What Kind of Help Is Available for Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Injuries

Camp Lejeune is home to one of the worst water contamination disasters in U.S. history. For more than 30 years, over a million people drank and bathed in toxic water poisoned with volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). The military shut down the affected plants in the 1980s, but by then the damage was irreversible. Thousands of people would later develop severe illnesses because of toxic exposure. Many people have died as the result of this careless exposure. The water at Camp Lejeune was primarily contaminated with benzene, vinyl chloride, trichloroethylene (TCE), and tetrachloroethylene (PCE). These chemicals have common commercial and industrial uses but aren’t meant for human consumption.

Long-term exposure to the chemicals found in the Camp Lejeune water is dangerous, and the military service members, family members, and civilians who lived and worked at Camp Lejeune had no notice that the water was contaminated. Even though the government has improved the water at Camp Lejeune, those exposed years prior were already harmed. The diseases that VOC exposure causes have devastating lifelong effects. The people made sick by Camp Lejeune water exposure have had their lives impacted significantly. Their families have suffered as well. Victims unknowingly drank water that wasn’t safe and now have hefty medical bills, a decline in quality of life, and the emotional toll of serious illness. 

Camp Lejeune Health Effects 

Any illness diagnosis can be distressing, but the Camp Lejeune water contamination illnesses are particularly alarming. Even short-term chemical exposure can heighten the risk of health complications. Drinking, bathing, and doing laundry in contaminated water increases the chances of developing serious conditions like:

• Adult leukemia
• Aplastic anemia
• Birth defects
• Bladder cancer
• Breast cancer
• Female infertility
• Hepatic steatosis
• Kidney cancer
• Liver cancer
• Miscarriage
• Multiple myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Parkinson’s disease
• Renal toxicity
• Scleroderma

However, this list is neither exhaustive or comprehensive. Further research and analysis of those who lived, worked or served at Camp Lejeune may provide a link to new and additional medical conditions related to the toxic drinking water at Camp Lejeune. If you’ve been diagnosed with one of these diseases and spent time at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune claim and recover damages. Fortunately, the steps to begin reviewing your claim, or that of a loved one, are relatively simple. Even if you do not presently possess the following items, the attorneys at Murray & Murray will gladly help you obtain the following:

• Medical records
• Proof of residence at Camp Lejeune during the contamination timeframe
• If relief is sought for the family of a service member, evidence that they’re related to a military veteran

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act Claims Process

Earlier this year, Camp Lejeune victims, including our brave service members and their families, received a remarkable victory. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was signed into law, making it possible for people with Camp Lejeune-related injuries to obtain compensation from the federal government. The new legislation opens the door for veterans, families, and civilians to bring legal action against the government for failing to warn about Camp Lejeune water contamination.  

Water contamination victims shouldn’t wait to file a Camp Lejeune claim. Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, anyone affected must file claims within two years of the law’s signing. Don’t hesitate to contact an attorney if you’ve suffered Camp Lejeune-related injuries. Murray & Murray can answer your questions about filing a claim to get the payment you deserve. Initial consultations are free. Contact Murray & Murray online or call us at 800-624-3009 to discuss your Camp Lejeune legal options.