If you were stationed or served at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, you may have been exposed to toxic water. Studies show that the water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with dangerous chemicals that may lead to serious injury or even death when ingested. Individuals stationed at the Marine Corps Base in North Carolina during this time are strongly encouraged to contact an attorney.
Military personnel and their families who were potentially exposed to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune may be eligible for compensation related to certain illnesses. If you or a loved one were diagnosed with leukemia, cancer, or another presumptive condition, you may be able to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit. Contact our office at (305) 402-9050 to find out more.
What Happened at Camp Lejeune?
As early as 1982, it was discovered that there were specific volatile compounds (VOCs) in the drinking water at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, North Carolina. The VOCs, including trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride, seeped into the water treatment plants on the base contaminating the drinking water.
For decades, service members and their families were exposed to toxic water. Many suffered irreparable harm, including the development of cancer, fertility issues, and more. It is estimated by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) that as many as one million people were exposed to the toxic water.
Am I Eligible for Compensation?
The government passed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 to help veterans and their families obtain compensation for any illnesses related to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
To be eligible under this bill, you must show that you:
- Served at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987; and
- Were exposed to contaminated water for at least 30 days.
You may also be eligible for VA disability compensation if you served at Camp Lejeune during that time for at least 30 days and were subsequently diagnosed with a presumptive condition.
What Are the Presumptive Conditions?
Presumptive conditions associated with exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune include a wide range of illnesses.
Presumptive conditions related to Camp Lejeune toxic water exposure:
- Adult leukemia
- Bladder, kidney, or liver cancer
- Aplastic anemia
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Multiple Myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Parkinson’s disease
Studies show that exposure to the VOCs found in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune is linked to an increased risk of the aforementioned conditions. If you were diagnosed with one of these illnesses after being stationed at Camp Lejeune, you need to speak to an attorney.
What Are Covered Conditions Related to Toxic Water Exposure at Camp Lejeune?
In addition to the presumptive conditions determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there are also a number of covered conditions. Covered conditions are illnesses that may be related to the chemicals found in the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
Covered conditions at Camp Lejeune include:
- Bladder and breast cancer
- Female infertility and miscarriages
- Esophageal and lung cancer
- Hepatic steatosis
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia and multiple myeloma
- Scleroderma
- Renal toxicity
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Neurobehavioral effects
If you were stationed at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and were subsequently diagnosed with one of these conditions, you may be entitled to compensation. It is important to act fast, as you may only have a limited amount of time to file a claim.
Should I Hire an Attorney?
If you are one of the million people who were potentially exposed to the dangerous and deadly chemicals found in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune, you need to consider obtaining legal representation. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you might be entitled to compensation for your harm. Many service members and their families were diagnosed with devastating conditions, including cancer, after being stationed at Camp Lejeune.
There are currently tens of thousands of claims related to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you need to act quickly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Do not wait until it is too late. For far too long, military members were denied coverage and refused benefits to cover illnesses directly related to their service. You deserve more.
Contact Our Office to Schedule a Free Consultation
Were you stationed at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987? Were you exposed to contaminated water for at least 30 days? You might qualify for a toxic water lawsuit.
A Camp Lejeune contaminated water lawyer can help you understand your rights and determine the best course of legal action. It is imperative to act now to ensure you receive the money before it is gone. Contact our office today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation at (305) 402-9050.
