Water Contamination Lawsuits – What Camp Lejeune Residents Should Know
September 19, 2022
Water contamination at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune has been one of the most daunting events for residents. An estimated one million people were exposed to contaminated drinking water in the area from 1953 until 1987. The water was contaminated with deadly toxic chemicals such as chloroform, benzene, and vinyl chloride. Although the exposure was stealthy when it occurred, it had far-reaching implications.
The scary part is that researchers are still trying to figure out the effects of water contamination on public health. Although the full effects of the exposure are yet to be known, it definitely entails grave health risks related to the chemicals involved. If you were involved in this, or are a past or present service member facing court-martial, a medical physical evaluation board, or something similar, click here to find information on how to get help.
Understand the Potential Health Risks
Water contamination in the Camp Lejeune areas was the result of leaks and spills from waste disposal sites, underground storage tanks, and industrial businesses. The leaks caused harmful Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) to reach the water supplies of the base housing and other buildings in the area. These included more than seventy hazardous chemicals, dry cleaning solvents, and degreasers. They led to potential health risks of several grave health conditions such as-
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
- Cardiac problems
- Birth defects
- Major fetal malformations
- Female infertility
- Miscarriage
- Fetal death
- End-stage renal disease
- Gallbladder cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Hodgkin lymphoma (Hodgkin disease)
- Intestinal cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Leukemia
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Ovarian cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Spinal cancer
- Soft tissue cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Renal toxicity
The possible implications extend beyond physical conditions as there are possibilities of neurobehavioral effects and Parkinson’s disease. You can imagine the perils of the exposure, even if there are no immediate symptoms.
Know Your Legal Rights
Although exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune sounds scary, the good thing is that you can claim compensation for it under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022. The legislation is a victory for the victims who were exposed to toxic chemicals before the wells in the area were deactivated by the Marine Corps in 1987.
You can hire a water contamination lawyer if you lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for a period exceeding thirty days between 1953 to 1987. The legitimate claimants include-
- Military veterans
- Family members of veterans
- Civilians workers
Under the act, even a legal representative may file a compensation claim on behalf of a living or deceased person who was exposed during the specified period. These relatives include the exposed individual’s spouse, child, parent, or sibling. You have to prove the diagnosis of one of the aforementioned medical conditions and link them with toxic exposure to make a valid case. A seasoned attorney can help you claim compensation by establishing facts with proper evidence and arguments in court. They ensure getting the value you deserve due to the negligence faced even decades ago.
Be Aware of the Value of the Claim
A successful Camp Lejeune lawsuit can get you more than VA disability benefits. Essentially, VA disability benefits cover the healthcare costs of the qualifying condition. But a Camp Lejeune claim takes you the extra mile by compensating for pain and suffering, damages, and lost wages.
Since each case is unique, your attorney is the best person to calculate the value you deserve. It depends on individual case factors such as the severity of your diagnosed condition, pre-existing conditions, proof of residency at Camp Lejeune in the specified period, available medical records, and scientific evidence linking your disease to contaminated water. The class action group factors include the number of individuals filing the lawsuit, the total amount of damages for all members, and the class fund set aside by the government. It is crucial to file a claim quickly because you have a limited timeline to bring a lawsuit. Litigants must file within two years of the implementation of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.
When it comes to environmental disasters in the US, Camp Lejeune’s Toxic Water Contamination is among the most severe events. Unfortunately, the damage was already done when the government shut down the contaminated wells. However, it is time to seek justice for the pain and suffering suffered decades ago. You need to be aware and act on time with the help of an expert lawyer who understands the new legislation inside out. Filing a lawsuit sooner than later is the best thing to do, so you must act right now.
Simon Cox
Simon is an experienced cook and dedicated father who has been in the foodservice industry for over a decade. A culinary school graduate, Simon has refined and perfected his skills, both in the kitchen and at home as a father of two. He understands flavor combinations like few others do and is able to create amazing dishes with ease. In addition to his cooking skills, Simon also has the unique ability to connect with his two children. Working in kitchens around the world, he has learned how to juggle parenting duties while still finding time for himself and his family. Whether it’s reading stories with them or teaching them how to make their own meals, Simon puts a premium on teaching his children valuable life lessons that will last them well into adulthood.