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Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Attorney – California

Home /Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Exposure and Legal Rights

Many people exposed to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water were stationed, lived, or worked at the U.S. Marine Corps Base in Jacksonville, North Carolina between the early 1950s and late 1980s. During this period, drinking water systems on the base were tainted with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and other industrial solvents at levels far above safety limits. These contaminants served areas where Marines, their families, and civilian employees drank, bathed in, and cooked with the water for decades, exposing potentially hundreds of thousands to harmful chemicals. Estimates suggest that up to one million people may have been affected by this toxic water contamination. Although the issue was not fully recognized until years later, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act now allows eligible individuals to pursue legal claims for medical injuries linked to this exposure.

Eligibility Requirements Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was created to give long-overdue relief to people harmed by toxic water exposure on the base. Many Californians qualify without realizing it, especially veterans, family members, and civilian workers who later moved west. If you’re unsure where you fit, a Camp Lejeune lawyer California families trust can help clarify eligibility and next steps. Government agencies, including the VA and DOJ, have outlined both who may file and the medical conditions most commonly linked to exposure. A knowledgeable camp Lejeune claims attorney can help connect service history, medical records, and timelines into a clear, supported claim.

  • Who qualifies: Lived or worked at Camp Lejeune 30+ days (1953–1987)
  • No military required: Families and civilians may qualify
  • Recognized illnesses: Cancers, Parkinson’s, leukemia, lymphoma
  • Other conditions: Liver disease, infertility, neurological issues
  • Proof needed: Presence at Camp Lejeune + diagnosis only

Did you or a loved one spend time at Camp Lejeune and later develop serious health problems?

A trusted Camp Lejeune lawyer California families rely on can review your eligibility and help you pursue a claim with the guidance of an experienced Camp Lejeune claims attorney.

VA Benefits vs CLJA Lawsuit: What’s the Difference

VA Benefits

VA benefits provide monthly disability payments and healthcare for qualifying conditions linked to Camp Lejeune exposure. A Camp Lejeune lawyer from California Veterans Trust can help coordinate benefits, which do not require proving negligence or filing a lawsuit.

CLJA Lawsuit

A lawsuit under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows eligible individuals to seek compensation for medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. A Camp Lejeune lawsuit attorney evaluates eligibility, evidence, and filing strategy.

Standard of Proof and Process

VA claims follow administrative rules focused on service connection, while CLJA cases proceed through the DOJ/Navy claims process and federal court if needed. A camp lejeune claims attorney helps navigate timelines and documentation.

Compensation Scope

VA benefits are ongoing but limited to schedules; CLJA lawsuits can seek broader damages tied to harm suffered. A camp lejeune toxic water lawyer explains how each path addresses different losses.

Elective Option Considerations

Some claimants may qualify for an expedited resolution pathway. A camp lejeune elective option attorney can assess whether this option fits your diagnosis, exposure history, and goals.

Choosing the Right Path (or Both)

Many people pursue VA benefits and a CLJA lawsuit simultaneously. A Camp Lejeune Justice Act attorney helps coordinate both so one does not jeopardize the other.

How Our Camp Lejeune Attorneys Help Californians

  • Remote case evaluation for Californians

    We assist clients statewide without travel, reviewing service and medical records efficiently. A Camp Lejeune lawsuit attorney ensures California residents receive the same thorough guidance as those closer to the East Coast.

  • Eligibility and evidence review

    Many clients are unsure if they qualify decades later. A camp lejeune lawyer California families trust carefully reviews timelines, exposure history, and diagnoses to confirm eligibility.

  • Claim preparation and filing

    From forms to supporting documentation, a camp lejeune claims attorney prepares complete, accurate submissions that meet DOJ and Navy requirements.

  • Strategic guidance under the CLJA

    Navigating this unique law requires focused experience. A camp lejeune justice act attorney explains timelines, expectations, and next steps at every stage.

  • Medical linkage and exposure analysis

    Proving connection between illness and contamination is critical. A camp lejeune toxic water lawyer works with records and scientific guidance to strengthen claims.

  • Evaluating faster resolution options

    Some clients may benefit from expedited pathways. A camp lejeune elective option attorney helps assess whether this option fits your health condition and compensation goals.

The DOJ / Navy Claim Process and What Happens After You File

Submitting the administrative claim

Your claim is filed with the Navy, outlining exposure history, medical conditions, and supporting documentation.

Claim intake and acknowledgment

The Navy confirms receipt and assigns your claim for review by the Department of Justice.

Evidence review and evaluation

Government attorneys examine service records, medical evidence, and timelines to assess eligibility and potential compensation.

Waiting period for response

The government has time to investigate before making an offer, denial, or taking no action.

Settlement offer or denial issued

You may receive a compensation offer, a formal denial, or no response within the review window.

Elective option consideration

Some claimants may be invited to pursue a faster, alternative resolution pathway.

Did you or a loved one live or work at Camp Lejeune and now live in California?

A trusted Camp Lejeune legal team can review your history, explain your options, and help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to under federal law.

FAQs

Who can file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit?

Do I still qualify if I now live in California?

What illnesses are linked to Camp Lejeune water contamination?

What is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?

What is the DOJ/Navy administrative claim process?

What happens if my claim is denied or delayed?

What is the Camp Lejeune elective option?

How much does it cost to speak with a Camp Lejeune lawyer?