The tragic events that took place at Camp Lejeune between the years of 1957 and 1987 have resulted in immeasurable suffering for those who were exposed to contaminated water during their service. During this time period, over 1 million Marines and family members were exposed to water polluted with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This contamination has been linked to various forms of cancer, birth defects, and other health issues.
In 2012, the Department of Veterans Affairs established a program providing medical care and financial compensation for those affected by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. This includes veterans and their families who may be eligible for disability compensation if they can prove that their illness was directly caused by exposure to VOCs in the water. Additionally, individuals may receive assistance with medical expenses related to illnesses caused by Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water.
Impacted Military Members and Their Families May Be Owed Compensation for Suffering Harm
Fortunately, those affected by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune may be eligible for compensation for the losses they have endured. The Marine Corps created a program specifically designed to assist individuals impacted by the contamination. Through this program, veterans and their families can receive medical care and financial compensation for medical expenses related to illnesses caused by the contaminated water. Additionally, individuals may be eligible for disability compensation if they can prove that their illness was directly caused by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
As you know, many people who were exposed to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune from August 1, 1953 through December 31, 1987 have developed serious illnesses as a result of the polluted drinking water. Some of the most common ailments people have developed include:
- Adult leukemia
- Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Parkinson's disease
If you have developed one of the above diseases after contaminated drinking water exposure at Camp Lejeune, you may be able to recover some of the losses you have endured through the program.
Additionally, if you served at least 30 days of active duty at Camp Lejeune during the aforementioned time period and have developed one of the following ailments, you may qualify for cost-free healthcare from Veteran's Affairs:
- Esophageal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Renal toxicity
- Female infertility
- Scleroderma
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Lung cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Leukemia
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Hepatic steatosis
- Miscarriage
- Neurobehavioral effects
While nothing can ever undo the damage done as a result of this tragedy, hopefully this program will provide some measure of relief to those affected by the events that took place at Camp Lejeune. It is our sincere hope that anyone who has suffered as a result of drinking water contamination at Camp Lejeune takes advantage of these resources and gets the assistance they need and deserve.
We Are Here to Help Camp Lejeune Victims
In order to best utilize the programs available to you as an injured Camp Lejeune military member, it is wise to seek help from a skilled personal injury attorney to help recover the compensation you deserve for your losses. We understand the hardship and suffering caused by this terrible tragedy, and we are here to ensure that you receive all of the relief available to you. Contact us today for a free consultation on your case. We appreciate your service and look forward to hearing from you.
If you have been harmed by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and need help with your lawsuit, contact the skilled attorneys at Berthold Law Firm, PLLC with the details of your case by calling (304) 605-2040 or by filling out our online contact form.