Camp Lejeune is a United States Marine Corps installation in Jacksonville, North Carolina. In August 2012, hundreds of Marines and their families who inhabited the base sued claiming that the water supplied to the base was contaminated with industrial pollutants.
The Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit charges that the pollution has resulted in a slew of health problems, including cancer, birth disorders, and other maladies. The case is now in litigation, and a decision is expected soon.
If you or someone you know has been harmed by the Camp Lejeune water contamination, you may be entitled to financial compensation. An experienced personal injury lawyer can assist you in understanding your legal rights and choices.
Water Contaminants
The Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit alleges that the following contaminants were present in the water supply:
* Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)
PCE is a dry-cleaning solvent that has been linked to cancer.
* Trichloroethylene (TCE)
TCE is an industrial degreaser that has also been linked to cancer.
* Benzene
Benzene is a gasoline additive that can cause leukemia.
These contaminants were present in the water supply at Camp Lejeune for more than 30 years. As a result, hundreds of Marines and their families have been exposed to the toxic chemicals. These chemicals are all known carcinogens, and exposure to them has been linked to an increased risk of cancer.
Health Issues Linked To Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
The following health problems have been linked to the Camp Lejeune water contamination:
* Cancer
Exposure to the chemicals present in the water supply at Camp Lejeune has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. The specific types of cancer that have been linked to the contamination include breast cancer, kidney cancer, leukemia, and liver cancer.
* Birth defects
Exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune has also been linked to an increased risk of birth defects. These defects include neural tube defects, heart defects, and cleft palate.
* Miscarriage
Exposure to the toxic chemicals present in the water at Camp Lejeune has also been linked to an increased risk of miscarrying.
This is just a small list of the health problems that have been linked to the Camp Lejeune water contamination. Camp Lejeune’s polluted water may be linked to a wide range of other medical issues. In fact, a long list of health issues have been linked to the chemicals discovered in the water at the bottom. Residents and employees working on site who were not aware they were in danger because of the presence of these hazardous chemicals in their bodies may have already begun to experience symptoms and not know the cause.
The chemicals that disrupt hormones, such as those found in cigarettes, may have long-term health effects that appear as disease in the body years later – and it’s frequently too late to reverse medical conditions and harm.
What Has Been Done?
In response to the lawsuit, the Marine Corps has released a statement saying that they are “committed to providing quality water to our service members, their families and employees.” The statement goes on to say that the Marine Corps is “taking this matter very seriously” and is working with the Department of Health and Human Services to investigate the situation.
The Marine Corps has also set up a website to provide information about the water contamination at Camp Lejeune. The website includes a list of FAQs, as well as links to resources for those who have been affected by the contamination.
Any veteran who served at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between 1953 and 1987 is entitled to free medical care through the Veterans Affairs (VA). To assist these veterans, the VA has established a special program. Any illness that is shown to be linked to water contaminated at Camp Lejeune will be covered by the VA.
Veterans must first show proof of their service at Camp Lejeune during the specified time period in order to receive benefits. They will also need to prove that they have a health condition that is on the VA’s list of diseases related to contaminated water exposure.
The contaminated water has an impact on not just military personnel and their families, but also contractors, civilians who worked at the base during the same time period, and family members. ATSDR has developed models to estimate the full effects of the pollution at Camp Lejeune.
The Lawsuit
The class-action lawsuit against the United States Marine Corps was filed in 2012. The lawsuit alleges that the Marine Corps knew about the contamination of the water at Camp Lejeune and did nothing to warn residents or take steps to clean up the pollution. The suit also alleges that the Marine Corps failed to properly maintain the water treatment facilities at Camp Lejeune, which allowed the contamination to occur in the first place.
The lawsuit is still pending, and no decision has been made yet. If the plaintiffs are successful, they may be awarded damages for their injuries. The amount of any potential award will depend on the number of people who join the lawsuit, as well as the specific injuries suffered by each individual.
The water contamination at Camp Lejeune is a serious issue that has affected the lives of many people. If you or someone you know has been affected, it is important to seek legal help to ensure that your rights are protected. An experienced attorney can help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
