth defect settlement with the defendant on your behalf.

However, if a settlement is unable to be reached, your attorney can present your case in court before a judge and jury, who will hear your case and decide how much compensation — if any — you may receive.

There are no upfront or out-of-pocket costs to work with us. We only get paid if your case results in compensation.

Camp Lejeune Birth Defect Settlements

To settle Camp Lejeune claims, the Congressional Budget Office has projected spending over $21 Billion total for Camp Lejeune settlements.

There are a few factors that influence how much money may be awarded in cases involving birth defects from the Camp Lejeune water contamination.

Some factors that may be considered in Camp Lejeune lawsuits include:

• The extent of immediate and long-term medical expenses
• The pain and suffering experienced by both the child and the parents
• The length of time spent at Camp Lejeune
• Whether the infant died or had their life expectancy significantly shortened
• Whether either parent experienced loss of work or income due to caring for the child

It is important to note that settlement amounts involving birth defects are often more significant than those involving illness, because they affect the child’s entire life.

Since there are some types of birth defects that are almost always fatal, birth defect lawsuits may often present as wrongful death lawsuits.

Our attorneys can fight to maximize your compensation from a Camp Lejeune birth defect lawsuit.

Get Help Filing a Camp Lejeune Birth Defects Lawsuit

Thanks to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, anyone who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 may now be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation for their injuries.

Sokolove Law is a national personal injury law firm with over 45 years of experience helping our clients — many of them veterans and military service members — get the compensation they deserve.

Our team is honored to support our veterans, and we don’t charge you any upfront or out-of-pocket costs.

Camp Lejeune Water Birth Defects FAQs