Have you ever wondered if something in your past could be making you sick right now? Maybe you’re always tired. You have never-ending headaches or your family has a history of certain cancers. For thousands of people, the answer to that question might lie at a place called Camp Lejeune.
If you, or someone in your family, served at Camp Lejeune – a Marine Corps base in North Carolina – between the 1950s and 1980s, there’s a chance you were drinking poisoned water. It wasn’t some accident or a one-time thing. For decades, harsh industrial chemicals contaminated the water day after day.
The worst part? These chemicals aren’t like getting food poisoning, where you feel sick right away. They can cause serious health problems – even life-threatening ones – years or even decades after you’ve left Camp Lejeune.
These illnesses are devastating, and the fact is, many people don’t even connect the dots to their time in the service.
Chemicals That Are Reason For Camp Lejeune’s Toxic Water
Trichloroethylene (TCE)
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a powerful solvent used to eliminate grease from metal parts. This solvent was heavily detected at 1,400 ppb in Camp LeJeune drinking water in May 1982. It is 4300% higher than allowed safety standards, as per TorHoerman Law. And people were drinking it day after day. This relentless exposure to Trichloroethylene is linked to terrifying things. These include kidney and liver cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and damaged organs. It’s the kind of chemical that wreaks havoc on your body from the inside.
Perchloroethylene (PCE)
PCE is a disappearing solvent found in dry cleaning fluid. It evaporates fast but its damage lingers. It’s like a ghost haunting your body, causing similar problems to TCE. Researchers found the presence of PCE in water more than 40 times the limit.
What’s scary is that PCE attacks the nervous system. This increases the risk of Parkinson’s, birth defects, and other devastating neurological diseases.
Vinyl Chloride
This is a colorless gas meant to make things like PVC pipes, not something you’re supposed to swallow. Imagine those plastic fumes building up inside you – that’s the danger. Vinyl chloride messes with the liver and is a major cancer risk.
Worse, babies exposed in the womb can have lifelong health issues. It is found that babies who develop birth defects are linked to Vinyl Chloride along TCE and PCE.
Benzene:
Do you know that gasoline smells? A little whiff probably isn’t dangerous, but benzene in your drinking water, all the time? That’s a ticking time bomb.
Benzene wrecks your blood, causing leukemia and other cancers. It can also lead to anemia. The scary part is that even low exposure levels over time can do lasting harm. It’s like your body’s ability to produce healthy blood cells slowly gets poisoned.
These are the big hitters, but others like arsenic and cadmium were in the water too. It’s less clear exactly how much they added to people’s health problems, but they’re nasty on their own.
This complexity is why victims might get bounced from doctor to doctor. Their illnesses could have many causes, and Camp Lejeune gets overlooked. Many of these chemicals cause similar symptoms, making diagnosis even harder.
The Tragic Reality: When Illness Turns Fatal
The Camp Lejeune water contamination has caused immense suffering. Tragically, some victims did not survive the devastating illnesses linked to the exposure. If you have lost a loved one who served, worked, or lived on base, know you are not alone. It is estimated that 1 in 5 Camp Lejeune claims are wrongful death claims.
The concept of a “wrongful death” lawsuit may be unfamiliar. In cases of preventable harm, these legal actions enable families to seek justice and compensation. Recent laws are specifically focused on providing Camp Lejeune wrongful death payout support to families of those lost due to the Camp Lejeune poisoned water.
When a loved one dies due to these toxic exposures, families face overwhelming burdens. Medical bills, lost income, and the intangible costs of grief can become crushing.
The wrongful death compensation could range from $2,00,000 to $1 million. Some cases could go well over $1 million. This depends on the specific circumstances, like disease caused by the water and your case’s strength.
Why “See A Doctor” Isn’t Enough
You’ve been battling fatigue, unexplained aches, or maybe something more serious. A visit to your doctor seems the logical first step. However, those affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination often find that normal medical advice falls short.
Testing can’t identify whether you were exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as they break down quickly in the body. Traditional blood or urine tests conducted years after exposure may not reveal anything unusual. This presents a big challenge. It’s hard to link your current health problems to your past.
Unless you actively bring up your time at Camp Lejeune, your doctor may not even consider it a factor. Therefore if you suspect a connection to Camp Lejeune, it’s up to you to be proactive. Make sure your doctor has a full medical history, including your time at the base.
FAQs
How Much Will Each Person Get From The Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?
Camp Lejeune Settlements could range from $25,000 to over $1 million per person. You should consult an experienced Camp Lejeune lawyer. They will give you a personalized assessment of your potential claim.
How Long Will It Take To Get A Camp Lejeune Settlement?
Most Camp Lejeune cases are expected to settle within one to two years. Some straightforward cases may settle even faster, while complex ones could take longer. The timeline can vary. It depends on your case’s complexity and the courts’ current workload.
How Many People Have Applied For The Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?
As of March 2024, over 1,600 lawsuits have been filed in court. Also, over 174,000 claims have been filed with the Navy. These are a preliminary step, and some may later become lawsuits.
Do I Need A Lawyer For The Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?
While technically you can file a claim on your own, hiring a lawyer is strongly recommended. Camp Lejeune cases involve unique medical knowledge and recently passed legislation. Specialized lawyers understand the specifics.
How Do I Prove I Was At Camp Lejeune?
You can provide your house address at the base. You can also provide bills, military records, and employment records to prove you lived at Camp Lejeune.
To conclude, it’s important to remember that even if no doctor has linked your health problems to Camp Lejeune, you still have options. The Honoring Our PACT Act allows victims of polluted water to sue and recover their damage.
It’s an opportunity to speak, have your questions answered, and gain a clearer picture of potential paths forward.
