Over the past few years, more and more information about the Camp Lejeune lawsuit has been broadcast on billboards, Facebook, and TV. Ads may have shown up in your email inbox, or you may even have received a robocall. You may be wondering if the lawsuit is even happening—and if it is, whether you qualify. Here, we’ll break down what you need to know about the Camp Lejeune lawsuit and how to avoid legal scams relating to Camp Lejeune and any other potential cases.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022

From 1953 to 1987, the drinking water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with dangerous chemicals that have been linked to debilitating and deadly conditions, including bladder cancer, esophageal cancer, multiple myeloma, Parkinson’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, female infertility, and more. This contamination was not disclosed to the public until nearly a decade after being discovered, making it difficult for affected individuals to file personal injury claims. In efforts to remedy what many consider a grave injustice against those who lived and worked at the North Carolina Marine base, legislators introduced a bill that would allow injured individuals to submit claims for compensation from the U.S. government. On August 10, 2022, President Biden passed a House bill including the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, which gave qualified individuals a two-year window to submit claims with the U.S. Department of the Navy (DON) through an administrative claim process. If the DON does not respond within six months or does not reach a satisfactory agreement with the individual, the claimant is eligible to file an individual lawsuit against the U.S. government in the Eastern District of North Carolina.

Is the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Legit?

The short answer: yes! Since the passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, more than 168,000 administrative claims have been filed with the DON, and more than 1,500 Camp Lejeune complaints have been filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina, the federal court through which all Camp Lejeune complaints must be filed. And if you think you may also have a case, there is still time to file a claim.

Who Is Eligible for The Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?

Anyone who served, worked, or resided at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 and subsequently developed a disease or condition covered by the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 before August 10, 2022, can file a claim. Covered conditions include certain cancers, birth defects, Parkinson’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, kidney disease or kidney failure, and miscarriage. However, the requirements for filing are a bit unusual. Plaintiffs must provide specific documentation and must first exhaust the DON administrative processes before being eligible to file a lawsuit in the Eastern District of North Carolina. Pope McGlamry is still accepting Camp Lejeune clients and can help you better understand your legal options, at no upfront cost to you.

How To Avoid Camp Lejeune Scams

Unfortunately, as with any legitimate litigation, individuals and organizations may try to take advantage of people looking to learn more about the Camp Lejeune lawsuit. To steer clear of false information or organizations looking to sell your data, consider the following strategies:
  1. Beware of solicitations. Be cautious of unsolicited emails, phone calls, or letters promising legal assistance. Direct solicitation of clients is frowned upon among legitimate law firms—and potentially illegal, depending on where you live. Don’t give out personal or financial information to any solicitor claiming to be a Camp Lejeune lawyer.
  2. Refer to primary sources. Refer to government websites and official court documents for trustworthy information. We’ve listed a few below under Additional Reading.
  3. Click Cautiously. When searching for information online, be mindful of what sites you click through and where you input information. If you are unsure, call instead of clicking, and ask questions about the attorney(s) who would be working on your claim.
  4. Talk to your lawyer. Many people have lawyers they interact with for business or other personal purposes. Your lawyer may not be familiar with the Camp Lejeune lawsuit, but they may be able to refer you to trustworthy resources, or even refer you to a reputable personal injury law firm.

Additional Reading