Camp Lejeune Water Contamination & Parkinson's Disease
From 1953 to 1987, more than 1 million residents and workers, including military service members and their families, were exposed to toxic water at the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.
It wasn’t until 1982 that the contamination was first discovered, but by then, the exposure had been going on undetected for almost 30 years.
Toxic chemicals found in the water supply at Camp Lejeune included benzene, PCE (perchloroethylene), TCE (trichloroethylene), and vinyl chloride. These chemicals leaked into the water supply from improper waste disposal methods, leaking storage tanks, and spills from on-base military operations and a dry-cleaning business nearby.
Sadly, exposure to the contaminated water has been linked to a number of serious health conditions, including Parkinson’s disease.
In fact, U.S. Marines who were stationed at Camp Lejeune have a 70% higher risk of Parkinson's disease than veterans who served elsewhere, according to a new study.
Thanks to new laws, Sokolove Law is now able to help those who developed Parkinson’s and their families pursue compensation from a Camp Lejeune lawsuit.
Thousands have already filed, and the U.S. government is actively evaluating claims — but you only have a small window left to take action!
Can I File a Camp Lejeune Parkinson's Disease Lawsuit?
You may be able to file a Camp Lejeune Parkinson’s disease lawsuit if you or a loved one:
- Lived or worked at Camp Lejeune between August 1953 and December 1987
- Spent 30 days or more there (at once or over the years)
- Has since developed Parkinson’s disease
Even if your loved one passed away decades ago, you may be able to file a Camp Lejeune wrongful death lawsuit on their behalf.
August 2024 is the deadline or statute of limitations for filing Camp Lejeune lawsuits for Parkinson’s disease and other conditions. Don’t delay and miss your chance.
Filing a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit for Parkinson’s Disease
When you’re ready to start a Camp Lejeune lawsuit for Parkinson’s disease, follow these steps.
1. Contact Sokolove Law
At Sokolove Law, we offer each of our potential new clients a free legal case review, so they can learn more about their options without worrying about any costs or obligations.
During a case review, our team will simply ask you a couple of questions about your time at Camp Lejeune and any resulting conditions. We’ll also answer any questions you may have about the legal process.
There are never any upfront or out-of-pocket costs when you work with our Camp Lejeune attorneys. We only get paid if your case results in compensation.
2. Gather Evidence for Your Case
Important documents for any Camp Lejeune case may include medical records and bills as well as military service records that show residency or employment on base.
Not sure what you need or where to find it? Your legal team can let you know what they need — and help you find it when needed.
3. File a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit
At Sokolove Law, our Camp Lejeune attorneys can take care of filing the Camp Lejeune Parkinson’s lawsuit on your behalf, so you can focus on your health and healing.
As your case progresses, your lawyers and legal team will keep you updated and ensure that all paperwork is gathered and submitted on time before any deadlines.
At this time, we can also help you prepare and file a Camp Lejeune VA claim for benefits if you qualify as well.
4. Negotiate a Camp Lejeune Parkinson’s Settlement
Your attorney may be able to negotiate a Camp Lejeune settlement with the defendant, so you can receive compensation without going to trial.
However, if a settlement isn’t reached, your case may go to court, where your attorney can present your case in front of a judge and jury for a verdict.
At Sokolove Law, our attorneys can fight for the most compensation possible in your case.
Determining Camp Lejeune Parkinson's Payout Amounts
Because no Camp Lejeune Parkinson’s disease lawsuits have been settled yet, it’s hard to say what a potential settlement could be worth.
That said, the Congressional Budget Office has projected spending over $21 Billion total to settle Camp Lejeune claims.
Potential Camp Lejeune Parkinson’s payout amounts may take into account:
- How long you or your loved one spent at Camp Lejeune
- The age you or your loved one was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease
- The general state of health before the Parkinson’s disease diagnosis
- Extent of medical care and costs, including travel expenses to treatment
- Whether income or wages were lost due to illness and treatment
Our Camp Lejeune Parkinson's disease attorneys can fight on your behalf for the compensation you deserve.
Parkinson’s Disease & the Camp Lejeune Justice Act
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 is part of the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, which expands the benefits offered to U.S. veterans.
The PACT Act provides health care and other resources to veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals during military service, including those affected by the water at Camp Lejeune.
One of the biggest benefits of the act is that it allows veterans and their families to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit for any injuries arising from the toxic water exposure on base.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act also provides veterans and their loved ones with more time to take legal action over injuries that occurred decades ago.
Stay informed on the latest happenings — get regular updates on Camp Lejeune litigation and settlements.
Get Help with a Camp Lejeune Parkinson’s Disease Lawsuit
If you or your loved one suffered an injury related to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune, you deserve justice — and Sokolove Law may be able to help.
Why choose Sokolove Law for your Camp Lejeune claim?
- Over 45 years of experience
- More than $9.6 Billion secured
- Offices and attorneys in nearly every state
- No hourly fees or out-of-pocket costs
Our law firm is proud to work with Ed Bell, the man who championed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, and we are dedicated to working with veterans and their families across the United States.
Camp Lejeune and Parkinson's Disease FAQs
Is Parkinson's disease related to the water at Camp Lejeune?
Yes. The toxic chemicals found in the water at Camp Lejeune have since been linked to a number of serious medical conditions, including an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease.
If you or someone you love developed Parkinson’s disease after spending at least 30 days at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible for compensation from a lawsuit.
However, you only have until August 2024 to take legal action. Don’t miss out on the money you deserve.
Does Parkinson's disease qualify for Camp Lejeune VA benefits?
In many cases, yes. Parkinson’s disease is considered one of the Camp Lejeune presumptive conditions by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
This means if you served at Camp Lejeune and were diagnosed with Parkinson’s, the VA recognizes your condition as being service-related. As a result, veterans with Parkinson’s disease may qualify for Camp Lejeune VA benefits.
In addition to receiving VA disability and health care benefits, qualifying individuals may also be eligible for additional compensation from a Camp Lejeune Parkinson’s disease lawsuit.
What are symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s is more easily recognized by its physical effects, like difficulty talking or walking, but it can also cause numerous behavioral changes like depression as well.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include:
- Impaired balance and posture
- Loss of automatic movements (like blinking or smiling)
- Rigid muscles
- Slowed movement (bradykinesia)
- Speech or writing changes
- Tremors, usually in the limbs
If you spent time at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you may be at risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Consult your doctor as soon as possible if you think you may have experienced any of these symptoms.
Did the Camp Lejeune water cause other health issues?
Yes. Other health conditions linked to Camp Lejeune include:
- Aplastic anemia
- Birth defects
- Bladder cancer
- Brain cancer
- Breast cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Infertility
- Kidney cancer
- Kidney disease
- Leukemia
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Miscarriage
- Multiple myeloma
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Sarcoma
What causes Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is believed to be caused by a mix of genetic and environmental factors — like exposure to the toxic contaminants in the water at Camp Lejeune or in certain herbicides like the weed-killing spray paraquat.