Camp Lejeune Water Contamination & Prostate Cancer
At Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, over a million people, including civilian workers and families, were exposed to toxic drinking water from 1953 to 1987. Men exposed to this drinking water could go on to develop prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among men, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). The prostate is a small gland near the bladder that’s one part of the male reproductive system. Fortunately, prostate cancer is very treatable, with an average 5-year survival rate of 98%.
Prostate cancer could be caused by exposure to toxins, such as the ones that leached into Camp Lejeune’s drinking water for decades.
When the water at Camp Lejeune was tested in the 1980s, it was found to contain benzene, PCE (perchloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene), TCE (trichloroethylene), and vinyl chloride. These toxic chemicals are considered volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and can cause cancer.
In particular, men exposed to benzene were twice as likely to develop prostate cancer compared to those not exposed, according to a December 2022 study from the journal Environmental Epidemiology.
While prostate cancer is often highly treatable, it still can be life-threatening and those who served at Camp Lejeune never deserved to get sick.
Thankfully, men who developed prostate cancer or another health condition may be eligible to file Camp Lejeune claims for financial compensation. File your claim now.
How Was Camp Lejeune’s Water Supply Contaminated?
The water supply at Camp Lejeune became contaminated by cancer-causing chemicals due to unsafe practices of a local dry cleaning business near the base.
This private dry cleaning business had been improperly disposing of its solvents and degreasers, and these dangerous chemicals then made their way into the water supply.
Public health studies performed in the 1980s provided much-needed scientific evidence of the water contamination at Camp Lejeune. However, at that point, the contamination had been going on for decades.
Thankfully, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers benefits to those who developed prostate cancer and other illnesses from Camp Lejeune’s drinking water.
Further, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 allows anyone affected to pursue compensation from the federal government if they meet the eligibility requirements.
Other Health Issues Linked to Camp Lejeune Water
Prostate cancer is one of a wide range of health problems that people can develop after being exposed to Camp Lejeune’s drinking water.
Other types of cancer linked to Camp Lejeune water include:
- Adult leukemia
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Multiple Myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Additionally, those exposed could develop non-cancerous health problems like Parkinson’s disease and infertility.
These are just a few of the health conditions that have been shown up in people who were at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period.
Compensation Options for Camp Lejeune Prostate Cancer Victims
Those who developed prostate cancer from Camp Lejeune’s toxic water have a couple of ways to receive compensation.
First, they can file claims through the VA if they’re a U.S. veteran or a family member. While prostate cancer is not listed as a “presumptive condition” linked to Camp Lejeune’s toxic water, it could be possible to still get VA benefits with proper evidence.
If their claim is unsuccessful or they are seeking an additional payout or compensation, they may also file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit.
Steps to Filing a Camp Lejeune Prostate Cancer Claim
When you are ready to begin the legal process for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit, you can take the following steps to get started.
1. Call a Camp Lejeune Lawyer
A Camp Lejeune lawyer is a personal injury lawyer who specializes in these types of cases. They’ll do everything in their power to get compensation for you after a prostate cancer diagnosis.
By working with a Camp Lejeune lawyer, you have someone on your side who is knowledgeable and confident. Find top Camp Lejeune prostate cancer lawyers now: Call (866) 473-4764.
2. File Your Prostate Cancer Claim
Your Camp Lejeune lawyer can help you gather evidence needed to support your case (such as military records and medical documents) and file your prostate cancer claim within set deadlines.
3. Negotiate a Camp Lejeune Settlement
Working with a Camp Lejeune lawyer can be most beneficial during the negotiation stage of the legal process, as this part will involve a lot of back-and-forth negotiation and communication.
Filing Deadline for Camp Lejeune Prostate Cancer Cases
You have until August 2024 to file a compensation claim for Camp Lejeune-related prostate cancer. The window to file began in August 2022 with the passing of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.
By working with a top-quality Camp Lejeune lawyer, you can ensure that all deadlines are met in a timely manner.
Don’t miss out: File a Camp Lejeune prostate cancer claim right now.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act & Prostate Cancer Lawsuits
In August 2022, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was passed as part of a larger act known as the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act.
This act was passed by the Biden Administration with the purpose of granting protections and benefits to people who were victims of contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
One of the top benefits of the PACT Act is that it allows veterans and their family members to file Camp Lejeune lawsuits for prostate cancer and other illnesses by lifting the statute of limitations, which previously prevented them from doing so.
Evidence in Camp Lejeune Prostate Cancer Cases
There are multiple types of evidence that can be useful when it comes to proving a Camp Lejeune prostate cancer case.
Types of evidence in Camp Lejeune cases may include:
- Documentation that you worked or resided at Camp Lejeune
- Medical records, including documents of your cancer diagnosis
- Military service records or other documents showing you served
A top Camp Lejeune prostate cancer attorney can help you gather the evidence needed to file a successful claim. Contact us to learn more.
Eligibility for Camp Lejeune Prostate Cancer Lawsuits
People may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit if they developed prostate cancer after living or working on the base for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987.
Some who developed prostate cancer from Camp Lejeune’s toxic water have since passed away. However, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows family members to file claims on their loved one’s behalf, even if they died a long time ago.
Damages in Camp Lejeune Prostate Cancer Lawsuits
Not all Camp Lejeune cancer lawsuits may involve the same damages (reasons a person’s suing), as each case is unique to the individual. However, common ones may include compensation for medical expenses and payouts for loss of income.
Some damages in Camp Lejeune cancer lawsuits include:
- Short-term and long-term medical expenses
- Loss of income during treatment and recovery
- Loss of future income if the person is unable to continue working
- Wrongful death if the person passed away from their illness
A top Camp Lejeune prostate cancer lawyer will see which damages may be awarded in your case.
Settlement Value of Camp Lejeune Prostate Cancer Claims
No Camp Lejeune prostate cancer claims have been settled yet. However, claimants may expect to see Camp Lejeune settlements award high amounts of compensation. Our team will provide updated figures once Camp Lejeune settlements begin paying out claimants.
Get Help With a Camp Lejeune Prostate Cancer Lawsuit
When you are ready to get started with your own Camp Lejeune prostate cancer lawsuit, contact us today for a free consultation.
Not only can we offer legal advice and help you determine your eligibility, but we can also connect you with a notable law firm in your area. File a claim now.
Camp Lejeune Prostate Cancer Lawsuit FAQs
Did the water at Camp Lejeune cause prostate cancer?
Yes. The chemicals in the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune are known to be carcinogens and can cause numerous types of cancer. One of the cancers that has been linked to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune is prostate cancer.
Benzene, one of the toxic substances in Camp Lejeune’s water, doubles the risk of men getting prostate cancer.
Who can file a Camp Lejeune prostate cancer lawsuit?
People can file Camp Lejeune prostate cancer lawsuits either on behalf of themselves or deceased loved ones who passed away from it.
Even if your loved one passed away years ago from prostate cancer, you may still be eligible to file a lawsuit. Call (866) 473-4764 to learn more.
Is prostate cancer a presumptive illness for Camp Lejeune cases?
Prostate cancer is not listed as a presumptive medical condition for Camp Lejeune cases according to the VA.
However, people who developed prostate cancer after spending time at Camp Lejeune may still be eligible for compensation.
What is the average payout for a Camp Lejeune prostate cancer claim?
Currently, there is no average payout for Camp Lejeune prostate cancer claims, as no cases have reached the point of settlement. However, future settlements may award high figures.
In total, the federal government is expected to pay out more than $6 billion in settlements to veterans and their loved ones.
Will I lose my disability benefits if I file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit?
Filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit will not cause you to lose your health care benefits or disability benefits from the VA.
If your lawsuit is successful, you will get an additional payout from the U.S. government on top of your VA benefits.
What does it take to prove a Camp Lejeune prostate cancer claim?
Camp Lejeune prostate cancer claims must prove that you or your family member developed prostate cancer from the water at Camp Lejeune.
This involves proving that you have prostate cancer and that you were at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period.
