Camp Lejeune Lawsuit continues to highlight serious concerns about the deteriorating health of affected individuals. Recent updates of the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit bring renewed attention to congenital disability claims, with victims seeking justice for long-term health impacts.
If you or your loved ones have been affected by water contamination at Camp Lejeune, our Camp Lejeune lawsuit attorney might help you seek compensation. Before you opt for legal help, let’s know about the congenital disabilities that are spoken of.
This article highlights the congenital disabilities caused by water contamination, eligibility criteria, and steps you can take to file a claim.
Did Camp Lejeune Water Cause Birth Defects in March 2026?
Between 1953 and 1987, pregnant women who were either working or residing at Camp Lejeune unknowingly used the contaminated water for various purposes. Frequent and regular drinking or direct exposure to carcinogenic substances present in the water had impacted their pregnancy and fetuses.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) surveyed parents of 12,598 children, among whom at least 106 congenital disability cases were reported in 2024. However, the actual extent of congenital disabilities faced by children in contact with Camp Lejeune Water is not fully known. Since medical records from long ago were hard to track down, the impact on full length cannot be thoroughly evaluated.
Birth Defects from Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
Many parents experienced the devastating loss of a child due to severe congenital disabilities caused by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. At the same time, other children were born with chronic health issues that required extensive medical support.
The following are some of the congenital disabilities arising from Camp Lejeune Water Contamination:
-
Cardiac Problems
Congenital heart defects, such as septal defects (ASD and VSD) and conotruncal defects, were discovered among children exposed to Camp Lejeune water contamination.
-
Immune System Disorders
Children exposed to the contaminated water were diagnosed with weaker immune systems, higher risks of infection, and potential autoimmune conditions.
-
Oral Cleft Defects (cleft lip and cleft palate)
Such congenital disabilities occur when the baby’s roof of the mouth (the palate) is unable to form properly. This leaves a space, or cleft, in the child’s upper lip or the roof of the mouth.
-
Low birth weight
In many cases, preterm birth and low birth weight were diagnosed among affected children. This significantly increases the baby’s risk for serious health problems.
-
Spina bifida, a type of neural tube defect (NTD) that affects the spine
The brain and spinal cord in a human are formed from the Neural Tube, a structure in the embryo. One of the common Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) is Spina bifida, where the spinal column doesn’t close properly, leaving a part of the spinal cord unprotected. When this condition occurs, paralysis and brain damage (from a fluid building up in the brain) can happen.
-
Anencephaly (when a baby is born without parts of the brain or the skull)
Anencephaly is another form of Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) that has been diagnosed among children exposed to contaminated water in Camp Lejeune. In this condition, parts of the brain or skull are not fully formed, leading to fatality and, in major cases, babies die right after birth.
-
Increased rate of childhood hematopoietic cancers, like non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Childhood hematopoietic cancers, like non-Hodgkin lymphoma, are a rare form of aggressive blood cancer that originates in the lymphatic system. It predominantly affects children and teenagers, which may weaken the body’s immune system, but it is highly curable.
-
Congenital eye defects
Congenital eye defects include conditions such as Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (underdeveloped optic nerve) and microphthalmia (small eye). In severe cases, defects such as anophthalmia (no eye) can arise from exposure to contaminated water.
-
Choanal atresia
Choanal atresia occurs when the baby is born with blocked nasal passages or a membranous soft tissue, bone, or a combined structure. This serious condition might also lead to a short lifespan after birth.
-
Miscarriage or Fetal Death
Miscarriage is not classified as a congenital disability; complications were faced by many pregnant mothers, resulting in devastating loss.
| Birth Defects from Camp Lejeune Water Contamination |
|---|
| Cardiac Problems |
| Immune System Disorders |
| Oral Cleft Defects (cleft lip and cleft palate) |
| Low birth weight |
| Spina bifida |
| Anencephaly |
| Childhood blood cancers (like non-Hodgkin lymphoma) |
| Congenital eye defects |
| Choanal atresia |
| Miscarriage or fetal death |
Who Can File a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?
Anyone who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune base for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987 may be eligible. The criteria also include women who were pregnant during the contamination and their children had or are suffering from congenital disabilities.
Consulting with an experienced mass tort attorney can help you receive rightful compensation through a Cmap Lejeune Lawsuit.
File a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit with People for Law
If you or your child has been diagnosed with congenital disabilities arising from Camp Lejeune water contamination, you might be eligible for compensation. It’s time for an authentic legal support.
People for Law is an established legal connection platform in Florida, United States. Our team connects individuals seeking legal guidance for Camp Lejeune Lawsuit with attorneys actively handling settlements.
Once your information is reviewed and your case meets the necessary criteria, you will be matched with an attorney. From that point onward, all your legal proceedings will be handled directly by our licensed attorney. You will be able to communicate directly with your attorney to discuss all legal matters.
Our renowned, licensed mass tort attorneys work on a contingency basis and will provide you with detailed Camp Lejeune Lawsuit settlement amounts.
