If you or a loved one were exposed to toxic water, the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawyers at Fob James Law Firm want to help you.
The water at Camp Lejeune from 1953 until 1987 contained toxic chemicals. Folks who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune during this time frame were exposed to harmful chemicals.
The toxic water caused serious diseases such as cancer, parkinson’s, non hodgkin lymphoma, and many others.
Our biggest concern is making sure you get the justice and the compensation that you deserve. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Contact a Camp Lejeune lawyer in Tennessee today for a free case evaluation.
The deadline to file a Camp Lejeune claim was August 10, 2024. As a result, we cannot help with your case unless your claim was properly filed before the deadline.
Camp Lejuene Water Contamination FAQ
Who Qualifies for a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement?
Contamination of water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina and military installations near Camp Lejeune [e.g. Marine Corps Air Station New River (MCAS NR)] occurred over a span of 35 years, exposing an estimated one million people to chemicals that have been linked to diseases like Parkinson’s disease, kidney disease, fertility problems, and several types of cancer.
Between 1953 and 1987, water treated and distributed by the Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point systems on Camp Lejeune Marine Base was determined to have contained unsafe levels of toxic chemicals like trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (also known as perchloroethylene, or PCE), vinyl chloride, and benzene.
Veterans, family members and others who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune or Marine Corps Air Station New River (MCAS NR) between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 for at least thirty days and were diagnosed with the injuries listed below may be entitled to compensation.
What Injuries Are Linked to Camp Lejeune’s Water Contamination?
The cancers that have been linked to exposure to TCE and PCE include the following:
- Leukemia
- Bladder Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Multiple Myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Parksinsons
- Aplastic Anemia
- Scleroderma
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes
- Kidney Disease
- Lung Cancer
- Esophageal Cancer
Other injuries linked to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune include the following:
- ALS (Lou Gerhig’s Disease)
- Birth Defects and Injuries
- Brain Damage
- Cardiac Defect
- Fatty Liver Disease
- Hepatic Steatosis
- Infertility
- Miscarriage
- Neurobehavioral Effects
- Parkinsonian Syndrome
- Renal Toxicity
- MDS Syndrome
- Breast Cancer
- Rectal Cancer
- Brain Cancer
- Uterine Cancer
- Other Cancers
What Is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022?
On June 16, 2022, the United States Senate voted in favor of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, advancing the piece of legislation that opens the door for new claims on behalf of Veterans and military families injured by exposure to contaminated water at the military base.
The significance of this law is that it enlarges the time period for victims to file claims. Most toxic tort claims are barred two years after the date of discovery or after a requisite period of time has passed regardless of the date of discovery. This is known as the statute of limitations and the statute of repose.
Prior to this new law, victims claims were barred by the statute of limitations or the statute of repose in virtually every state, including North Carolina, because the exposure occurred so long ago (1953-1987).
Now that the CLJA has been enacted, victims of water contamination at Camp Lejeune can file claims with the federal government compensation they deserve.
What Can I Recover From a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?
Every case is unique, but people who file claims can potentially recover money for some of the following damages:
- Past and future medical bills (including medication, hospital stays, and in-home care)
- Pain and suffering including mental anguish
- Psychological damage
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- The loss of enjoyment of life
- Broadly speaking, a plaintiff could be entitled to compensation for any past and future costs associated with their injury
How Long Do I Have to File a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claim?
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act establishes a two-year time-frame from the date of the law’s enactment during which veterans, their families, and others exposed to contaminated drinking water on the military base can commence legal action.
The CLJA went into effect on August 10, 2022. Claims must be filed with the JAG by August 10, 2024. If the JAG denies a victim’s written demand, the victim has only 180 days from the receipt of the denial to file a lawsuit.
Do not delay. Contact Fob James Law Firm toll-free at 833-684-0503 for a free case analysis. Our Tennessee Camp Lejeune Water Contamination attorneys are ready to help you.
How Do I File a Camp Lejeune Water Claim Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?
According the recently passed bill, victims must first comply with 28 U.S. Code § 2675 before filing a lawsuit. This means that victims must submit a written claim to JAG.
The JAG will have six months to either pay or deny the claim. If the JAG does not respond to the written demand within six months, then the claim will be deemed denied.
After a denial, the victims will then have 180 days to file a lawsuit in the District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
What Do Camp Lejeune Victims Have To Prove?
Victims of the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination will have to prove the following:
- Proof that you served or lived at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987;
- A current diagnosed condition; and,
- Evidence sufficient to conclude that a causal relationship exists between the diagnosis and toxic water exposure (or that a causal relationship is as least likely as not).
Fortunately, many victims will be able to meet the evidentiary burden by citing prior studies and findings by the VA and other government agencies.
Will A Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Affect My Disability From The VA?
No, your claim under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) is a separate claim, and you are entitled to different damages like pain and suffering.
It is possible that some disability benefits you have received from the VA in the past may offset part of your CLJA recovery.
However, the VA has made clear that your disability benefits will not be impacted:
What Are The Attorney Fees In Camp Lejeune Lawsuits?
Fob James Law Firm operates on the contingency-fee-basis, which means we only get paid a percentage of the recovery if we successfully resolve your case.
Our fees come out of a favorable settlement or jury award, not out of your pocket. Importantly, if we do not obtain a recovery then you owe us nothing.
Fob James Law Firm charges every Camp Lejeune toxic water client a 20% or 25% contingency fee.
Specifically, if your Camp Lejeune claim is resolved before litigation, the attorney’s fee is 20% of the settlement. If your claim is resolved after filing a lawsuit, the attorney’s fee is 25% of the total recovery.
For an in depth analysis explaining why lawyer fees in Camp Lejeune lawsuits should be capped at 20-25%, please read our article, What Are The Attorney Fees For The Camp Lejeune Lawsuit.
What Is The Average Payout for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?
We believe claims will be grouped into different tiers based on the injury. For example bladder cancer cases could be one tier and parkinsons’ disease cases could be another tier.
The government will likely implement a point system based on a myriad of factors (e.g. the number of years spent at Camp Lejeune). Claims with higher points will likely be offered more money.
This is basically what the government has implemented with its “Elective Option” (EO). The EO provides settlement offers to a limited number of cases that meet very strict criteria.
Under the Elective Option, settlement amounts are based on the qualifying injury and the number of years spent at Camp Lejeune. Read our article on the Elective Option for a breakdown.
To discuss the potential value of your case with an attorney, please contact us at 866-837-1010.
When Will the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Be Settled?
No one knows when the Camp Lejeune lawsuits will settle. The filed lawsuits have been consolidated for the purpose of efficiency. The litigation is underway for tracks 1, 2, and 3.
The Federal Judges presiding over the litigation will schedule “bellwether” trials (test trials), likley beginning in 2025. These trials will hopefully apply pressure on the government to start reviewing and settling cases.
For cases that meet the criteria under the Elective Option, the government will make offers on its own time. The government first determines that a case qualifies under the EO before making an offer. Only a small percetange of cases actually qualify under the government’s narrow criteria.
This is completely speculative but for most cases we believe the time frame for settlement could be 2 years.
The Risk of Cancer and Parkinson’s Is Real
In 2014, Frank J. Bove with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and several colleagues published a mortality study (the “Bove Study”) of civilian employees at Camp Lejeune exposed to water contaminated with solvents.
The study concluded that elevated toxins in the water system at Camp Lejeune increased the risk of cancers of the kidney, liver, esophagus, cervix, multiple myeloma, Hodgkin lymphoma and ALS.
Furthermore, the federal government’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) conducted an extensive mortality study of military personnel at Camp Lejeune compared to personnel at Camp Pendleton.
Over the same time period, the Camp Lejeune group had higher mortality rates for the following causes of death:
- Cancers of the cervix, esophagus, kidney, liver, lung, pancreas, prostate, rectum, and soft tissue
- Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Leukemias
- Multiple myeloma
- Multiple sclerosis
Moreover, a recent study conducted by JAMA Neurology concluded that marines exposed to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune had a 70% greater risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Updates
Last updated: October 6, 2025
Read our lawsuit blog to track the latest developments in the Camp Lejeune water contamination litigation, including bellwether trials, settlement updates, and federal court rulings.
OCTOBER 6, 2025 Latest Camp Lejeune Litigation Overview
Expert discovery deadlines and Daubert briefing: Expert discovery for bellwether cases runs through October 2025. Multiple Daubert and dispositive motions have been filed and await resolution.
Settlement Masters’ filings/communications: Any new status report or proposed settlement matrix from the Settlement Masters is pivotal. Check the EDNC docket and the court’s Camp Lejeune resources for updates.
New case filings: The EDNC docket continues to receive new CLJA complaints, such as Oct 2, 2025 filings including Carter v. USA.
Quick Data Points
- Reported number of filed CLJA cases on EDNC docket: ~3,600+
- Administrative claims submitted (public reporting): ~400,000+ (only a fraction qualify for or have been processed under EO)
Short Take – What This Means for Counsel and Claimants
- Near term (Oct–Dec 2025): Expect heavy briefing on expert admissibility and causation. Decisions on these motions will set the framework for the first judge-trials and influence settlement values.
- Settlement possibility: Settlement Masters are actively working; a matrix or global framework is likely for large-scale resolution, but implementation will take months, with eligibility and injury tiers still being negotiated.
- Operational reality: Government motions and expert rulings have pushed bellwether trial dates later than early projections. Close calendar monitoring is critical.
SEPTEMBER 15, 2025 PLG and DOJ file barrage of “Daubert motions”
The plaintiff leadership and the DOJ filed Daubert motions last week. They seek to exclude each other’s expert testimony in the track 1 cases. These experts are offering opinions on causation. If Plaintiff’s experts are excluded, then certain cases could be dismissed based on failure to meet the burden of proof. Daubert is a monumental pre-trial phase of this litigation. How the Judges rule on these motions will also impact the non-discovery track cases.
JULY 7, 2025 Congressman introduces amendment to streamline CLJA claims
US Rep. Richard Hudson, R-NC9, and three other co-sponsors introduced the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act to streamline the process for adjudicating CLJA claims and resolve pending legal issues.
As everyone is aware, the Camp Lejeune claims process has not gone as Congress intended. The DOJ is fighting every legal and fact issue it can. As a result, the Camp Lejeune litigation has morphed into another “mass tort” that will go on for years unless the law is amended.
This is exactly what the Ensuring Justice Camp Lejeune Victims Act accomplishes. As currently drafted, the bill would do the following:
- Jury-trials: Guarantees the right to request a jury trial.
- Causation standard: Claimants would only need to establish general causation.
- Expanded court access: Allows cases to be heard in any federal court in North or South Carolina.
- Attorney-fees: Caps attorney fees at 20% for administrative settlements and 25% for litigation.
The legislative process has a long way to go, but we are hopeful CLJA will be amended to cut current red tape.
JUNE 22, 2025 Camp Lejeune “settlement matrix” is in development
The Plaintiffs Leadership Group, Department of Justice, and Settlement Masters have been working toward creating a “settlement matrix and global settlement framework.” Generally speaking, the global settlement matrix/framework is a way to assess the value of cases for settlement using a point-based system.
Points may be allocated based on length of exposure, location on base, type of illness, extent of treatment, etc. The more points, the higher the settlement value on the matrix. The ultimate goal is to resolve as many pending claims as possible, but not all claims will be included.
We are told the expectation is to have the framework finished by the end of 2025. We do not yet know which claims will be included or the categories for points, nor the potential settlement values. We hope to learn more during bellwether trial mediations this summer, currently scheduled to finish by early August.
JUNE 2, 2025 Parties file joint status report
- 3,145 lawsuits and 410,000 CLJA claims have been filed.
- 144,527 CLJA claims currently contain at least one supporting document, approximately 55,109 of those alleging an EO injury.
- Parties propose that Track 1 leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cases be tried before Judge Dever.
- Depositions of water contamination experts have been completed. PLG will take supplemental deposition of expert Remy Hennet.
- DOJ is trying to produce TRICARE, Medicare, and VA offsets for the Track 1 trial cases one year after fact discovery closed.
- Phase I expert depositions have been taken; Phase II scheduled; Phase III in process of being scheduled.
APRIL 23, 2025 Status report reveals number of claims with an “EO” injury
The latest joint status report reveals that out of the 140,000 claims submitted with at least one supporting document, only 18,000 list injuries covered by the “Elective Option” (EO). That number does not mean all 18,000 qualify under EO, just that the claim form lists an EO injury.
The listed diseases include:
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Leukemia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Bladder cancer
- End stage renal disease
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
- Systemic scleroderma
This is a much smaller number than expected and raises questions about DOJ/Navy settlement plans for these claims.
MARCH 13, 2025 EDNC judge’s order offers glimmer of hope
The Plaintiff Leadership is preparing 25 cases for the first round of bellwether trials; all other cases remain stayed. Expert discovery for the bellwether cases runs through October 2025, with pre-trial motions to follow. Bellwether trials are expected to begin in 2026.
Special Masters and Magistrate Judge Gates are developing a settlement questionnaire and matrix. Bellwether mediations for the 25 cases will occur in summer 2025. The Court aims to agree to a global matrix-style settlement and process after those mediations.
Note: There is currently no global settlement or agreed process. Details (qualifying criteria, amounts, etc.) remain unknown. If no matrix is agreed, the next phase will be the first round of bellwether trials in 2026.
FEBRUARY 10, 2025 EPA to ban TCE and PCE chemicals
The EPA announced plans to ban TCE and PCE chemicals—contaminants prevalent at Camp Lejeune. TCE contaminated the Tarawa Terrace water system; PCE contaminated Hadnot Point. The ban is long overdue given the harm to victims.
JANUARY 5, 2025 Court extends expert discovery and motion practice deadlines
The PLG and DOJ filed a joint motion to extend expert disclosure and related motion deadlines. The Court granted the motion. The tail end of expert motion practice is October 31, 2025; after that date the Court will rule on pending motions. Bellwether trials in 2025 look increasingly unlikely.
DECEMBER 13, 2024 The Navy’s claims portal is a mess
The Navy’s online portal asks claimants to upload documents for review. In practice, the portal often flags documents as “not substantiated” to delay evaluation. Common excuses include:
- “We will only accept certified copies of medical records” (many records no longer exist).
- “We can’t read the seal or stamp on your document” (e.g., letters of administration, birth certificates).
- “The DD214 doesn’t specify time spent at Camp Lejeune or housing records.”
In many cases the government already has the records but does not provide them; this process effectively delays claim evaluation. We do not expect meaningful settlement activity until after several bellwether trials; a negotiated settlement process will be required to resolve many claims.
NOVEMBER 12, 2024 General litigation update
Timing: The litigation involves over 500,000 administrative claims and will likely continue for years. The first track of 25 bellwether trials is expected in 2025; we hope reasonable settlement offers will follow the first round of bellwethers.
Expert discovery: Plaintiffs bear the burden of proof on general and specific causation and rely heavily on expert testimony. The parties are engaged in expert discovery, including water contamination and medical experts. Daubert challenges are expected and may affect which cases proceed.
Trial framework: The 25 bellwether trials will be divided into four phases: Phase 1 (water contamination), Phase 2 (general causation), Phase 3 (specific causation), and Phase 4 (damages). Each phase will present distinct evidence, and the Court will limit what is presented at each stage.
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Read Our Blog To Stay InformedWe Represent Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Clients Nationwide
Even though we are headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama and Atlanta, Georgia, Fob James Law Firm is honored to represent veterans and their families who have suffered injuries caused by the toxic water at Camp Lejeune. We are representing clients in 48 states:
Irrespective of where clients are located, Camp Lejeune lawsuits must be filed and litigated in federal court in North Carolina. We are ready and able to aggressively represent you and your family on your claim no matter what state you reside in.
Contact a Tennessee Camp Lejeune Lawyer Near Me for Help
At Fob James Law Firm, our job is to help you to the best of our ability and fight for you. If you’ve suffered an injury as a result of exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you should contact us immediately.
We can determine if you are eligible to file a claim or not. It won’t cost you anything to speak with us.
Additionally, you’ll never pay us anything until we successfully settle or win your case in court. Our Camp Lejeune attorneys in Tennessee are experienced, dedicated, and they truly care about you.
We treat all of our clients exactly how we would want our own family members to be treated. Contact us right now at 866-837-1010 or set up a free case evaluation so we can help you.