The discovery of toxic substances in the water supply at Camp Lejeune, a US Marine Corps base in North Carolina, has had a significant impact on the health of service members and their families who lived or worked on the base. If you or a loved one were affected by the contamination, you may be wondering about your legal options for seeking compensation for injuries and damages.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the discovery of the toxic substances in the Camp Lejeune water supply, the health effects of exposure, and the legal process for seeking compensation. We’ll also discuss the different types of damages that may be available in these cases.
I. Introduction to the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
The Camp Lejeune water contamination refers to the discovery that the water supply at the base was contaminated with toxic substances, including benzene, trichloroethylene (TCE), and perchloroethylene (PCE). The contamination occurred between the 1950s and 1980s, and it is estimated that as many as one million people may have been affected by the contamination.
The impact of the contamination has been significant, as many service members and their families who lived or worked on the base have suffered serious health problems as a result of their exposure to the toxic substances. These health problems include cancers, birth defects, and other serious illnesses.
II. The Discovery of Toxic Substances in the Water
The contamination at Camp Lejeune was discovered in the 1980s, but the full extent of the problem was not fully understood until much later. It wasn’t until 1997 that the US Marine Corps released a report acknowledging the contamination and its potential health effects.
The toxic substances that were discovered in the water supply at Camp Lejeune included:
- Benzene: Benzene is a chemical that is commonly used in the manufacturing of plastics, resins, rubber, and other products. It is a known carcinogen and has been linked to a variety of cancers, including leukemia.
- Trichloroethylene (TCE): TCE is a chemical solvent that was used at Camp Lejeune to degrease machinery and equipment. It is a known carcinogen and has been linked to kidney cancer, liver cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
- Perchloroethylene (PCE): PCE is a chemical solvent that was used at Camp Lejeune for dry cleaning. It has been linked to liver cancer and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
- The health effects of exposure to these toxic substances can be severe and may include:
- Cancers: Exposure to the toxic substances in the Camp Lejeune water supply has been linked to a variety of cancers, including leukemia, kidney cancer, liver cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
- Birth defects: Pregnant women who were exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune may have had a higher risk of giving birth to children with birth defects, including neural tube defects and heart defects.
- Other health problems: Exposure to the toxic substances in the water at Camp Lejeune may have also been linked to other health problems, including neurological disorders, immune system problems, and respiratory problems.
III. The Legal Process for Those Affected by the Water Contamination
- If you or a loved one were affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination, you may be wondering about your legal options. One option to consider is filing a lawsuit against the US government or the companies responsible for the contamination.
- The first step in the legal process is to file a lawsuit with a reputable law firm like TruLaw. This typically involves hiring a personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your rights and options and can represent you in court.
- It’s important to note that there is a statute of limitations for these cases, meaning you must file a lawsuit within a specific timeframe.