What Illnesses Did the Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune Cause?

By Osborne & Francis
July 18, 2024
The deadline to submit a claim if you or a loved one were harmed by toxic water at Camp Lejeune is quickly approaching. Please note that you only have until August 10, 2024, to file. You must submit your claim by this deadline to be considered for compensation. Act now and reach out before it’s too late. For more details or help filing your claim, please contact us today.

Camp Lejeune, a critical military base located in North Carolina, has recently been in the headlines because families are suing for damages after learning that the water supply contaminated by PFAS Forever chemicals is likely responsible for a variety of serious illnesses. This water was distributed to barracks and family housing where military members and their families lived, effectively poisoning Marine families for decades.

If you have developed a serious health condition after working or living at Camp Lejeune, you may be eligible to recover costs like medical bills, lost wages, and loss of quality of life.

You may have questions about which health conditions are related to Camp Lejeune water contamination and are eligible for compensation in a personal injury lawsuit. Reach out to the camp Lejeune water contamination attorneys of Osborne & Francis at (561) 293-2600 or contact our Orlando or Boca Raton offices online to schedule a free consultation to discuss your individual case in greater detail. 

Adult Leukemia Associated With Exposure to Camp Lejeune Water Supply

Leukemia is a type of cancer that develops in the blood. Essentially, the body stops producing functioning white blood cells, which are critical to the body’s immune response. The uncontrolled growth of defective white blood cells can overrun the healthy white blood cells, compromising the body’s ability to fight infection. Exposure to benzene, one of the chemicals found in Camp Lejeune’s water supply, is a known risk factor for adult leukemia. 

Aplastic Anemia Related to Toxic Camp Lejeune Water

Some plaintiffs in the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits have developed a serious condition known as aplastic anemia after frequent use of the tainted well water that serviced parts of the base. Aplastic anemia is the name for a condition where your body struggles to create enough new blood cells, leading to “fatigue, and more prone to infections and uncontrolled bleeding.” In addition to the heightened risk of infection, the impact on an individual’s energy levels can force someone to radically alter their lifestyle to accommodate chronic exhaustion and a compromised immune system.

Bladder Cancer Linked to Tainted Water Supply

While bladder cancer is often caught in the early stages, this particular type of cancer has a relatively high rate of recurrence. Bladder cancer is sometimes associated with exposure to toxins. When the body absorbs chemicals, like the PFASs, benzene, and other toxins in Camp Lejeune’s water, the kidneys may be unable to properly filter them and subsequently pass them along to the bladder where they cause cancer.

Camp Lejeune Military Members and Their Families Develop Kidney Cancer

Another form of cancer that has been common among former residents of Camp Lejeune is kidney cancer. The assumption is that the toxic PFAS present in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune has caused damage to the kidneys and resulted in abnormal cell growth. It is the job of the kidneys to filter out the waste in the bloodstream. When the kidneys are unable to perform this function, patients may experience symptoms like blood in their urine, a loss of appetite, and fatigue. In extreme cases, it may be necessary to seek out a transplant or undergo dialysis.

Liver Cancer Caused by Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune

Multiple plaintiffs in the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit claim that their liver cancer is a result of being continuously exposed to toxic forever chemicals in their drinking water. They believe that the accumulation of PFAS had damaged their liver cell DNA, resulting in aggressive forms of liver cancer. Liver cancer is rare in the U.S., and it can be difficult to catch in its early stages. This form of cancer also has relatively low survival rates, even when it is caught in its early stages. 

Some Camp Lejeune Residents Suffer From Multiple Myeloma 

Multiple myeloma, also known as cancer of the plasma. Like liver cancer, it can be tricky to diagnose at an early stage of development. This is an incredibly destructive form of cancer. It can weaken bones until they fracture, cause confusion due to elevated calcium levels, and increase your risk of developing a serious infection. Multiple myeloma may metastasize, as it originates in the blood, allowing it to spread more easily.

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Named in Camp Lejeune Lawsuits

This type of cancer originates in the body’s lymphatic system, which is a subset of the immune system. It is usually identified when a patient reports swelling in one of their lymph nodes. Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma can either be aggressive, but curable, or slow-growing and simply treatable. Both types leave you susceptible to infection, as the cancer cells overtake the healthy white blood cells that are tasked with fighting infection.

Parkinson’s Disease Linked to Toxic Forever Chemicals

Parkinson’s disease is a serious and progressive health condition that has been linked to the consumption of toxic chemicals in Camp Lejeune’s water supply. This condition impacts mobility, eventually restricting movement and speech. In some cases, people with Parkinson’s also develop cognitive issues, such as memory problems or changes in behavior. Researchers have long suspected that Parkinson’s disease may be caused by exposure to toxins, among other environmental and genetic factors.

Who is Eligible to File a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?

Previously, a North Carolina statute of repose prevented many plaintiffs made ill by Camp Lejeune’s water supply from pursuing legal action. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 rectified this situation by creating an opportunity to allow qualified plaintiffs to file water contamination lawsuits to collect compensation. In order to qualify, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You worked at or lived on base at Camp Lejeune for a period of at least 30 cumulative days
  • This period of residence and/or service occurred between August 1953 and December 1987
  • You were subsequently diagnosed with one of the cancers or other health conditions stipulated by the Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Your illness or injury had direct economic or non-economic costs, such as medical bills or pain and suffering

Why Should I Choose Osborne & Francis to Represent Me in a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?

At Osborne & Francis, we make it a habit to exceed expectations.

It is a point of pride for us to be able to say that we have built a reputation across Florida as formidable personal injury attorneys over our years of service. The results we deliver attest to our expertise.

Our team of respected Florida personal injury attorneys has handled claims of this magnitude and succeeded. We offer our clients the resources of a larger firm without sacrificing the personalized attention your claim deserves. With the product liability lawyers of Osborne & Francis by your side, you can rest assured that we will go above and beyond to secure you the maximum compensation for your Camp Lejeune water contamination claim. 

Osborne & Francis are Here to Help You. Contact us Today to Schedule a Free Case Review

There are a number of other serious health conditions associated with exposure to Camp Lejeune water, many of which can permanently alter your family’s finances, your career, and your quality of life.

The Camp Lejeune water contamination attorneys of Osborne & Francis understand the importance of securing a settlement that covers past expenses and meets future needs.

Our team will aggressively pursue compensation on your behalf in order to cover the costs of your losses like medical expenses, reduced earning capacity, and emotional distress. The personal injury attorneys of Osborne & Francis are prepared to take your claim to trial if the other side refuses to agree to a reasonable settlement. 

You can reach us at (561) 293-2600 or contact our Orlando or Boca Raton offices online to schedule a free consultation. We are available to discuss whether or not you meet the qualifications to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit to collect compensation for your injuries.

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