Camp Lejeune is the US Marine Corps base in North Carolina. The water supply in the area is not safe and was found to be contaminated from 1953 to 1987.
In the early 1990s, it was scientifically proven that Camp Lejeune’s water supply was contaminated. It had toxic chemical compounds like benzene, vinyl chloride, trichloroethylene (TCE), and other dangerous substances.
According to an estimate, over one million people were severely impacted by the contaminated water supply during 1953–1987. Families of veterans and military personnel suffered the most because of it. They can now demand compensation from the government through a Camp Lejeune personal injury lawyer, who has specialization in the issue.
Explanation of Camp Lejeune Controversy
In the early 1960s and 1970s, the federal government denied any responsibility for compensating the veterans and their families. But people who worked at Camp Lejeune from the 1950s to 1980s suffered life-threatening diseases, because of the contaminated water supply.
Regular exposure to contaminated water caused serious illnesses in them, including Cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and many more.
Currently, the case is sub judice. As per the Camp Lejuene Justice Act, individuals affected due to contaminated water will get legal recourse and justice.
Camp Lejeune-based personal injury attorney is the right person to handle the case. If you lived or worked at Camp Lejeune, get in touch with an attorney for help.
Contaminated Water At Camp Lejeune Can Cause Following Diseases:
- Brain cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Leukemia (blood cancer)
- Lung cancer
- Liver cancer
- Bladder cancer
Apart from various cancers, people who lived at Camp Lejeune may get affected due to other diseases, too.
Contaminated Water Causes Non-cancerous Serious Diseases
- Cardiac ailments
- Neurobehavioral disorders
- Scleroderma
- Hepatic Steatosis
- Fertility issues and frequent miscarriages in pregnant women
In-utero exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune can create birth defects and high rates of childhood cancer. The toxic residue in the water supply at Camp Lejeune killed many children over the years at a young age.
Legal Challenges Ahead
Camp Lejeune is a controversial subject. Initially, the government didn’t believe in the claims that the water around the camp was contaminated. However, in 2008, the VA (Department of Veteran Affairs), launched a presumptive service connection for veterans who worked in precarious conditions from the early 1950s to the 1980s.
In 2012, the caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act was created to help veterans and their family members to receive health benefits. However, only people showing certain symptoms or certain health conditions will be eligible for compensation or legal justice.
In Conclusion
Several veterans’ claims for compensation were denied by VA upon scrutinizing their forms. Also, the department even rejected the application of veterans seeking legal recourse for the health impacts suffered by their family members.
North Carolina also barred veterans from bringing civil actions against the authority for supplying contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. That’s why you need a well-experienced lawyer to fight your case against the government or authority strongly in a court to help you get justice.