The news about the water contamination has shocked the nation recently. You may have seen various news articles about it and are unsure what it means. From 1953 to 1987, the drinking water at the United States Marine Corps Base Camp in Jacksonville, North Carolina was found to be contaminated and the government knew it. It wasn’t until the 1980s that the United States government finally confirmed extremely dangerous contaminants in two of the eight the ground water plants at the military base. The toxic chemicals were anywhere from 240 to 3,000 times the safety levels. The Agency for Toxic Substance Diseases and Disease Registry (ATSDR) believe that as many as one million military and civilian families were exposed to the contaminated water either by drinking it, showering with it, and/or cooking with it. The exposure went on for decades and the effects of the contamination were so widespread and deadly that the government is now doing something about it. With the recent passing of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination can finally seek the compensation they deserve. To see if you qualify, call 877-557-4221 or get a free case evaluation.
What Was In The Water At Camp Lejeune?
According to the ATSDR, tests show that the water plants contained as many as 70 dangerous chemicals, including:
- trichloroethylene (TCE),
- tetrachloroethylene (PCE),
- vinyl chloride (VC) and
- benzene
The effects of exposure to these volatile organic compounds and dangerous chemicals have been linked to serious diseases, such as cancer and even death. Exposure to these chemicals can also increase the risk of birth defects and other health problems depending on when a person was exposed, the length of exposure, the type of exposure and an individual’s own personal body and habits.
What Health Conditions Are Linked To The Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
The list of health effects and medical conditions linked to the water contamination is extensive. The toxic exposure at Camp Lejeune may lead to deadly medical conditions, including:
- Kidney cancer
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Multiple Myeloma
- Leukemia
- Liver cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Breast cancer
- Birth defects
- Bladder cancer
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Aplastic anemia
- Kidney diseases
- Esophageal cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Brain cancer
- Systemic Sclerosis/Scleroderma
- Cardiac defects
- Miscarriage
- Female infertility
During the contamination period, nearly a million civilian workers, military service members and their families were exposed. Unfortunately, pregnant women, newborns and young children who consumed water while at Camp Lejeune are likely the highest at risk of developing deadly medical conditions, cancers, and other diseases. For decades, more and more research has shown that the drinking water contained chemicals that are known to be severely harmful and have been linked to these serious health conditions. In fact, multiple scientific studies and even government measures have confirmed the link between Camp Lejeune’s toxic water and these illnesses.
If you or a loved one suffered health problems or cancer from the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, contact an attorney at Karns & Karns Personal Injury & Accident Attorney to discuss your compensation. To see if you qualify, call 877-557-4221 or get a free case evaluation.
What Does The Camp Lejeune Justice Act Mean?
Recently, Congress passed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act which was part of the Honoring our PACT Act signed into law by President Biden on August 10, 2022. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act now provides victims of the toxic exposure to file for compensation based on their injuries. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act claims that the toxic chemicals present in the water caused severe injuries and lead to chronic illnesses or even death. It is reported that over $6 billion dollars have been allocated to victims from Camp Lejeune who now live with severe health related problems.
Up until now, service members and civilians who were affected by the water contamination had to rely on the Veteran Affairs department and the benefits provided by the government, which were limited. Now Veterans, their family members, and others stationed at Marine Corps Base in North Carolina for more than 30 days between August 1, 1953 through December 31, 1987, can file a separate lawsuit for financial compensation.
If you served at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune or the New River Marine Corps Air Station in North Carolina, it is very likely that you had contact with the toxic chemicals. The evidence has shown a direct link between exposure to these toxic chemicals during military service and development of certain diseases later on. If you were stationed at Camp Lejeune and have a current diagnosis of one of the conditions listed above, you may be able to receive compensation under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.
Do You Qualify For A Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act provides compensation for valid claims that are timely filed within two years from the date President Biden signed the Act into law, which was August 10, 2022. However, there are additional requirements that must be met before then. If you believe you qualify, contact our attorneys today to discuss your claims.
The basic requirements for the Camp Lejeune lawsuit is as follows:
- You or a loved one must show evidence of exposure to the contaminated water for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987;
- You or a loved one did not leave military service due to a dishonorable discharge; and
- You or a loved one must have been diagnosed with one of the above health conditions.
But if you or a loved one only meets the first criteria that doesn’t mean that you don’t qualify for the lawsuit. The Act provides that if you were exposed to the contaminated water during the contamination period, but have not developed an illness yet, you may still qualify for compensation when you do get diagnosed. In this case, you have two years from the date you receive a diagnosis to file a claim for damages.
Unfortunately in some cases the injuries from the toxic water contamination lead to death. If you have suffered the loss of a loved one who has met the criteria above, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit now regardless of when your loved one passed away.
The deadlines for a lawsuit can be complicated and difficult to navigate. At Karns & Karns Personal Injury & Accident Attorneys we walk you through the entire process and keep you informed. If you want to discuss your legal options, contact Karns & Karns Personal Injury & Accident Attorneys today. To see if you qualify, call 877-557-4221 or get a free case evaluation.
Why Is Acting Fast Important?
The Act provides for over $6 billion dollars in compensation to potentially a million or more individuals. The Act also provides a limited time to file an injury claim. The government will rank the lawsuits into tiers based on the value of the claims. When suing the government, there is a claims process that must occur before filing a lawsuit. After the claims process, the lawsuit is filed and litigation begins. It is hopeful that by then most of these cases will be already ranked and we will know the number of claims involved. Because these claims are based on injuries, medical records will help prove the injury was connected to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune. Our office can help victims gather relevant medical records and other information to make your claim.
It is important that you obtain experienced legal representation right away. At Karns & Karns Personal Injury & Accident Attorneys, we recommend that you act fast to protect your rights.
- Find the right attorney for your claim
- Get a free case evaluation
- Former Marines should obtain proof that they were stationed at Camp Lejeune (Request Form DD214)
- Civilians should request copies of their Social Security Work History (Form SSA-7050-F4) or W-2 or earnings stubs
- Medical records showing your related health condition
- List your medical providers
Some people may have forgotten about the exposure over the past three decades. Don’t wonder about your legal options, contact us for a free case evaluation.
Our legal team is ready to listen to your story. There’s no cost to speak with us, and we’re available 24/7. Call 877-557-4221 or get a free case evaluation to see if you qualify.
