What Effects Did the Contamination Have on Military Members?

Although the VA is naming eight specific cancers and illnesses in this phase of compensation, there may have been other injuries associated with the Camp Lejeune contamination.

The VA approved disability benefits to veterans based on evidence and ongoing research. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) secretary has said the water at Camp Lejeune was a “hidden hazard.”

The Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) determined that prolonged exposure to these chemicals increases the risk of certain health conditions.

Health officials say contaminants in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune likely increased the risk of cancers, adverse birth outcomes, and other dangerous conditions that include the above, but also the following:

Many affected Camp Lejeune veterans have lost their homes and the ability to work, primarily because of the disabilities caused by the illnesses they developed from toxic exposure. Two U.S. Senators are urging the government to expand compensation for victims, and called the incidence a “national problem.”

How Do I File a Claim for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?

As many as one million American veterans, civilian workers and family members may have been exposed to the hazards of a contaminated water supply at Camp Lejeune from 1953 to 1987. Anyone who served or lived at the Jacksonville, North Carolina training facility could be at risk of developing health issues.

Those who may be eligible to seek benefits include the following:

If you believe that you or a loved one were injured or affected by contaminated water, you should take the following steps in preparation for legal action:

• Gather any documents or medical records related to your injuries
• Take note of when you lived in or near the Camp Lejeune area
• Make a written account of your injuries and symptoms (when they began, and how they are impacting your life)
• Contact a lawyer to discuss your legal rights and options

We understand if you can’t perform all of these tasks on your own, but don’t worry — it’s our job to gather evidence and ensure your case is ready for trial.

What is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 is a bipartisan bill aimed at ensuring that individuals who were harmed by water contamination at Camp Lejeune receive just compensation for their injuries and losses.

The U.S. Senate passed the Act as part of a group of bills called the “Honoring our PACT” Act. On August 10, 2022, President Biden officially signed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act into law. It allows military personnel and civilians to file in U.S. federal court for pain and suffering compensation related to Camp Lejeune diagnoses and treatments.

Previously, people who filed legal actions for Camp Lejeune toxic water injuries had their claims inappropriately dismissed, causing further delays and harm. However, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022:

• Removes filing barriers so that those affected can properly pursue compensation in court
• Creates a streamlined mechanism for filing chemical exposure claims with the Veterans Administration
• Allows for recovery by individuals who were stationed, lived, or worked at the Camp Lejeune site

Our veterans, their families, and people working at military sites deserve far better treatment than what they received in the past. This new law will help provide justice for the challenges they previously faced.

How Did the Water Get Contaminated at Camp Lejeune?

Perchloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE) were the primary contaminants found in the wells serving the two water systems in the Camp Lejeune area. The Tarawa Terrace water systems supplied family housing, unmarried service personnel barracks, base offices, schools, and recreational areas. The Hadnot Point water system served the base hospital and an industrial area of the base.

Groundwater at the Tarawa Terrace system became contaminated with PCE as a result of spills and improper disposal by an off-base dry cleaner nearby (ABC One-Hour Cleaners). This began as early as 1953. There may also have been other on-base sources contributing to the contamination of that system.

Contamination of the Hadnot Point water system involved multiple contaminants and sources and was more complex. The primary chemical found there was TCE. It is likely that on-base spills and leaks from storage tanks were the cause of contamination.

Contact a Lawyer for Help With a Camp Lejeune Illness Contamination Claim

Water contamination claims can involve serious, long-term medical conditions and injuries. On top of this, the addition of military and veteran issues can make such cases even more complex. When dealing with these types of challenges, you need a lawyer with experience and a proven track record in handling such cases.

The Lyon Firm is proud to represent American veterans in disability claims, involving water contamination illnesses, cancers or any other toxic exposure disease. Contact Joe Lyon at (513) 381-2333 for a free consultation.