Camp Lejeune Water Contamination & Kidney Cancer
As a military base, Camp Lejeune is home to around 50,000 military personnel and service members, civilian employees, and families at any given time.
In the 1980s, contaminated drinking water was discovered at the base. What’s worse, an in-depth analysis of the groundwater and base operations uncovered that the water had been toxic since the early 1950s. This means that over a million people were likely exposed.
The chemicals found in Camp Lejeune’s water included benzene, PCE (perchloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene), TCE (trichloroethylene), and vinyl chloride. All of these chemicals are considered volatile organic compounds, or VOCs.
According to the National Cancer Institute (NIH), repeated exposure to TCE causes kidney cancer. Unfortunately, TCE was the primary contaminant of the Hadnot Point water supply. On-base spills and leaks from underground storage tanks and drums are the suspected cause.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the current limit for TCE in drinking water is 5 μg/L. The maximum level detected in Camp Lejeune’s drinking water was 1,400 μg/L in May 1982.
Sadly, people exposed to Camp Lejeune’s toxic water have an increased risk of developing kidney cancer or kidney disease later in life, along with other forms of cancer.
Other Conditions Linked to Camp Lejeune Water
Many different types of cancer and other possibly life-threatening health issues have been linked to the toxic water found at Camp Lejeune.
Medical conditions and health effects linked to Camp Lejeune water include:
- Birth defects
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Carcinoma
- Chronic kidney disease
- Esophageal cancer
- Heart disease
- Infertility and miscarriage
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Neurological disorders
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Pancreatic cancer
- Parkinson’s disease
- Prostate cancer
- Renal toxicity
- Sarcoma
If you or a loved one spent at least 30 days at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 and developed a health condition, you may finally have legal rights.
Options for Camp Lejeune Kidney Cancer Victims
In the past, options for people harmed by the toxic water at Camp Lejeune were limited. Many veterans faced repeated denials for VA benefits. Civilian workers were often left with no relief.
However, thanks to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, contaminated water victims have more options.
Kidney cancer is known to be caused by TCE, which means Camp Lejeune kidney cancer victims may be entitled to substantial compensation through a lawsuit against the federal government.
“Prolonged or repeated exposure of trichloroethylene causes kidney cancer.”
—National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Even if you or a loved one already receives VA benefits or were denied in the past, you may have new options through a Camp Lejeune kidney cancer lawsuit.
Steps to Filing a Camp Lejeune Kidney Cancer Lawsuit
You can take the following steps if you have been diagnosed with kidney cancer or kidney disease and would like to file a Camp Lejeune kidney cancer lawsuit.
1. Contact a Camp Lejeune Lawyer
You are not required to work with a Camp Lejeune attorney when filing a lawsuit or claim. However, it can make the process faster and far less complicated.
When you work with the right law firm, you gain access to the experience and resources necessary to fight for a successful settlement.
2. File Your Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Kidney Cancer Claim
Your Camp Lejeune kidney cancer claim must be filed before the deadline and must also include all required evidence and supporting documentation.
Lawyers with experience handling these claims will know the laws that apply. Laws such as the statute of limitations place strict deadlines around how long you have to take legal action. A skilled Camp Lejeune water lawyer can help ensure you file on time.
3. Negotiate a Camp Lejeune Settlement
Negotiating the best Camp Lejeune settlement for your case is one of the most significant benefits that working with a Camp Lejeune personal injury attorney can provide.
This step of the lawsuit process involves negotiating with attorneys from the other side. It’s important to work with someone who is both confident and knowledgeable.
Filing Deadline for Camp Lejeune Kidney Cancer Cases
The U.S. government has given Camp Lejeune veterans and their families two years to take legal action if they have been affected by the water at Camp Lejeune.
Camp Lejeune water contamination victims have until August 2024 to file their claims or lawsuits. While this may seem like a lot of time, it can pass quickly.
To avoid missing the deadline, connect with Camp Lejeune Claims Center today for a confidential and free case review.
“Filing for relief under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 won’t affect your eligibility for VA disability or health care benefits.”
-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Evidence Needed for Camp Lejeune Kidney Cancer Lawsuit
Some key evidence is crucial to any potential Camp Lejeune toxic water lawsuit.
Types of evidence needed for Camp Lejeune cases may include:
- Documentation that shows your time spent at Camp Lejeune
- Medical records
- Military service records
- Records of all medical expenses
Collecting this documentation can seem challenging since exposure would have happened decades ago. This can be especially true if a loved one has already passed away from Camp Lejeune kidney cancer.
The team at Camp Lejeune Claims Center is available 24/7 to help you file your Camp Lejeune kidney cancer lawsuit.
Call us now at (866) 473-4764 or request a call back by filling out this form to get started.
Eligibility for Camp Lejeune Kidney Cancer Lawsuits
To be eligible for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit, you must:
- Have an official diagnosis of kidney cancer, kidney disease, or another illness
- Have not received a dishonorable discharge from the military
- Have spent at least 30 days at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period
You may also be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of a deceased family member who developed kidney cancer from Camp Lejeune and later passed away.
Damages in Camp Lejeune Lawsuits
The damages claimed will be different in each individual Camp Lejeune case. However, there are some commonalities that you can expect to see in Camp Lejeune lawsuits.
Some damages in Camp Lejeune kidney cancer lawsuits include:
- Loss of consortium (typically brought by a spouse of the victim)
- Loss of income and future income
- Pain and suffering
- Short-term and long-term medical expenses
- Wrongful death, in the event that the person passed away from their illness
Settlement Value of Camp Lejeune Kidney Cancer Lawsuits
Settlement values for kidney cancer Camp Lejeune claims will vary based on numerous factors. These may include age, prognosis, and medical treatment expenses.
There is no way to predict an accurate Camp Lejeune kidney cancer lawsuit settlement value for each case. However, working with the best Camp Lejeune lawyers can help ensure you get the most amount of money for your case.
Get Help With a Camp Lejeune Kidney Cancer Lawsuit
Connect with Camp Lejeune Claims Center if you are ready to begin a Camp Lejeune kidney cancer lawsuit for yourself or a loved one.
Our highly trained Camp Lejeune advocates can provide a free case evaluation to determine your eligibility. We are available 24/7 to answer any questions you have about your Camp Lejeune kidney cancer legal options.
Call (866) 473-4764 now to learn more.
Camp Lejeune Kidney Cancer Lawsuit FAQs
Did the water at Camp Lejeune cause kidney cancer?
Yes, the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune has been linked to an increased risk of developing many different types of cancer, including kidney cancer.
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), prolonged or repeated exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) causes kidney cancer. TCE was a known contaminant in the water at Camp Lejeune.
Who can file a Camp Lejeune kidney cancer lawsuit?
You may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune kidney cancer lawsuit if you received an official kidney cancer diagnosis and lived, worked at, or visited Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days while the water was contaminated.
Family members of loved ones who have since passed away may also be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune kidney cancer lawsuit.
Is kidney cancer a presumptive illness for Camp Lejeune cases?
Yes, kidney cancer is considered one of the presumptive conditions under the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for Camp Lejeune claims.
This means you can file a VA claim for healthcare and disability benefits if you were diagnosed with kidney cancer after your time at Camp Lejeune.
What is the average payout for a Camp Lejeune kidney cancer claim?
Currently, there is no average payout for a Camp Lejeune kidney cancer claim, as no Camp Lejeune cases have been settled yet.
Camp Lejeune payouts and settlements will be affected by numerous factors, including the person’s age and medical history, the severity of their illness, and whether they are expected to recover.
Will I lose my disability benefits if I file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit?
Your VA benefits for healthcare and disability compensation are considered separate. They will not be affected by your decision to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit.
A separate Camp Lejeune lawsuit may earn you an additional payout from the federal government for your injuries from Camp Lejeune water contamination.
What does it take to prove a Camp Lejeune kidney cancer claim?
Proof for a Camp Lejeune kidney cancer lawsuit involves two key pieces of evidence as support.
A person must prove that they were at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days during the contamination period and that they have since been diagnosed with kidney cancer.
