People who worked, lived, and served on Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina between 1953 and 1987 were exposed to toxic water. And now victims are eligible to file claims to receive compensation from the federal government over the harm they endured.
Exposure to the hazardous chemicals found in water supplies at this Marine Corp base has been linked to severe and life-threatening illnesses. These illnesses include many forms of cancer, birth defects, and other serious health problems.
The potential victims of this polluted water deserve to know if they were exposed. They also deserve to know what exposure might have done to their bodies and the bodies of their loved ones. If you or a family member are possible victims, you should stay informed of every illness that could have been caused by drinking or using the water provided at Camp Lejeune.
Find out if you’re eligible for compensation on our comprehensive page here: Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claims.
Who May Have Been Affected by Camp Lejeune’s Toxic Water?
The Camp Lejeune water crisis may have affected a million people or more. This would include servicemen and women stationed on base and their families during a certain period. Victims could have also worked as civilians at the base or lived near the base.
Currently, the scope of research indicates that people at the base over an almost 35-year-span may have been affected. For the purposes of a lawsuit, the government puts certain restrictions on who may sue.
People who experienced health problems associated with contaminated water and were at Camp Lejeune for an aggregate of at least 30 days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987, could be in line for compensation. That 30-day requirement doesn’t have to be continuous.
Claims for damages from victims meeting these conditions are now permitted to move forward since the enactment of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. Passage of the bill awards victims and their families the right to seek financial support for any adverse effect exposure to this water had on their health.
Substantial compensation could be due to victims and their families if it is proven that government and military officials knew about problems with the water supply at Camp Lejeune. The government would be shown negligent if they didn’t warn potential victims, offer them adequate assistance, and act to remove the threat quickly enough.
Camp Lejeune Water Harmful Effects on Victims
As lawsuits are filed, debates over the harmful health effects of exposure to contaminated water will continue. Research shows strong links to some illnesses. Meanwhile, there are other smaller studies linking more illnesses to Camp Lejeune’s toxic water that still need confirmation and further testing.
So far, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has officially recognized eight diseases linked to exposure to toxic water at Camp Lejeune. These harmful outcomes from exposure will likely be permitted to be used in Camp Lejeune Justice Act cases:
- Adult leukemia.
- Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes.
- Bladder cancer.
- Kidney cancer.
- Liver cancer.
- Multiple myeloma.
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
- Parkinson’s disease.
Other Illnesses Currently Associated with the Camp Lejeune Water Crisis
The above list details illnesses where stronger evidence exists linking them to Camp Lejeune water usage. But as more medical research is completed and more medical expert testimony is given, many other illnesses and developmental issues will likely be eligible for compensation.
These are just a few of the other illnesses and physical issues that could have been caused by Camp Lejeune’s toxic water:
- Brain, lung, stomach, prostate, rectal, cervical, ovarian, and other cancers.
- Breast cancer in men and women.
- ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
- Birth defects.
- Miscarriages and stillbirths.
- Damage to male and female reproductive organs.
- Bone marrow damage.
These lists don’t cover every damaging effect that contact with contaminated water could spawn. As more research is completed, the scope of victims will grow.
What Type of Compensation Is Available in a Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Personal Injury Claim?
California victims found eligible to file a claim for damages against the federal government will work with their Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawyer to create a complete list of the hardships they’ve endured.
This list should include physical, emotional, and financial damages victims and their families have had to suffer. Sadly, in this case, some of these hardships may have been experienced over decades. Many victims will have also passed on before receiving justice, making it necessary for their families to file lawsuits in their names.
These factors and others will determine the type of Camp Lejeune water contamination settlements victims and their families receive:
- Totals for past expenses for hospital and doctor care going as far back as necessary. Estimates for care needed in the years to come.
- Estimated costs associated with a permanent physical disability.
- Support for the chronic, physical pain victims endured.
- Lifelong support for victims suffering from birth defects.
- Support for parents who lost children because of toxic water exposure.
- Support for emotional trauma experienced by victims and family members. A loss of enjoyment of life contributing to depression and anxiety for victims. The loss of the ability to participate in family activities, hobbies, and travel.
- Loss of consortium. The loss of an intimate relationship with a spouse.
- Past and future lost income and benefits victims forfeited while not being able to work.
- Wrongful death benefits. Victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination exposure may have died decades ago, but that doesn’t prevent surviving family members from seeking justice on their behalf. Among other things, family members may seek reimbursement for all past medical costs going back as far as necessary. Funeral costs would earn support. This claim would also demand support to replace the income the deceased would’ve provided a spouse and children over the years.
Maison Law is Available to Help California’s CLJA Claimants:
Thousands of victims of contaminated water live at Camp Lejeune or in nearby Jacksonville, NC. However, many now live here in California in Los Angeles, Fresno, San Diego, and across the state. Many victims may also reside around Camp Pendleton.
Maison Law has made itself available to represent California’s victims of cancer and other serious illnesses along with those who have lost a family member as a result of the dangerously contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
If you or a loved one sustained injuries from water contamination in Camp Lejeune, you might be eligible for compensation.
Contact attorney Martin Gasparian for a free, no-obligation case consultation for you and/or your family.
