The Camp Lejeune water contamination incident remains one of the most significant environmental crises in U.S. military history.
For decades, service members and their families stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, were unknowingly exposed to toxic chemicals in the drinking water supply. As a result, numerous health issues have emerged among those affected, leading to the implementation of compensation programs known as Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III Camp Lejeune water contamination claims levels.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the details of each tier of claims, eligibility criteria, and the process for seeking compensation.
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
The Camp Lejeune lawsuit stems from decades of water contamination at the United States Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. The contamination, which occurred from the 1950s to the 1980s, involved toxic chemicals such as trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE) leaching into the base’s groundwater from industrial activities and improper waste disposal practices, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
The contamination went undetected for years, exposing thousands of service members, their families (including unborn children), and civilian employees to harmful toxins in the drinking water.
As a result, numerous health issues emerged among those affected, including cancer, birth defects, and neurological disorders.
The lawsuit began to gain momentum in the late 1990s as affected individuals and advocacy groups sought justice and accountability for the health consequences of exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. Legal actions were initiated against the U.S. government, alleging negligence, failure to disclose information, and failure to protect individuals from known hazards.
In 2012, the U.S. Congress passed the Camp Lejeune Family Act, which provided for medical care and screening for individuals who were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. This legislation marked a significant milestone in addressing the health needs of affected individuals and acknowledging the government’s responsibility in the water contamination crisis.
Subsequent legal proceedings led to the establishment of compensation programs, including Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III claims, to provide financial assistance and support for individuals affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination.
These programs offer medical care, reimbursem*nt for out-of-pocket expenses, and acknowledgment of the health challenges stemming from exposure to toxic chemicals.
Tier I Claims
Tier I claims are reserved for individuals who resided at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 cumulative days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.
These claimants may be eligible for medical care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for conditions presumed to be related to Camp Lejeune water contamination. Additionally, eligible family members, including spouses and dependent children, may qualify for reimbursem*nt of out-of-pocket medical expenses incurred for one or more of the specified presumptive conditions (including, but not limited to: kidney cancer, liver cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukemia and bladder cancer).
Per the Justice Department and the Department of the Navy, Tier 1 claimants so afflicted can receive settlement offers of $450,000, $300,000, or $150,000, depending on whether the claimant was exposed to Camp Lejeune water for over five years, between one and five years or between 30 and 364 days, respectively.
Tier II Claims
Tier II claims extend eligibility to individuals who were present at Camp Lejeune for fewer than 30 days during the designated period but experienced qualifying medical conditions linked to water contamination.
To qualify for Tier II benefits, claimants must provide medical evidence establishing a connection between their diagnosed conditions and exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
While Tier II claims require additional documentation and evidence, they offer compensation for eligible medical expenses related to covered illnesses, including:
- Multiple myeloma
- Parkinson’s disease
- Kidney disease (end-stage renal disease)
- Systemic sclerosis/systemic scleroderma
Verified Tier II claimants may receive settlement offers of $400,000, $250,000, or $100,000, depending on whether the claimant was exposed to Camp Lejeune water for over five years, between one and five years, or between 30 and 364 days, respectively.
Tier III Claims
Tier III claims encompass individuals who were exposed to Camp Lejeune water contamination but do not meet the eligibility criteria for Tier I or Tier II claims.
This category includes former residents, military personnel, and civilian employees who may have been affected by the contaminated water but lack sufficient evidence to establish a direct link between their health conditions and exposure.
Tier III claims allow for consideration of individual circ*mstances and medical evidence on a case-by-case basis, providing an avenue for potential compensation.
Additional water contamination-related covered conditions related to Camp Lejeune include:
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Female infertility
- Hepatic steatosis
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Lung cancer
- Miscarriage
- Multiple myeloma
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Neurobehavioral effects
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Renal toxicity
- Scleroderma
Filing a Claim
The process for filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim varies depending on the tier of eligibility.
Tier I claims typically involve submitting a completed application form along with supporting documentation, such as proof of residency and medical records indicating covered illnesses.
For Tier II and Tier III claims, claimants must provide detailed medical evidence establishing a causal relationship between exposure to contaminated water and diagnosed conditions.
A qualified lawyer with experience handling Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits can help claimants navigate the often-complicated VA legal system to ensure eligible individuals receive the support and compensation they deserve.
Justice and Recognition
The Camp Lejeune water contamination tragedy has had far-reaching impacts on the lives of thousands of service members, veterans, and their families.
While compensation programs such as Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III claims provide vital support and recognition for those affected, they cannot undo the harm caused by years of exposure to toxic chemicals. It’s still essential for the government and military authorities to continue efforts to address the legacy of contamination, implement preventive measures, and provide comprehensive support services for affected individuals and communities.
The Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III Camp Lejeune water contamination claims represent critical avenues for seeking compensation and support for individuals affected by this environmental disaster.
Through these compensation programs, eligible individuals can access medical care, reimbursem*nt for out-of-pocket expenses, and acknowledgment of the health challenges stemming from exposure to contaminated water.
If that includes you or a loved one, the experienced legal experts at Frost Law Firm are ready to help you fight for justice and the compensation you need and deserve.
Your initial consultation is free.
