If Your Claim Does Not Currently Qualify
Many Camp Lejeune claims fall outside the government’s current settlement criteria. Ashcraft & Gerel continues to advocate for expanded settlement opportunities and a broader resolution that would provide relief to additional claimants. Should eligibility requirements change, affected individuals will be informed of any developments.
Understanding the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
For more than 30 years, the water supply at Camp Lejeune contained hazardous chemicals that have been linked to cancer and other serious health conditions. During that time, hundreds of thousands of Marines, family members, civilian employees, and other individuals relied on the contaminated water for drinking, cooking, bathing, and everyday use.
Although concerns regarding the contamination were known by government officials by the early 1980s, many exposed individuals were not warned about the potential long-term health consequences.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act
Enacted on August 10, 2022, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act established a legal pathway for eligible victims of the contamination to pursue compensation from the federal government.
For the first time, many Marines, military families, civilian workers, and others affected by the toxic water exposure gained a meaningful opportunity to seek accountability and financial recovery for their injuries.
Who May Be Eligible?
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act generally covers individuals who:
- Lived, worked, or were stationed at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 cumulative days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987
- Were exposed to contaminated water directly or through in utero exposure
- Developed an illness, injury, or other qualifying condition associated with that exposure
Those who meet these criteria may be eligible to pursue compensation under federal law.
