The Department of Justice is offering settlements to Camp Lejeune water contamination victims that fall far short of their medical costs and suffering, according to newly obtained documents.
From 1953 to 1987, over 1 million veterans, families, and civilians were exposed to toxic chemicals—including TCE, PCE, vinyl chloride, and benzene—in the Marine Corps base's groundwater at levels far exceeding safety limits. Federal officials concealed the contamination until 1987.
Thousands who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune later developed cancers, Parkinson's, and neurological disorders linked to the poisoned water. Many victims have already spent hundreds of thousands on treatment.
Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward signed off on recent settlement offers after taking charge of Camp Lejeune cases earlier this year. Critics say the offers don't cover victims' financial losses or account for years of suffering.
The settlements represent a fraction of what victims have spent on care, leaving many far from financially whole despite clear evidence linking their illnesses to the decades-long government cover-up.
From 1953 to 1987, over 1 million veterans, families, and civilians were exposed to toxic chemicals—including TCE, PCE, vinyl chloride, and benzene—in the Marine Corps base's groundwater at levels far exceeding safety limits. Federal officials concealed the contamination until 1987.
Thousands who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune later developed cancers, Parkinson's, and neurological disorders linked to the poisoned water. Many victims have already spent hundreds of thousands on treatment.
Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward signed off on recent settlement offers after taking charge of Camp Lejeune cases earlier this year. Critics say the offers don't cover victims' financial losses or account for years of suffering.
The settlements represent a fraction of what victims have spent on care, leaving many far from financially whole despite clear evidence linking their illnesses to the decades-long government cover-up.
