From 1953 to 1987, United States Marine Corps (USMC) members and associated military family members were exposed to and ingested contaminated water. These harmful chemicals were so highly concentrated that the exposure ranged from 240 to 3400 times the standard safety levels. The Camp Lejeune water contamination exposure occurred at USMC Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, located in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
The health of thousands of Marines and their families was put at risk by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The water contained hazardous levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including dry cleaning solvents, degreasers, and chemicals used on heavy machinery. Exposure to these VOCs has been linked to severe health conditions such as cancer, congenital disabilities, and other potentially life-threatening injuries.
What injuries did the water contamination at Camp LeJeune cause?
The Camp Lejeune water contamination is a tragic reminder of the need for vigilance in protecting our drinking water supply. The contamination occurred when treatment plants supplied water to the base, and many family housing units failed to remove the volatile organic compounds from the water properly.
Injuries as a result of the water contamination include but are not limited to:
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Bladder Cancer
- Cardiac Defects
- Kidney Cancer
- Systemic Sclerosis and scleroderma
- Multiple Myeloma
- Pancreatic Cancer
- All types of Leukemia
- Breast cancer for men and women
- Liver Cancer
- Rectal Cancer
- Kidney Disease
- Prostate Cancer
- Esophageal Cancer
- Brain/CNS cancers
What are the estimated settlement amounts for Camp Lejeune victims?
It is estimated that total payouts for victims will be around $6.8 billion. Depending on the diagnosis and severity of pain and suffering, each person’s settlement amount will be different. Despite what many law firms are putting on their websites to attract clients, it is far too early to know what the settlement amounts will be for each person.
For many victims, the settlement may be the only way to obtain the financial stability they need to continue receiving treatment and provide for their families. For example, those who have lost a loved one to a long battle with cancer, or victims who have a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, may have larger settlements than others.
It is crucial to speak with an experienced attorney at Snyder and Wenner to discuss your options for filing a claim and receiving the compensation you are entitled to.
Are you or a loved one a victim of Camp Lejeune water contamination?
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is a pivotal step in advocating for the military personnel and employees of Camp Lejeune who are suffering from health implications or have family members who the toxic exposure has deeply impacted. The bill (H.R. 2192) received bipartisan support, providing victims the right to sue the U.S. government for injuries sustained by contaminated water. The Act is a significant development because it gives affected people the chance to seek compensation for their injuries and raises awareness about water contamination on military bases.
We hope the passage of this bill shows that the United States government is committed to protecting the rights of those who serve in the military from tragic occurrences like Camp Lejeune.
If you or a loved one stayed or lived at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between 1952 and 1987 and developed any of the cancers or problems described above, please call or contact us today for more information.