When you were serving at Camp Lejeune, you probably never imagined that the water you drank had been contaminated with chemicals like benzene and trichloroethylene. But that’s precisely what happened from 1957 through 1987.
It’s estimated that more than one million people may have unknowingly consumed toxic water at this military base. If you’re one of those victims, filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit can help you get compensation for your damages.
Here are some reasons why you should file the lawsuit:
Exposure to Toxic Chemicals
If you were posted at Camp Lejeune between 1957 and 1987, you might have been exposed to toxic chemicals in the water supply. The military base is on the North Carolina coast and near two rivers, the Cape Fear and Brandywine Creek. During this period, many veterans began experiencing health problems after drinking or showering in contaminated tap water.
The toxic chemicals that contaminated Camp Lejeune’s water supply include:
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Perchloroethylene (PCE)
These chemicals are known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which evaporate easily into the air when heated by hot showers or cooking food over an open flame. They can also seep into the soil if a leaky pipe is underneath your home’s foundation.
It could happen anywhere from five years after construction finishes until 20 years later, depending on how often people use their plumbing system.
Cancer Caused by Water Contamination
According to DCEG researchers in the Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch (OEEB), several water contaminants have been linked to cancer. The contaminated water at Camp Lejeune has also been said to have caused cancer in millions.
You may be eligible for compensation if you have been diagnosed with cancer. Cancer is a severe health condition that can be life-threatening and cause pain, suffering, and financial hardship. Many people exposed to toxic chemicals at Camp Lejeune filed lawsuits against the government because they believed their cancers were caused by drinking contaminated water at the base.
Children with Birth Defects Caused by Water Contamination
If you are a parent or know someone who is, it’s essential to understand how water contamination can affect your children. Evidence shows that the water at Camp Lejeune caused congenital disabilities and cancer. Congenital disabilities can be expensive to treat and emotionally draining on families living with them daily.
You can file the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit with the help of TorHoerman Law, LLC, a law firm that has been assisting veterans for years. Since congenital disabilities are challenging and expensive to care for, having an experienced attorney can help you get the maximum compensation for your case.
Financial Compensation for Lost Wages and Future Earnings Potential
Filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit is the only way to get financial compensation for lost wages and future earnings potential. The process of filing a claim is simple, but you must follow all the steps so the court system can properly process your claim. According to Lawsuit Information Center, more than 100 lawsuits have been filed in North Carolina.
The first step in filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit is determining how much money has been lost due to cancer-related health problems caused by tainted water. It will require working with an attorney who calculates lost wages and future earnings potential using actuarial tables provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
These tables provide estimates based on age, gender, education level, and employment history, information that should be included in any application submitted with your lawyer’s assistance.
Conclusion
If you or someone you love has been affected by water contamination at Camp Lejeune, it’s essential to know that resources are available for you. The VA and DoD have taken steps to help veterans and their families, but if those efforts aren’t enough or don’t apply in your case, then filing a lawsuit may be an option.
