Comedians like Jon Stewart have put Camp Lejeune on the map in recent weeks, but not for anything good. Unfortunately, there is a very serious reason behind Jon Stewart rallying behind troops and the victims of the Camp Lejeune water disaster. In 1953, toxic substances began to leak into two wells located on the base of Camp Lejeune. These toxic substances would continue to impact the lives of millions of people on the base for the next 34 years.
Below is everything you need to know about the Camp Lejeune lawsuit, and what you can do if you believe you’re a victim. You can also check out this website to find out more about the lawsuit and getting legal help: https://www.dolmanlaw.com/camp-lejeune-water-contamination-lawsuit/
Where is Camp Lejeune?
Camp Lejeune is a military base used to train Marines located in North Carolina. The base was founded in 1941, and continues to be a popular base for training, thanks to its close proximity to the water. Unfortunately, its close proximity to the water also led to the water toxicity that affected its wells in 1953.
How did the Water Become So Toxic?
In 1953, evidence suggests that the ABC Dry Cleaners, which was just outside of the base, poured caustic and toxic chemicals into the drain, affecting the nearby water supply in Camp Lejeune.
Unfortunately, while there was evidence in the early 1980s about the toxic water, the wells were not shut off until 1987. By then, it was too late for many.
Diseases From Camp Lejeune Toxic Water
Many diseases arose from the toxic, volatile compounds found in the water, including cancer-causing carcinogens. The toxic water in Camp Lejeune caused diseases such as:
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Female infertility
- Hepatic steatosis
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Lung cancer
- Miscarriage
- Multiple myeloma
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Neurobehavioral effects
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Renal toxicity
- Scleroderma
It’s important to note that the Department of Veterans Affairs admits that these diseases are a direct cause of the toxic water in Camp Lejeune. As such, if you or a loved one you know suffered or are suffering from one of these listed diseases, you might be entitled to compensation and VA disability.
Getting Help For You or a Loved One
If you or a loved one were living in Camp Lejeune or drank the water there for more than 30 days between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible for compensation.
Getting help involves getting in touch with a lawyer, who can assist you in filing all of the appropriate paperwork for your lawsuit. A lawyer can also help guide you in the right direction when it comes to filing for a VA disability claim.
If your claim is denied, your lawyer can also help you file a new one or file for an appeal. Now, the PACT act also allows victims of the Camp Lejeune disaster to file a civil lawsuit. This is a feat once thought impossible due to sovereign immunity. It’s best to get your claim started right away by talking to a lawyer as soon as possible, gathering all relevant information, and filing your intent to file.
