If you or someone close to you suffered harm after being exposed to contaminated water at North Carolina’s Camp Lejeune U.S. Marine Corps military base, the McEwen Law Firm may be able to help you take legal action. This water contained high levels of dangerous chemicals, and as many as a million people may have suffered as a result.
Any time a defective product hurts someone, that person has the right to seek financial recovery in the form of a lawsuit. Consumers shouldn’t have to worry about the safety of their drinking water or anything else they use on a daily basis. When they suffer harm due to someone else’s negligence, they deserve to obtain the compensation they have coming to them. McEwen Law Firm attorneys have the skill and experience it takes to help them do just that.
Our team of attorneys is ready to fight for your rights. We’ve delivered positive results on behalf of our clients for several years, and we will work to do the same for you. Please contact us online or call (800) 732-3070 to learn more or to schedule a free case review.
What is the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?
Legislation was recently passed to enable victims of water contamination at Camp Lejeune to file claims against those responsible. This not only includes service men and women but also their family members and anyone else who lived in or around the area and suffered exposure between 1953 and 1987.
What Chemicals Were found in the Water?
Two of the main water treatment plants serving the base, The Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point plants, were found to be contaminated with PCE (perchloroethylene) and TCE (trichloroethylene).
Tarawa Terrace water contained PCE. This is a clear liquid used primarily in the dry cleaning industry. It is believed that an off-base dry cleaning company is responsible for the contamination, due to their negligent practices of waste disposal. For nearly 30 years (November 1957 through February 1987), PCE levels were much higher than currently accepted standards.
The water coming from the Hadnot plant was contaminated with TCE. This chemical was originally used as an anesthetic but was later used in many types of household items, such as tool cleaners, cleaning wipes, carpet cleaners, and others. TCE is also commonly used to remove excess grease, which is primarily how the U.S. military used it. The chemical contaminated not only groundwater but also soil.
The wells that showed the most contamination were shut down in 1985. However, people are still suffering from the negative health effects.
Why Were These Chemicals Dangerous?
Both PCE and TCE are considered to pose significant health risks to those who are exposed. TCE has been linked to immune system damage as well as an increased risk of children being born with severe birth defects. Exposure to PCE can result in damage to the nervous system, as well as potential liver and kidney damage.
What Types of Injuries Did the Contamination Cause?
There are several severe health problems, including many forms of cancer, that have been associated with the ingestion of PCE and TCE. These include the following:
- Anemia
- Birth Defects or Stillbirths
- Cancers
- Adult leukemia
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Oral cancer
- Tonsil cancer
- Tongue cancer
- Miscarriages
- Neurological defects, such as Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and others
- Renal failure
- And many others
The Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry, which is part of the Centers for Disease Control, released a study that showed the children of mothers who drank contaminated Camp Lejeune are at a significantly higher risk for birth defects. In fact, they were four times as likely to be born with spina bifida. They also had a higher risk of developing leukemia and other childhood cancers.
The Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune Was Ignored and Concealed, Leading to More Injury
The fact that people serving our country suffered significant health issues due to water contamination is bad enough. But there are allegations that military officials ignored the problem – and even tried to conceal the issues. Anyone who is a victim of this contamination may be able to take legal action as a result.
Service members testified that they complained about the base’s water on many different occasions. They said the water had a metallic taste, and they had issues with vomiting and nausea. They even reported vision problems. Plaintiffs in Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits believe that officials worked to hide the problem, and failed to tell service members and others. Plaintiffs also allege that officials failed to do anything to fix the problem.
There are also accusations against the two water plants. Plaintiffs say that those operating the plants were well aware that the water they treated was contaminated, yet did nothing about it. They may face liability as well since they breached the duty of care they owed to everyone who used that water.
How Has The Camp Lejeune Issue Been Handled In Court?
Camp Lejeune water contamination victims are taking action against the U.S. government as well as other potentially liable parties. Legislation was enacted that provides $2 billion in compensation to those who were affected. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has also set aside $350 million to provide money for veterans and their families who suffered due to contaminated water at the base. In addition, the VA has agreed to set aside $75 million for families of service members who passed away due to the contaminated water.
McEwen Law Firm Is The Best Lawyer for Camp Lejeune Injuries
Again, no one should ever have to worry about being poisoned by the water they use to drink or bathe every single day. But that’s exactly what happened to far too many people at Camp Lejeune.
If this happened to you or a loved one, please get in touch with the McEwen Law Firm as soon as you can. As past clients will tell you, our attorneys have a track record of success. Put our skill and expertise to work on your behalf. Please use our online form or call (800) 732-3070 for a free consultation.
