Camp Lejeune water claims: what to check in Florida

Jurisdiction — All Claims Filed in E.D. North Carolina: All CLJA civil lawsuits must be filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Wilmington Division, before Judge Louise Flanagan. Florida's federal and state courts have no jurisdiction over CLJA claims. Florida attorneys handling these cases appear in E.D.N.C. on their clients' behalf.

Filing Deadline — Window Has Closed, Discovery Rule May Still Apply: The CLJA two-year administrative and civil filing window ran from August 10, 2022 to August 10, 2024 and is now closed. Claimants who received a diagnosis or learned of its connection to Camp Lejeune water contamination near the deadline may still have standing under the discovery rule, though this is contested. Consult a CLJA attorney if you believe this applies to you.

VA Disability Claims Are Separate and Remain Open: VA disability claims for Camp Lejeune-linked presumptive conditions are entirely separate from CLJA civil claims, are not subject to the 2024 deadline, and are processed through Florida's VA regional offices in Bay Pines, West Palm Beach, and St. Petersburg. Florida veterans and their dependents can file VA claims regardless of their civil case status.

Florida Veteran Population and Exposure History: Florida has over 1.4 million veterans — third highest in the nation. Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island (just across the state line in South Carolina) and Naval Station Mayport created heavy traffic through Camp Lejeune. Florida retirees who lived on base as dependents are also a significant claimant cohort. Contaminated water at Camp Lejeune — TCE, PCE, benzene, and vinyl chloride — was present from 1953 to 1987. Marines, Navy personnel, civilian workers, and dependent family members present on base during that period are potentially eligible.