Camp Lejeune’s Violation of Safety Protocols
From the 1950s to the 1980s, individuals who were living or working at Camp Lejeune, a U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp located in North Carolina, were potentially exposed to dangerous water. Various chemical spills occurred on and off the base, which contaminated two of their water plants. In turn, these harmful chemicals entered the water that millions of people were using. Such chemicals included industrial solvents, trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, and benzene. Some officials even classified the water in this camp as the most contaminated water in the United States.
Individuals who lived at Camp Lejeune experienced higher mortality rates due to the consumption of chemicals that caused many different types of cancers. They also suffered from many other conditions, including eye defects, skin disorders, cardiac defects, congenital disabilities, and neurological effects.
Compensation for Camp Lejeune Families
The Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 was one of the first steps to compensate those who were sickened while at the base. This act provided qualifying veterans with health care (minus dental) from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Even if a person exposed to the contaminated water were fortunate enough not to have developed any conditions, they would still be eligible for this care. Although treatment resulting from the contamination would be covered, any conditions not caused by this contamination would still be treated with a potential co-pay involved.
More recently, in March of 2022, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Honoring Our PACT Act of 2021. This included the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which may allow individuals who drank the contaminated water to file a lawsuit to receive compensation for their injuries. Some of the guidelines in the bill require qualifying individuals to have been exposed for a minimum of 30 days between August of 1953 and December of 1987. Additionally, the children of mothers who were pregnant while living or working at Camp Lejeune are also eligible to apply.
Contact an Attorney if You Have Been Hurt Due to Campe Lejeune’s Contaminated Water
If you have were exposed to harmful water at Camp Lejeune during the time period described, it is essential that you contact a personal injury attorney to receive legal guidance. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.
