Many people were in shock when news broke that contaminated water spread throughout Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987. Two wells contained contaminated water in Camp Lejeune filled with dangerous solvents and chemicals, usually reserved for making plastics or melting items. These volatile compounds, including Benzene and Trichloroethylene, were found in large amounts in two wells at Camp Lejeune.
Fortunately, many marines that trained at Camp Lejeune can rest assured that they were not likely exposed to toxic water. The toxic water in the wells was removed and the well was shut down in 1987. However, if you were stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you might be eligible for compensation.
Below is some information to help you determine whether or not you’re eligible for compensation if you were exposed to contaminated water in Camp Lejeune. You can also find out more about symptoms associated with toxic water here.
What Caused Toxic Water at Camp Lejeune?
The CDC states that a nearby water treatment plan and nearby dry cleaners, known as ABC dry cleaners, caused toxins to seep into the ground floor and enter the water supply of the base. Many of the toxins found in the ground were those used by the dry-cleaning business to keep clothes from becoming permanently damaged and stripping away dirt.
While these chemicals are great for industrial uses, they are highly toxic to humans. Sadly, these chemicals seeped into two ground wells and caused contaminated water in Camp Lejeune. People drank from these wells, including teachers, hospital workers, family members, and children living on base.
What Are the Symptoms of Toxic Water Contamination?
There are various symptoms of toxic water contamination, and all depend on the amount of toxins you drank and how your body reacts to the pollution. For instance, some symptoms of Trichloroethylene poisoning include:
- Sleepiness
- Dizzyness
- Headaches
- Vomiting
- Liver damage
If you remember suffering from these symptoms when drinking the water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you might have been affected by the contaminated water in Camp Lejeune. Unfortunately, there’s no telling whether or not you will continue to develop cancers and other diseases. Some of the many diseases that can be attributed to toxic water include:
- 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
How Do I File a VA Claim?
It’s important to file a VA claim for disability as soon as possible if you’ve been diagnosed with one of these diseases from drinking the contaminated water in Camp Lejeune. Fortunately, many people that weren’t able to file for VA disability are now able to do so thanks to the PACT act.
The PACT act allows civilian contractors, family members, and other eligible people to file for VA disability. Benefits are usually only given to family members. However, you can file your claim and attempt to get the compensation you deserve as soon as possible.
Many people choose to get the help of a lawyer about contaminated water in Camp Lejeune. A lawyer can help determine the specific paperwork you need and walk you through the process of filing, so you can get the settlement you need to cover the costs of your medical expenses and suffering.
This post is informational only. In no way is it meant to provide legal advice as I am not a lawyer.