Camp Lejeune Parkinson’s Disease

Veterans and civilian victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination drank the toxic water, cooked with it, bathed in it, and washed clothes in it — and did this repeatedly — for months at a time. Years later they have gotten sick, many with Parkinson’s disease.

“Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves. Symptoms start slowly,” according to the Mayo Clinic. ⁽¹⁾ There is no cure for this disease.

Can Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune Cause Parkinson’s Disease?

There is a clear link between Parkinson’s Disease and exposure to the contaminants in the water at Camp Lejeune. ⁽²⁾ 

Even the Veterans Administration (VA) has recognized the significant health hazard posed by Camp Lejeune water. The VA said, “there is strong evidence of a causal relationship and evidence that the condition may be caused by exposure to the contaminants.” ⁽³⁾

Mortality studies of U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune reported elevated risks of Parkinson’s disease among Camp Lejeune civilian workers. It also reported higher death rates from Parkinson’s. ^{(4) (5)}

High Levels of TCE and PCE Contaminants  

One of the primary contaminants in the Camp Lejeune water was trichloroethylene (TCE). Another was perchloroethylene (PCE). PCE breaks down into TCE. ^{(6) (7)} 

Contaminant levels in Camp Lejeune water were extremely high. The levels of TCE and PCE in the water at Camp Lejeune far exceeded the amounts considered safe. ⁽⁸⁾

Levels of TCE at one base water distribution site reached 1,400 ppb. At another site, PCE levels reached 215 ppb. These water distribution sites served numerous base barracks, as well as family housing. ⁽⁹⁾

Chemical Exposure Increases Risk of Parkinson’s 

According to one research study, the connection with toxic chemical exposure in the strongest of terms. Researchers found any exposure to TCE, no matter how slight, could put you at increased risk for Parkinson’s disease. They report, “Ever exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) was associated with significantly increased risk of PD.” ⁽¹⁰⁾  

Camp Lejeune Parkinson’s Disease Lawsuits

If you have Parkinson’s disease due to exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, a lawsuit could help you achieve justice. A Parkinson’s lawsuit can provide you with compensation for your healthcare costs, as well as your pain and suffering.

Camp Lejeune Parkinson’s lawsuits are now being filed. As of April 2023, none of these lawsuits has been resolved. They are ongoing. 

New legislation, recently signed into law by President Biden, is known as the PACT Act. This law has made it possible for victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination to sue the U.S. government if you were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

You can sue even if you already were turned down for government benefits. Vets and their family members, harmed by exposure to Camp Lejeune toxic water, can now file suit. The deadline is short, so you need to file your lawsuit quickly. 

Lawsuit Eligibility Criteria 

You only need to meet a few criteria to be eligible to file a legal claim. The criteria you need to file a lawsuit includes: ⁽¹¹⁾

• You must have lived on the base — or worked on the base — between August 1953 and December 1987.
• You must have been exposed for “no less than 30 days” during this time frame. 
• You must be diagnosed with at least one of a number of diseases linked to the contamination at Camp Lejeune, including Parkinson’s disease. 

Legal Options for Victims of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

If you are a victim of Camp Lejeune water contamination, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease, you want to consider all of your legal options.

One of the most effective legal options for victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination is to file a lawsuit. For this, it is advisable to have an attorney and to plan on providing support or evidence for your claims.

Evidence of Claim 

To help support your claims you should provide your attorney with these items:

• Written medical diagnosis.
• Bills and receipts for medical tests, treatments, and medications related to your condition.

You should also provide verification of your eligibility to file a Parkinson’s disease lawsuit, such as:

• Military records.
• Base housing records.
• Mortgage or rental payments.
• Property tax bills
• Employment contracts.
• School records

If you are a family member of a veteran, you may need to also provide your:

• Marriage license.
• Birth certificate.
• Adoption papers.

Choosing the Right Attorney for You

The success of your lawsuit could hinge upon choosing the right attorney for the job. The right attorney for your case understands the complexities of environmental and personal injury law. 

Your attorney should be knowledgeable, experienced, and compassionate. And able to handle large-scale litigations against government agencies.

Weitz & Luxenberg attorneys have exactly this kind of experience. We are a recognized leader in environmental litigations, as well as toxic tort personal injury cases. Our law firm has almost 40 years of experience representing veterans and their families, along with countless other victims. 

W&L attorneys consider it a privilege to fight for justice on behalf of our clients. Let us do it for you, if you have suffered toxic chemical exposure resulting in Parkinson’s disease.

How W&L Can Help

W&L takes on government agencies and multimillion dollar corporations on behalf of our clients. Our strong record of success includes these large-scale, environmental litigations:

• More than 100,000 plaintiffs with cancer from exposure to the herbicide, Roundup, received justice in a settlement with Monsanto.
• A $65 million settlement for the Hoosick Falls, New York, community that suffered exposure to “forever chemicals” through the contamination of their water supply.
• A $423 million settlement for public water systems in 17 states across the country due to water supply contamination with a gasoline additive.