If you or a loved one are victims of Camp Lejeune's water contamination, you may have many questions about what happened and what will happen next. This blog post will answer some of the most commonly asked questions we've received about the situation. We hope these answers provide you with some clarity during this difficult time.
What caused the contamination?
Two of the chemicals present in the contamination were safety solvents that were used as cleaning chemicals. However, there are still three potential sources of contamination.
- Some of the solvents used at a nearby dry cleaning facility were carcinogenic. Over time, the wastewater disposed eventually seeped into the ground.
- Like the dry cleaning facility, TCE used by military personnel to clean seeped into the ground, causing potential contamination.
- Faulty underground fuel storage tanks leaked PCE and TCE into the ground, which then made it to the aquifer that supplied water to the base. The chemical benzene, also found in the soil, was traced back to a local fuel farm.
What chemicals were in the water?
Trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride were found in the contaminated water. These chemicals are hazardous and can cause various health issues, including cancer. Some conditions associated with the Camp Lejeune water contamination include:
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Breast cancer
- Bladder cancer
- And more
How much is the payout expected to be?
Every person’s case is different, and the payout depends on the severity of the illness, along with various other factors. Individuals who file claims can receive between $25,000 to $1 million or more. If you’re looking to file a claim, you must have medical records and documentation to prove your illness and your service at Camp Lejeune. Working with an attorney representing Camp Lejeune victims is recommended to ensure you get the most out of your claim.
Are claims filed individually?
The process established by Congress requires that each person file his or her own individual claim or an individual claim on behalf of a deceased family member.
What’s next?
If you believe that your condition or injuries were a direct cause of Camp Lejeune’s water contamination, you may be eligible to file a claim. Before you jump into things, give our team at Lanier Law Group, P.A. a call. We’ll let you know what options are available to get you and your family the help you need as soon as possible.
Call our office at (855) 757-4204 or visit our website to fill out a consultation request form.