What happened at Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
If you are living in the Camp Lejeune area of North Carolina, then you have probably heard the news about the water contamination. You might be wondering what is actually happening, and what you can do to get compensation. There are three major areas you should know about: the chemical used to clean the water, the symptoms of the contamination, and the legal options for claiming damages.
Chemicals used to clean the water
During the 1950s, Camp Lejeune Water Contamination a Marine Corps base in North Carolina, was contaminated with toxic chemicals. This affected the groundwater and soil. It may have contributed to illnesses in people who used the water. Some of the chemicals found in Camp Lejeune’s drinking water were tetrachloroethylene (TCE), vinyl chloride, and benzene.
Improper disposal of waste
While some of the contamination occurred at the base, most of the chemicals came from off-base leaks. Chemicals were leaking into the groundwater because of improper disposal of waste by a nearby dry cleaning business. In addition, some chemicals were leaked into the soil through underground storage tanks.
Health and Human Services
The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) investigated the contamination of Camp Lejeune’s drinking water. They found TCE and benzene in high concentrations. These toxic chemicals are classified as cancer-causing carcinogens.
Harmful Substances
In addition to tetrachloroethylene, other harmful substances were found in the water supply. One chemical, vinyl chloride, is a colorless gas. People exposed to it have suffered from cirrhosis of the liver and cancer. Another is benzene, a colorless liquid that is used to produce nylon, plastics, and other chemicals.
Symptoms of the contamination
Camp Lejeune water contamination put hundreds of thousands of people at risk of debilitating diseases, such as liver cancer, leukemia, and birth defects. The water was contaminated with benzene, trichloroethylene, and perchloroethylene.
Toxic Chemicals Flooded
As far back as the 1950s, toxic chemicals flooded into the base’s water supply, causing a variety of health problems. Some of the contaminated water was dumped into nearby dry-cleaning businesses, which then dumped their wastewater into the drains. This caused leaks into the groundwater, which then contaminated the water.
The contaminants leaked into the homes of service members. While the average service member spent 18 months at the base, they could have been exposed to dangerous toxins for decades.
The water contamination at Camp Lejeune was known to cause neurological and behavioral effects. These effects range from emotional and physical problems to learning issues.
Benzene, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, and perchloroethylene are the four main toxins in the water supply at Camp Lejeune. They were identified in special tap water testing.
Legal Options for Claiming Damages
If you were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you have several legal options to pursue. Some of these include filing a lawsuit, using VA benefits, or filing an insurance claim. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages. Before you choose any option, consider the risks and rewards involved.
The best way to file a claim is to seek the help of a legal team. Schiller & Hamilton offers free case reviews and can handle all of your legal needs. They have 17 years of experience in handling contaminated water claims.
Health Problems
Although the Camp Lejeune water supply has been contaminated for many decades, it was only discovered in 1982. For years, it was considered safe, even though it was tainted with harmful chemicals. This made hundreds of people susceptible to health problems.
When the water was first detected, the United States government did not respond quickly enough. It did not monitor the quality of the water supply. In fact, it did not inform service members of the hazard until after it had already caused a number of illnesses and deaths.
Compensation for Victims
If you have been exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you may be entitled to compensation. This includes medical costs and lost income from the illness. You do not need to hire a lawyer to file a claim. But, you should know what evidence you should provide to prove your case.
The contaminated water at Camp Lejeune has been linked to a number of diseases. This includes cancers, heart disease and other health problems. Thousands of people have developed a variety of diseases as a result of their exposure.
In addition to being eligible for compensation, you can also bring a wrongful death lawsuit if someone has died as a result of contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. Your family will receive relief from ongoing care and other medical expenses, and you will also get free medical treatment.
