Camp Lejeune Bladder Cancer

Since the 1950s, Camp Lejeune in North Carolina has been home to US Marines and their families. But recent reports have shown that the camp may also be home to a more sinister resident: bladder cancer.

According to a 2012 study by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, people who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune MCAS New River between 1957 and 1987 are up to three times more likely to have bladder cancer than those who didn’t work or live there.

Do you suspect you or your loved one is among the tens of thousands of people affected by this health crisis? The personal injury attorneys at Injury Lawyer Team, sponsored by Rosenfeld Law Offices, are legal advocates for people harmed through the negligence of others.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination: A Decades-Old Health Concern

The Camp Lejeune water contamination began in the 1950s when the base was just established. The water was contaminated with Industrial solvents and chemicals, including TCE, PCE, benzene, vinyl chloride, benzene, and other heavy metals. These toxins were found to cause cancer and other medical conditions.

In the 1980s, the federal government and Marine Corps finally started investigating this matter, and many residents and workers began getting diagnosed with different types of cancers. Bladder cancer is the most common one.

To date, the Marine Corp has not taken any responsibility for this health crisis and has refused to pay any compensation to those affected.

Trichloroethylene (TCE)

The dangerous effects of trichloroethylene are well-known. The toxic chemical was used extensively as a degreaser and found in drinking water supplies near military bases, manufacturing plants, and superfund sites.

Exposure to TCE has been linked to kidney cancer, liver cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and leukemia. In pregnant women, TCE exposure has also been linked to birth defects.

Perchloroethylene (PCE)

Perchloroethylene is another dangerous chemical that was used at Camp Lejeune. Like TCE, PCE was also used as a degreaser and has been detected in contaminated drinking water supplies near military bases, manufacturing plants, and superfund sites.

PCE exposure has been linked to kidney cancer, liver cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and leukemia.

Vinyl Chloride

The chemical is used in the production of PVC plastic. Exposure to the contaminant has been linked to liver cancer and angiosarcoma of the liver.

Benzene

Benzene is a chemical used to produce plastics, resins, and synthetic fibers. Exposure to benzene has been linked to leukemia.

Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUSTs)

The initial investigation into what was causing the water contamination at Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River led to leaking underground storage tanks (LUSTs). These tanks were used to store fuel and other chemicals and were found to leak into the groundwater.

Dry Cleaning Chemicals

Dry cleaning chemicals were also identified as a source of water contamination at Camp Lejeune. These chemicals, which include perchloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE), cause cancer.

Industrial Wastewater Disposal

Another possible source of water contamination at Camp Lejeune is industrial wastewater disposal when companies dispose of their wastewater in unlined pits or ponds. These chemicals can then leach into the groundwater and contaminate the drinking water supply.

How Bladder Cancer is Related to Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) mortality studies found a higher risk of bladder cancer, kidney cancer, and other severe medical conditions for those who had significant exposure to the contaminated water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

The cancer incidence study reviewed the medical records of Marines and family members who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune from 1957 to 1987. Data showed that those exposed to the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Air Station had a higher incidence of severe medical conditions.

Causes of Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is a deadly disease that requires immediate medical attention. The causes of bladder cancer are not fully understood, but it is thought to be the result of a combination of environmental and lifestyle factors.

An increased risk for bladder cancer involves several factors, including:

• Smoking,
• Exposure to harmful chemicals and toxins,
• Drinking alcohol
• Being overweight or obese

Bladder cancer can often be treated successfully if diagnosed early, but unfortunately, many people do not realize they have the disease until it is too late.

Bladder Cancer Symptoms

Bladder cancer symptoms can vary from person to person, but some of the most common symptoms include:

• Pain or burning during urination,
• Blood in urine, frequent urination,
• Feeling like you need to go but not being able to go very much
• Pain in your lower back or side

If you experience these symptoms, please see your doctor as soon as possible.

Who Qualifies to File a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claim Benefits Through The Veterans Administration?

The Department of Veterans Administration (VA) offers many benefits to veterans, service members, active military personnel, former marines, civilian employees, families, and former Camp Lejeune residents who have suffered illnesses or injuries after exposure to toxins contaminants.

These VA benefits include disability compensation, health care, and death benefits. To file a claim for these benefits, you must prove that you were exposed to the toxins and that the exposure caused your illness or injury.

Veterans Affairs has created a program to help service members and their families receive these benefits, as defined in the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2012, signed by President Obama. The program allows veterans whose illnesses can be linked to water contamination at Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base in North Carolina to file claims for disability compensation and health care.

Eligibility for death benefits is also expanded under this act. Contact your local VA office for more information if you believe you may be eligible for compensation under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.

The process of filing a claim can be complicated, so it is vital to seek help from an experienced representative.

Presumptive Service Connection

The Department of Veterans Administration (VA) offers a presumptive service connection for veterans who drank and bathed in contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and later developed severe medical conditions, including bladder cancer.

The presumptive conditions allow that people living with cancer and other injured parties will not have to prove that the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune caused their bladder cancer during the Marine Corps days.

Instead, victims will need to file a claim proving that they have served during the period (1957 through 1987 for at least 30 days (non-consecutive)) and have a current diagnosis of bladder cancer or other listed presumptive conditions (medical conditions).

Family members who lost a loved one to bladder cancer after being exposed to toxins at Camp Lejeune can file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking financial compensation for benefits that could include:

The Type Of Medical Condition, Cancer, Or Disease That Will Impact Settlement Payouts

Certain cancers and other diseases are more severe than others, so the payouts for those settlements will be higher. For example, bladder cancer is one of the most common types of cancer caused by exposure to a contaminated water supply.

If you developed bladder cancer as a result of your exposure to Camp Lejeune’s water, you might be eligible for a large payout. However, if you developed kidney cancer due to exposure to contaminants, your payout may be smaller because kidney cancer is less severe.

Medical and scientific evidence has found numerous cancers and medical conditions associated with water contamination, including:

It is important to note that these settlement payouts are not just based on the type of medical condition you develop. Payouts are based on your exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and the severity of your illness.

Therefore, even if two people have the same type of cancer, they may not receive the same payout amount.

If you have any questions about how your specific medical condition will impact your settlement payout after exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, please contact The Injury Lawyer Team for more information.

Hire Personal Injury Attorneys Specializing in Camp Lejeune Cases

Are you, or a family member, suffering from a medical condition or other health problems caused by water drinking contamination at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune? Are you ready to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit seeking the disability benefits you deserve?

Contact the Camp Lejeune bladder cancer attorneys at the Injury Lawyer Team to schedule a free case review. We can provide immediate legal services and representation to hold the VA and others responsible for your damages financially accountable.

We accept every Camp Lejeune bladder cancer lawsuit on a contingency fee basis. This agreement ensures the payment of your legal fees is postponed until we resolve your case through a negotiated settlement or jury award.

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