Between 1953 and 1987, more than one million people were exposed to contaminated drinking water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. The toxic chemicals—primarily trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride—have been linked to serious illnesses including cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and birth defects. In response, Congress passed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, allowing victims to file lawsuits against the federal government.
Below are key developments in the Camp Lejeune litigation, including top settlements, legal updates, and what victims need to know.
1. $450,000 – Leukemia Claim Under Elective Option (2024)
Case Summary: A Marine Corps veteran who lived at Camp Lejeune for over five years developed leukemia. His claim was filed under the Elective Option program, which streamlines compensation for qualifying illnesses.
Settlement Details: He received $450,000 in a structured settlement. The payout was based on exposure duration and diagnosis severity. The case did not require litigation.
2. $400,000 – Kidney Cancer Claim Filed by Civilian Worker (2023)
Case Summary: A civilian employee who worked on base for six years developed kidney cancer. Medical records and water exposure logs supported the claim.
Settlement Details: The Department of the Navy approved a $400,000 settlement. The payout included medical expenses and loss of income.
3. $350,000 – Parkinson’s Disease Linked to TCE Exposure (2023)
Case Summary: A former Marine developed Parkinson’s disease after living on base for three years. Scientific studies linked TCE exposure to neurological damage.
Settlement Details: The case settled for $350,000 under the Elective Option. The payout reflected the progressive nature of the disease and long-term care costs.
4. $300,000 – Bladder Cancer Claim by Surviving Spouse (2024)
Case Summary: A widow filed a claim on behalf of her late husband, who died from bladder cancer after decades of service at Camp Lejeune.
Settlement Details: She received $300,000 in a wrongful death settlement. The payout included funeral expenses and loss of companionship.
5. $250,000 – Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Diagnosis (2023)
Case Summary: A veteran diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma filed a claim supported by medical records and base housing history.
Settlement Details: The case settled for $250,000. The payout was expedited due to the claimant’s deteriorating health.
Legal Framework: Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows individuals exposed to contaminated water at the base to file claims if they:
- Lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987
- Were diagnosed with a qualifying illness linked to toxic exposure
- File within the two-year window opened in August 2022
Claims may be filed administratively with the Navy or as lawsuits in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Common Qualifying Illnesses
| Illness | Linked Contaminant |
|---|---|
| Leukemia | Benzene, vinyl chloride |
| Kidney cancer | TCE, PCE |
| Bladder cancer | TCE, PCE |
| Parkinson’s disease | TCE |
| Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma | Benzene |
| Liver cancer | Vinyl chloride |
| Birth defects and miscarriages | Multiple contaminants |
Current Status of Litigation
- Over 400,000 administrative claims have been filed with the Navy
- More than 2,800 lawsuits are pending in federal court
- Only about 100 settlements have been finalized as of mid-2025
- A proposed bill would allow jury trials, expand court access, and cap attorney fees at 25%2
Filing a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit
Victims may be eligible for compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages and benefits
- Wrongful death damages
- Future care costs
A qualified toxic exposure attorney can help gather medical records, establish exposure history, and file claims within the legal window.
References
- WUNC. (2025, July 30). Key ruling issued in the Camp Lejeune toxic water litigation
- Public Radio East. (2025, July 24). About 50,000 Camp Lejeune toxic water cases could settle by the end of the year
- WFAE. (2025, July 23). Bipartisan support building for bill to allow for jury trials in Camp Lejeune toxic water cases
- Lawsuit Information Center. (2025, July 25). Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Settlement Updates
- Lawsuit Update Center. (2025, July 25). Camp Lejeune Water Lawsuits
- California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60 – Wrongful Death Claims
- U.S. Department of the Navy – Camp Lejeune Claims Unit Overview
- JAMA Neurology. (2023). TCE Exposure and Parkinson’s Disease Risk
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2024). Toxicological Profile for Trichloroethylene