Between August 1953 and December 1987, the water supply for Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune contained harmful chemicals that can cause a variety of health conditions, such as cancer. The symptoms of exposure to these chemicals range from minor to severe.
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Symptoms
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the Camp Lejeune water supply was contaminated with the following chemicals:
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Perchloroethylene (PCE)
- Benzene
- Vinyl chloride
The immediate symptoms of exposure to these chemicals can involve:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Sleepiness
- Nausea
- Difficulty speaking or walking
While severe, these short-term symptoms don’t pose the same risk as long-term exposure to the chemicals in the Camp Lejeune water supply.
Diseases Associated With Camp Lejeune Water Exposure
The ATSDR notes that long-term exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune can cause the following health conditions:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
- Liver cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Aplastic anemia
- Adult leukemia
- Neurobehavioral effects
- Miscarriage
- Hepatic steatosis
- Lung cancer
- Scleroderma
- Female infertility
- Renal toxicity
- Esophageal cancer
Some conditions not noted here may also be linked to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water exposure.
I Was Stationed at Camp Lejeune. Will I Develop Cancer?
Consumption of contaminated water at Camp Lejeune doesn’t guarantee that you will develop cancer or another serious medical condition. The following factors impact your level of risk:
- The length of your exposure
- The amount that you were exposed
- Your habits
- Your state when exposed (infancy, in utero, etc.)
If you believe you have cancer or another serious medical condition, schedule an appointment with a trusted medical professional. They can assess your symptoms, provide a diagnosis, and build a treatment plan if needed.
Who Is at Risk of Developing These Symptoms and Diseases?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) states that between August 1st, 1953, and December 31st, 1987, the water supplies for these bases were contaminated. If you were stationed at or living on any of these bases for at least 30 cumulative days during this time, you are at risk of developing cancer or another relevant health condition.
The following groups are all at risk of exposure:
- Veterans
- Service members
- Base employees
- Family members
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuits and Benefits
If you believe your health condition is linked to Camp Lejeune contaminated water, you have two options to receive compensation or benefits:
- File a lawsuit
- Apply for unique Camp Lejeune VA benefits
Filing a Lawsuit
On August 10th, 2022, the Biden administration passed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022. This bill removed legal immunity from the federal government, meaning victims of Camp Lejeune toxic water can now file a lawsuit to receive compensation. A legal settlement can cover damages like medical expenses and mental trauma.
According to the text of this bill, to qualify for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit, you must have been stationed at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 cumulative days between 1953 and 1987 and prove that your harm (medical condition) was:
- Caused by exposure to the water (the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune)
- Associated with exposure to the water
- Linked to exposure to the water or
- Exposure to the water increased the likelihood of such harm
In most cases, you have until August 24th, 2024, to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit. If you don’t submit a claim before this deadline, you may lose your chance to pursue legal action.
Applying for VA Benefits
In 2012, the passage of the Camp Lejeune Families Act facilitated improved medical benefits for veterans and their families. These benefits are distributed through VA and cover healthcare costs connected to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water exposure.
If your application for these benefits is approved, you can receive the following:
- Compensation in the form of monthly payments
- Coverage for medical care
These benefits are only available to veterans and their families. To be eligible, you must be able to prove that you were stationed at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days and are suffering from a qualifying medical condition. The VA website contains further information about the benefits application process.
Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Lawyer?
Technically, you aren’t required to hire a lawyer if you’re planning to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit or apply for VA benefits. However, a lawyer could help you navigate the often-complex process of submitting a benefits claim or filing a lawsuit. These are the services a Camp Lejeune lawsuit lawyer could provide you with:
- Answer any questions you have about your case
- Explain your next steps
- Gather evidence that proves your health condition is connected to Camp Lejeune
- Appeal a benefits denial on your behalf
- File a lawsuit on your behalf
- Determine if you are eligible for a lawsuit or benefits claim
Work With a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawyer Today
If you’re suffering from Camp Lejeune water contamination symptoms or diseases, a lawyer from our team can help. At GED Lawyers, we’re actively accepting inquiries from individuals affected by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. Contact our offices today for a free initial case evaluation.
