Marines, their families, and other civilians who lived and worked on Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 may have been exposed to toxic water. Now, with the recent passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, they have the right to pursue compensation for any illnesses and health conditions they may have developed as a result of their exposure to the contaminated water.
Kirkendall Dwyer and Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claims
Americans revere the members of the United States Marine Corps for their sense of duty and selfless service to this country. For years, Marines and their families have been stationed at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Civilians also work on the U.S. military installation. From August 1953 and continuing for at least 30 years, contaminated water leaked into the underground water storage tanks at Camp Lejeune.
This decades-long contamination potentially exposed thousands of marines, their families, and civilians who worked on the base to serious health complications. The federal government recently moved to redress this historic system failure of the water system by passing the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. If you believe you were exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune, contact the lawyers at Kirkendall Dwyer for help filing your claim.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act
On August 11, 2022, President Joe Biden signed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 to address the health claims of Marines, Marine families, and civilians exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1953 to December 1987.
This act is section 804 of the larger Honoring Our PACT Act, which expands coverage to veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service.
Since 1941, Marines have trained at Camp Lejeune to ensure that this country has combat-ready units for expeditionary deployment. If you were stationed or worked at Camp Lejeune and believe that you or a member of your family have suffered a serious illness from exposure to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water, you may be entitled to compensation. The attorneys at Kirkendall Dwyer can consult with you and help determine whether or not you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation for your possible exposure to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987.
Common Illnesses Associated with Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune
Marine families and workers at Camp Lejeune used water from its contaminated tanks every day. When they drank a glass of water, cooked their food, or bathed their children they may have unknowingly exposed themselves to future potentially debilitating illnesses and diseases.
There are several types of cancer and serious health issues related to the toxic water previously found in Camp Lejeune’s water tanks. Some of the illnesses can be fatal or have catastrophic effects on you or your family. Tragically, research data indicates that these cancers and health disorders can develop and become noticeable long after the original period of exposure.
Some of the types of cancers and health issues associated with Camp Lejeune’s toxic water include:
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Liver cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Leukemia
- Female infertility
- Heart issues
- Immune disorders
- Miscarriage
- Parkinson’s disease
- Scleroderma
A diagnosis of any of these illnesses or conditions can leave you or your loved ones reeling with questions and uncertainties. The years you spent as a Marine serving the United States of America and ensuring Americans’ safety and way of life should not come at the cost of your or your family’s health from something as routine as brushing your teeth every day.
Though no amount of money can erase the harm you have suffered, by filing a claim for compensation you may be able to access the financial resources you need to receive medical care and live more comfortably. The results-oriented, relentless attorneys at Kirkendall Dwyer are here to help you pursue and file a Camp Lejeune claim.
What You Need to Know About Camp Lejeune’s Contaminated Water and Filing a Claim
If you were a Marine or a family member of a Marine stationed at Camp Lejeune or you worked as a civilian on base at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you were possibly exposed to and used contaminated water from the water tanks that supplied the marine base.
Two facilities supplied water to Camp Lejeune: Tarawa Terrace Treatment Plant; and Hadnot Point Treatment Plant.
Many of the chemicals found in the water at Camp Lejeune are not meant to be consumed by humans. Two chemicals in particular, tetrachloroethylene also known as perchloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene, are used in dry cleaning and cleaning machine parts.
Water treatment plants are integral to any community to sustain life. You and your family relied on a safe, drinkable water supply at Camp Lejeune. Unsafe water impacts every area of your life. From cooking to sanitation, clean, contaminant-free water can not be substituted nor can the maintenance of the facilities that carry that water be neglected.
If you were on base at Camp Lejeune during the specified period from 1953 to 1987 and you have been diagnosed with cancer or suffered any of the other health conditions associated with exposure to the contaminants in the water, you may qualify to file a toxic exposure claim. You should contact our lawyers at Kirkendall Dwyer as soon as possible to find out about your rights to recover compensation under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.
Do I Need a Lawyer to File a Camp Lejeune Claim?
While you do not need a lawyer to file a Camp Lejeune claim, it is in your best interest to work with one. A Camp Lejeune lawyer can help you prepare and file a strong claim for compensation on your behalf, ensuring all deadlines and requirements are met. They will also fight to ensure you receive fair compensation for the losses and harm you have suffered and can navigate any legal hurdles that present themselves.
Working with a lawyer at Kirkendall Dwyer also comes without any upfront legal costs. You will only pay if and when your claim is successful and compensation is recovered.
Through our determination, compassion, and integrity, Kirkendall Dwyer is dedicated to fighting for the interests of individuals injured as the result of someone else’s negligence. Our litigators work hard and use our extensive experience in areas of personal injury and advocacy to secure the best outcome for our clients.
Our powerhouse team of legal professionals has a successful track record of settlements and winning verdicts. We are tenacious in our work, fighting to make sure our clients get justice.
Contact Kirkendall Dwyer for Help With Your Camp Lejeune Claim
At Kirkendall Dwyer, we are sincere about the quality of service we provide to our clients. If you are sick or injured, we know that you have questions. And you may be frightened about what lies ahead.
As a Marine, your country depended on you. Now you can depend on the attorneys at Kirkendall Dwyer.
Time is critical, so contact us today for a free legal consultation about your eligibility to file a Camp Lejeune claim.