Fort Bragg Water Contamination Lawsuit

Toxic drinking water at Fort Bragg (formerly Fort Liberty from 2023 to 2025) may have put thousands of military personnel, families, and civilians at risk for cancer and other serious illnesses.

PFAS, toxic chemicals found in firefighting foam (AFFF), were detected in Fort Bragg’s water supply.

AFFF has been widely used at military bases, including Fort Bragg. While the base’s water primarily comes from municipal sources, PFAS contamination has also been detected in on-base groundwater.

Researchers have linked these toxic chemicals to serious health risks, with ingestion potentially leading to kidney, testicular, and thyroid cancer.

Lawsuits claim chemical companies contributed to the contamination and failed to warn those at risk. Those affected may be eligible to seek compensation for medical expenses and lost wages.

If you or a loved one was exposed to Fort Bragg’s contaminated water, you may have legal options. Contact us today for a free legal consultation.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• Fort Bragg’s water supply was contaminated with PFAS, a group of artificial chemicals found in firefighting foam.
• Exposure to PFAS is linked to several cancers like testicular, kidney, and prostate cancer. It is also linked to high cholesterol, immune suppression, and pregnancy complications.
• Filing a claim requires medical diagnosis, records of time spent at Fort Bragg, and proof of exposure.

Understanding the Fort Bragg Water Contamination Issue

Fort Bragg has a long history as a vital military installation. Over the years, it has transformed from a weapons testing site into a crucial airborne training base.

Over the years, it has housed thousands of military personnel and their families. The discovery of PFAS in the water has caused serious health concerns. The Army has acknowledged PFAS contamination and its potential risks.

A Brief History of Fort Bragg’s Water Contamination

Fort Bragg is one of the oldest and largest military bases. It was first built in 1918 for long-range weapon testing, and during World War II, it served as a key training ground for airborne units.

After the war, troops and equipment from Camp McClellan in Alabama were moved to Fort Bragg.

Over time, the base became one of the largest in the country. It houses around 50,000 service members plus thousands of their family members.

For years, military operations at Fort Bragg used AFFF firefighting foam. Although it put out fires, the foam contained PFAS, toxic chemicals that do not easily break down. PFAS contamination was detected in Fort Bragg’s groundwater and surrounding areas, raising concerns about long-term exposure risks.

These substances have been detected in the water supply, contributing to contamination concerns. However, the issue is not unique to this base. In 2020, the Pentagon confirmed over 600 military sites had drinking water or groundwater affected by PFAS contamination.

Key Contamination Discoveries

Fort Bragg’s contamination has been a growing concern for years. In 2020, testing showed that a well in a remote training area exceeded the EPA’s PFAS limit.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) identified Fort Bragg as one of the most polluted military sites in the U.S. in 2020.

This indicated a serious and ongoing issue. Groundwater contamination was detected on the base, and nearby private wells also tested positive for PFAS. This raised concerns about potential exposure in surrounding communities.

The U.S. government has taken steps to tackle the broader PFAS crisis. In February 2019, the EPA introduced its first PFAS Action Plan, and in September, it invested nearly $6 million in PFAS water research.

The long-term effects of PFAS exposure on Fort Bragg residents and workers remain a significant concern. This has led some individuals to explore their legal options regarding potential PFAS exposure claims.

What Toxic Substances Were Found in the Water?

Fort Bragg’s water supply was contaminated with toxic PFAS chemicals, specifically PFOA and PFOS. These chemicals remain in the environment and accumulate in the human body over time.

PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in nature or the human body.

PFAS, PFOA, and PFOS Explained

PFAS are synthetic chemicals employed in manufacturing and products. Research links them to significant health risks.

PFAS chemicals can take thousands of years to break down, gathering in soil, water, and body tissue. In December 2022, reports stated that Fort Bragg’s PFAS levels hit 98 parts per trillion, well past safe limits, raising worries over possible health effects.

A 2022 DoD report examined PFAS risks to service members and veterans, but it left out dangers for pregnant women and unborn children. This gap sparked debate over military management of toxic risks. Research is still being done, and long-term PFAS effects at Fort Bragg worry the base’s residents, workers, and service personnel.

Health Risks and Illnesses Linked to Contaminated Water

Exposure to PFAS chemicals has been associated with potential health risks. Studies have linked these toxic substances to many cancers and other severe conditions.

Cancer and Other Severe Health Conditions

Research shows that PFAS exposure is tied to many cancers and serious health problems. The CDC and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) have linked these chemicals to an increased risk of testicular, kidney, and prostate cancer.

The danger does not end there. PFAS exposure has also been linked to high cholesterol, weaker vaccine response, and liver problems.

These health effects raise concerns about the risks of prolonged PFAS exposure.

Additional risks include lower birth weights, pregnancy hypertension, and pre-eclampsia. These complications affect mothers and children over the long term.

People who lived or worked at Fort Bragg still worry about the long-term impact of PFAS exposure. Research is ongoing to explore various risks. However, worries about a possible connection between PFAS and serious health problems persist. Knowing these dangers can be key for people needing medical help or legal support.

Can You File a Fort Bragg Water Contamination Lawsuit?

Yes, it is possible to file a Fort Bragg Water Contamination Lawsuit.

Who Qualifies for a Lawsuit?

If you lived or worked at Fort Bragg during the contamination and later got sick from PFAS exposure, you may qualify for a lawsuit.

This includes soldiers, veterans, their families, and civilian workers who can prove they were exposed and got sick.

Military Personnel and Veterans

Military personnel and veterans may qualify for a lawsuit if they:

• Have a medical diagnosis linked to PFAS exposure at Fort Bragg.
• Can prove they spent time at Fort Bragg during the contamination.

Family Members and Civilians

Family members, including spouses and children of service members who lived at Fort Bragg, may also be eligible. Civilian workers exposed to contaminated water on base might also qualify.

Potential Settlement & Compensation for Victims

It should be known that there is no fixed payout amount for the Fort Bragg lawsuits. Compensation in water contamination lawsuits can vary based on individual cases.

Expected Payout Amounts – How Much Could You Receive?

There is no set payout amount for the Fort Bragg lawsuits. Compensation in water contamination lawsuits also depends on several factors, such as:

• The severity of health conditions
• Exposure length
• Strength of medical evidence

Past military water contamination settlements have varied, and each case is evaluated based on its facts and evidence.

For informational purposes only: In 2023, three claimants in a Camp Lejeune toxic water case collectively received settlements totaling $850,000. However, settlement amounts vary based on individual case factors, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

As of November 2023, a court filing estimated that resolving 117,000 administrative claims could cost up to $3.3 trillion. The filing deadline was August 2024.

Individual amounts are likely to vary, though, based on the specific circumstances of each individual.

Disclaimer: Our firm didn’t handle this case. This info is for reference only. Past results don’t guarantee future outcomes.

Factors That Could Affect Settlement Amounts

Many factors can impact a person’s compensation in a hypothetical Fort Bragg water contamination settlement, including the type and severity of illness.

Another key factor is the length of exposure. Prolonged exposure to high PFAS levels raises the risk of severe health problems.

Solid medical records matter. A precise diagnosis, medical history, and proof of PFAS exposure can affect the outcome of a claim. Fort Bragg claims are evaluated separately and independently.

How to File a Fort Bragg Water Contamination Claim

To file a Fort Bragg water contamination claim, get a medical diagnosis, collect military records, and talk to a toxic exposure lawyer. Strong evidence like proof of exposure and financial records can help strengthen your case.

Steps to Take Before Filing a Claim

Before considering filing a claim, be sure to complete the following steps:

1. Get a medical diagnosis from a doctor.
2. Collect military records proving time stationed at Fort Bragg.
3. Consult a toxic exposure attorney for a free case review.

Documents You’ll Need to Support Your Case

To strengthen your case, provide proof of exposure, medical records, and financial losses from your illness.

Below are the key documents needed to file a claim for exposure to hazardous materials:

• Military Records – Show that you served at Fort Bragg during the contamination period. This proof confirms your eligibility for a claim.
• Medical Records – They show a diagnosis because of PFAS exposure. Some relevant items may be doctor reports, lab tests, imaging results, or treatment records.
• Proof of Exposure – Show that you used Fort Bragg’s polluted water. Some relevant items may be utility bills, work records, or official PFAS contamination reports.
• Financial Records – If your illness costs you lost wages or high medical bills, you should provide documents to prove that, too. Pay stubs, tax returns, receipts, or insurance statements can reveal a financial impact.

Working with a Lawyer

You should consult a lawyer to understand your legal options regarding a potential PFAS exposure claim.

Why Working with an Attorney Can Be Beneficial

Often, toxic exposure cases can be complex and involve scientifically backed evidence. Additionally, military cases need more profound knowledge of environmental and government regulations. Finally, providing liability may be challenging so legal expertise can be helpful.

How a Lawyer Can Help Pursue Compensation

A lawyer can help gather evidence, present legal arguments, and seek compensation. They can collect evidence to establish exposure and possible health impacts, identify responsible parties to make the case properly, and assist in seeking compensation through legal claims and pursuing settlements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about a Fort Bragg Contamination lawsuit.

Is Fort Bragg’s Water Safe Now?

As of March 2024, tests showed that Fort Bragg’s drinking water had PFOS and PFOA levels of 9.3 parts per trillion (ppt). This is lower than the 2016 EPA advisory limit but higher than the new 2024 federal safety limit of 4 ppt.

Due to the contamination, in 2023, the U.S. Army provided alternative water sources to residents.

Is there a Fort Bragg Class action lawsuit related to water contamination?

There are no certified class action lawsuits concerning Fort Bragg’s water contamination. However, manufacturers are facing lawsuits for PFAS exposure.

Did Fort Bragg have contaminated water?

Yes, Fort Bragg’s drinking water was confirmed contaminated. It was contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including PFOA and PFOS.

How Long Will a Fort Bragg Water Contamination Lawsuit Take?

Predicting the length of a Fort Bragg Water Contamination lawsuit is difficult. Several factors influence the length of litigation.

Contact a Fort Bragg Water Contamination Lawyer Today

Winder Law Firm works on a contingency basis, meaning clients do not pay upfront legal fees and only pay if compensation is recovered. Contact us today for a free case

evaluation!