Did you develop spinal cancer after living on or near Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina? If so, you may be able to take legal action in a Camp Lejeune cancer lawsuit for compensation for your pain, suffering, and losses.
A Camp Lejeune lawsuit is a claim against the U.S. government for causing cancer and other illnesses in people exposed to polluted drinking water at the NC marine base, including in-utero exposure.
The base was the site of catastrophic water contamination spanning 30-plus years. For decades, military families cooked with, bathed in, and ingested tap water polluted with harmful chemicals at high concentrations.
This exposure led to various types of cancer and other serious diseases afflicting individuals who lived or worked on the base between 1953 and 1987. According to the ATSDR, as many as one million people might have been exposed to the toxic drinking water.
If you have a potential Camp Lejeune cancer lawsuit, call our law firm today at (800) 562-9830. The attorneys at Marc Whitehead & Associates will evaluate your case and can help you get the highest settlement possible for your injuries.
Spinal Cancer at Camp Lejeune Caused by Contaminated Water
The pollution was caused by an off-base dry cleaner, leaky storage tanks and chemical dumping. Military officials knew the drinking water contained dangerous levels of toxic chemicals, yet failed to act.
It was not until years later that those who had lived on the base learned of the tragic contamination. Marines and civilians had long since moved away. By then, many were experiencing severe and chronic diseases – particularly cancer.
Toxins found in the water at Camp Lejeune have been linked to various types of cancer, some of which may develop in the central nervous system and affect the spinal cord. Multiple myeloma linked to Camp Lejeune residents may result in tumors in the bone causing compression in different parts of the spine, including the cervical spine, the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine.
Spinal Cancer and Toxic Exposure
Four volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carcinogenic chemicals were found in multiple water treatment plants at Camp Lejeune. These VOCs form the basis of each Camp Lejeune cancer lawsuit to date:
- Trichloroethylene (TCE) – used as a solvent for cleaning metal parts
- Tetrachloroethylene, a.k.a. perchloroethylene (PCE or PERC) – used for dry cleaning and metal degreasing
- Vinyl chloride – used to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- Benzene – used in the manufacture of industrial chemicals and as a component in fuel.
These chemicals have been linked to higher rates of cancer and other health disorders when someone is sufficiently exposed occupationally or environmentally.
Can I File a Spinal Cancer Lawsuit Against Camp Lejeune?
Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, if you meet the eligibility requirements, you will likely qualify to file a Camp Lejeune cancer lawsuit. This new law allows veterans, residents, and workers stationed at the base, who developed an associated cancer or other health condition, to file a civil lawsuit against the U.S. government for compensation.
Eligible plaintiffs may recover damages, in a jury verdict or settlement payout, for harm from exposure to the toxic water supply.
There Are Several Criteria You Must Meet to File a Lawsuit at Camp Lejeune
The lawsuit is open to anyone who:
- contracted cancer or other health issues as a result of exposure to Camp Lejeune’s polluted water, including an unborn child’s exposure during pregnancy;
- spent no less than 30 days on the Camp Lejeune base (days do not need to be consecutive);
- lived or worked at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987.
Note: Toxic-exposed veterans who were dishonorably discharged may not be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune cancer lawsuit, and this disqualification also extends to their family members.
How an Attorney Can Help
We urge you to contact a Camp Lejeune cancer attorney immediately. Marc Whitehead & Associates is now accepting clients for the Camp Lejeune cancer lawsuits in all 50 states.
The effects of exposure to toxic water can take years to develop. Our lawyers can help you locate and assemble the necessary documentation, file required paperwork and forms in precise formats at specific times, meet the burden of proof required by the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, and assist with all potential legal action under the Act.
We will account for all of the damages you or your family members have suffered due to exposure to toxic water at Camp Lejeune. You may be entitled to compensation for some or all the following:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Disability
- Loss of the enjoyment of life
Long-term disabilities are a common outcome of Camp Lejeune toxic exposure. Victims who win a disability lawsuit should pursue both economic and non-economic damages.
When a person learns they have spinal cancer or any cancer, not only does the patient suffer—their loved ones do also. Cancer is a sickness no one should face – primarily when that cancer is caused by innocently being exposed to toxic drinking water while serving your country.
Working with the right Camp Lejeune lawsuit team can make all the difference in receiving the maximum verdict or settlement. We also represent cases brought on behalf of a loved one who passed away due to cancer or any other disease associated with Camp Lejeune water.
Help for Veterans Seeking VA Disability Benefits in a Camp Lejeune Cancer Claim
Was your prior claim for veterans’ disability benefits based on Camp Lejeune water denied by the VA? Our accredited veterans’ lawyers can help you appeal the denial.
Obtaining compensation in a Camp Lejeune cancer lawsuit will not require you to give up any other benefits, including VA disability benefits that you may already be receiving. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows veterans to recover additional vital compensation for matters not covered by VA disability benefits, such as pain and suffering or loss of employment.
Note: While monetary amounts under a Camp Lejeune lawsuit can be significant, it is essential to know that previously awarded VA disability benefits for conditions related to Camp Lejeune toxic water will likely be offset based on prior payments. Again, our experienced Camp Lejeune Cancer Lawyers will ensure this is accurately and fairly handled.
