How to File a Claim for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
If you or a family member has suffered harm because of Camp Lejeune water contamination, you have a short window of opportunity to file a claim for compensation. Meirowitz & Wasserberg, LLP is honored to help the brave men and women who served at Camp Lejeune recover their well-deserved compensation.
 Expertise
Mr. Wasserberg is proud to call himself a Trial Lawyer. He is often a featured speaker at industry summits and gatherings of the nation’s leading attorneys, from both sides of the bar. He is recognized by both his peers and his adversaries and is considered one of the nation’s premier mesothelioma and negligence attorneys
Content written by Dan Wasserberg
- Expertise
Mr. Wasserberg is proud to call himself a Trial Lawyer. He is often a featured speaker at industry summits and gatherings of the nation’s leading attorneys, from both sides of the bar. He is recognized by both his peers and his adversaries and is considered one of the nation’s premier mesothelioma and negligence attorneys
Experienced Mesothelioma Attorney
Nearly 35 years after the closure of the last contaminated water source, victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination can finally seek compensation for the resulting harm. Camp Lejeune water contamination victims were previously barred from seeking damages because of North Carolina’s statute of repose.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act, § 804 of the Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022, overrides the statute of repose, clearing the way for past Camp Lejeune residents and employees to receive the justice that has been denied for far too long.
The attorneys at Meirowitz & Wasserberg, LLP can help Camp Lejeune water poisoning victims file claims and maximize their compensation.
Quick Links
- The Camp Lejeune Claims Process
- Who is eligible to file a lawsuit for Camp Lejeune contaminated water?
- What do I have to prove in a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim?
- How much time do I have to file a Camp Lejeune Justice Act claim?
- How much is my Camp Lejeune claim worth?
- Can I file a claim on behalf of someone who is deceased?
- Start Your Claim Today
The Camp Lejeune Claims Process
As with all other federal claims, Camp Lejeune water contamination claims must be filed with the appropriate federal agency prior to filing a lawsuit. This is known as an administrative claim.
Filing an Administrative Claim
The federal agency that handles administrative claims is the Office of the Judge Advocate General (JAG) of the Navy’s Tort Claims Unit (TCU) in Norfolk, Virginia. If you filed a claim before and were denied, you may refile for reconsideration.
When submitting the claim, you must specify an amount or you could forfeit your rights. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you calculate the value of your claim and file your claim for you. The JAG can approve your claim, deny your claim, or offer a settlement. The JAG has a limit of six months to make a decision.
Filing a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit
If the JAG denies your claims or offers an inadequate settlement, you can file a federal civil lawsuit in the Eastern District of North Carolina.
This district has four divisions. If you do not reside within the district, you must file in the Southern Division. If you live within the district, you must file in the division closest to your residence.
Filing your claim in the incorrect district can result in a dismissal and delay your compensation. The Camp Lejeune attorneys at Meirowitz & Wasserberg, LLP can ensure your case is filed correctly.
Who is eligible to file a lawsuit for Camp Lejeune contaminated water?
You may be eligible to file a claim if you worked or resided on the base or in a location where the water contamination was present for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. This includes the following:
- Members of the Armed Forces
- Civil service employees
- Civilians residing near the base
- Civilian military dependents
- Civilian employees working for a private company on the base
- Anyone who lived on the base while in utero
In addition to several on-site locations, water contamination from the same sources occurred at the nearby Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River. The Department of Veterans Affairs acknowledges the MCAS New River water contamination.
What are the Qualifications for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?
What do I have to prove in a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim?
For a successful water contamination claim, you must be able to prove that you lived at Camp Lejeune during the prescribed period for at least 30 days and that you experienced harm that is at least as likely as not to have a causal relationship with the water contamination at Camp Lejeune.
Related: Health Effects from Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
How much time do I have to file a Camp Lejeune Justice Act claim?
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act provides a two-year window from the date the PACT Act was signed into law. This occurred on August 10, 2022, which means that in most cases, you have until August 10, 2024, to file your claim. If, however, your administrative claim is denied, you must file your lawsuit within 180 days of denial.
To ensure your case is filed on time, it is important to contact a Camp Lejeune lawyer as soon as possible.
How much is my Camp Lejeune claim worth?
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act authorizes claimants to recover economic damages and non-economic damages. Punitive damages are not recoverable under the act.
Economic damages are monetary losses that stem from your injuries, including your medical expenses and lost earnings. Non-economic damages are subjective, non-monetary losses such as pain and suffering.
North Carolina law governs damages. While many states limit non-economic damages, North Carolina does not.
Can I file a claim on behalf of someone who is deceased?
If your family member has passed away as a result of the poisoning caused by Camp Lejeune water contamination, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the deceased. The North Carolina wrongful death statute allows the estate of the deceased to claim the following damages:
- Burial expenses
- The medical expenses of the deceased
- Pain and suffering of the deceased
- The net income loss of the deceased
- Loss of services, protection, and care of the deceased
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of guidance
Start Your Claim Today
The time to file your Camp Lejeune Justice Act claim is short. The dedicated and experienced attorneys at Meirowitz & Wasserberg, LLP stand ready to help you file your claim and get the justice you need and deserve. Contact us today for a FREE consultation.
AVAILABLE 24/7
Get Your Free Case ReviewNotable Results
$200,000
Personal injury settlement
$235,000
Slip and fall injury
$675,000
Product liability injury
$555,000
Premises liability injury
Nancy, New York (NY)
