CAMP LEJEUNE WATER CONTAMINATION LAWSUIT

How Do I Know If I Qualify for a Camp Lejeune claim? To qualify, the impacted person must have:

1. been stationed or lived at Camp LeJune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953 and December 1, 1987; and

2. Sustained injuries or death due to exposure to contaminated water.

Do I Automatically Receive Money If I Qualify? No. Recovery under the CLA is not automatic. A claimant must still prove there is a connection between their death or illness and the contaminants in the water. There is a great deal of medical literature on these subjects depending on the illness. Medical and other qualified experts will most likely be required to establish a compensable claim. 

What If The Exposed Person Has Passed Away? A representative of the deceased person may file a claim. However, that person must be qualified under the law to make such claim. 

Can I File a Lawsuit Immediately?:  No. Claimants must first file a claim with the Navy’s Tort Claims Unit in Norfolk, Virginia using a Standard Form 95. The Claim must be filed within two years of the date the CLA is formally signed by President Biden.

What Happens After I File the Claim Form? The Navy Tort Claims Unit has 180 days to investigate, resolve or deny your claim. 

What If My Claim Is Denied By the Naval Tort Claims Unit? You have 180 days to file suit against the government in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. 

What Do I Need to File My Camp Lejeune Claim?  You will need your military service record, marriage license or proof of marriage during the applicable time period, medical records indicating your diagnosis or certificate of death as applicable to get started. Other records may be required. 

Can I File a Camp Lejeune Claim Myself? You can, but we do not advise it. What you may innocently say or do, or omit, even in filling out the Standard Form 95, can impact your claim and cause it to be denied. If you fail to meet imposed deadlines, your claim can be denied. If you fail to properly file your claim, it can be denied. If you fail to provide sufficient information to justify your claim, it may be denied.

How Can LRTL Help Me? We can help you file your claim and secure your rights. We will meet with you, assist you in gathering all appropriate medical records, establish a formal estate to pursue the claim in the event of a deceased claimant and prepare and file your Standard Form 95. We will negotiate on your behalf with the Naval Tort Claims Unit and otherwise secure your rights in the federal court litigation if necessary.