Can I File a Claim If My Cancer Was Related to Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
You’ve probably heard about the water contamination at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987. Several dangerous chemicals, known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were found in the water, and have since been linked to several health problems, including various cancers. Since the enactment of the Camp Lejeune Families Act in 2012, eligible veterans and their families have been able to receive monetary compensation for any illnesses that may be related to water contamination. This means that if you or a family member has been diagnosed with cancer, and you believe it may be related to the camp’s water contamination, you may be eligible to file a claim and receive compensation.
Camp Lejeune Families Act in 2012
In 2012, the Camp Lejeune Families Act was passed in order to provide healthcare and benefits to veterans and their families who had been exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The act provides for medical care and treatment of any medical conditions that may be related to the exposure, as well as financial assistance for families who have experienced a loss due to the contamination. In addition, the act provides for research into the health effects of the exposure, in order to better understand the long-term impacts of the contamination.
The agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) linked the sources of the contamination to some water sources on the base – including the Tarawa Terrace and the Hadnot Point landfills. Reportedly, the water was contaminated with VOCs; PCE, TCE, benzene, vinyl chloride, methylene chloride, and toluene, among other harmful pollutants.
Eligibility for a Claim
To be eligible, veterans and their families must have been stationed at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1953 and late December 1987. Since most of the contaminants could lead to acute poisoning or death if ingested in sufficient quantities, prolonged exposure (such as through drinking contaminated water) has been linked to more chronic health problems, such as cancer. Besides cancers, there has also been an increased incidence of other diseases and conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, Infertility problems, miscarriages, and birth defects.
Claimants must also provide evidence that their cancer is related to water contamination. This can be done through a medical opinion from a doctor, or by providing service and medical records that support the claim. As such, engaging the help of a lawyer who specializes in these types of cases may be beneficial in order to increase the chances of success.
Consequently, if you or a family member was stationed at the camp during the relevant time period and has since been diagnosed with cancer or other related ailments, you may be eligible to file a claim under the Camp Lejeune Families Act. Doing so could provide much-needed financial assistance and coverage for medical care and treatment.
Conclusion
Even though the water contamination at Camp Lejeune happened many years ago, the effects are still being felt by veterans and their families today. Many people have since been diagnosed with cancers and other illnesses that they believe are related to the contamination. You, therefore, shouldn’t hesitate to file a claim if you believe you are eligible, as you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries.
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