Camp Lejeune Brain Injuries

Ultimate Guide to Understanding Brain Injuries and Camp Lejeune

Exposure to contaminated water or toxic chemicals can leave you with a very serious health condition. The worst part is that, in many cases, this happens without you even knowing that you have been exposed and that your health is now at risk.

This is exactly what happened when veterans stationed at Camp Lejeune, their family members, civilian employees, and other contractors were exposed to contaminated water at the Marine Corps Base. It has been decades since the incident occurred. But the victims still suffer from a wide range of water contamination illnesses linked to toxic exposure. These victims need a lawyer to fight for their rights in such cases.

At Ehline Law Firm, we have dedicated our time and expertise to helping victims exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune. If you want a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the Camp Lejeune justice act, then call Michael Ehline and his team at (833) LETS-SUE.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is a bill implemented to help contractors, non-military workers, veterans, and their family members exposed to toxic chemicals and contaminated water at Camp Lejeune file lawsuits for the disability benefits they desperately need.

There is still some work to be done until the bill is passed into law.

In the meantime, no claims can be made until:

• The Senate votes for the bill (no passed and awaiting Biden’Biden’sture).
• President Joe Biden signs off on it.
• It is implemented into law by the federal government.

The origins of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act stem from the Honoring AmericAmerica’sans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act which was approved years ago by the Obama administration.

This Act paved the way for the formation of the Honoring Our PACT Act, which seeks to address issues of presumption of service connection, resources, research, and health care for veterans exposed to harmful chemicals while on active duty.

When President Biden lives up to his promise of signing the PACT Act into law soon, it will be the last piece of the puzzle needed in seeking justice for the people affected by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Legal History of the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Incident

Camp LejeunLejeune’sminated water incident took place decades ago, in south-eastern North Carolina, from August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987.

In 1993, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) was tasked with the investigation into the sources of the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The investigation yielded many potential sources of contamination, such as:

• Chemical spills in industrial areas
• Leaking underground storage tanks
• Improper waste disposal
• Chemical runoff from a nearby, off-base dry cleaning facility.

The conclusion made by ATSDR is that the most likely source of Camp Lejeune water contamination was an off-base dry cleaning company called ABC One-Hour Cleaners.

However, it was also determined that the high levels of contamination in the water treatment plants were likely the result of multiple sources. Most toxins come from hazardous chemicals such as cleaning solvents, jet fuel, paints, explosives, glues, and lacquers.

Dangerous Chemicals Found At Camp Lejeune

The in-depth analysis of the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune revealed the following toxins:

• Vinyl chloride
• Trichloroethylene (TCE)
• Perchloroethylene (PCE)
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Benzene
• Toluene
• Methylene chloride.

Is Exposure To Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune Linked to Brain Cancer?

Studies have been conducted to determine whether toxic exposure caused by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune is the direct cause of diseases such as brain cancer. This is the question that is always posed during every single Camp Lejeune lawsuit, and without the right attorney by your side, it can be very difficult.

Other things can result in adverse health effects, such as cancer.

So, to give yourself the best chance of success, you need to remember the following tips:

• Keep records of all medical treatments with you
• Get examined by a reputable physician, especially one who is an expert in cancer diagnosis
• Be sure you can prove that you were indeed exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune
• Hire a good lawyer knowledgeable in North Carolina Law to fight for you
• Do not be afraid to seek the compensation you deserve.

Why You Need a Good Lawyer by Your Side

A good example of how difficult it can be for victims to be awarded damages for their pain and suffering as a result of toxic exposure at the Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base is a 2014 lawsuit filed by an army vet who was diagnosed with oligoastrocytoma, a type of cancer that causes brain tumors.

The case review is as follows:

• In 1997 the veteran was diagnosed with oligoastrocytoma
• The veteran claims his brain cancer was caused by being exposed to the Camp Lejeune-contaminated water
• The victim was treated but continued to suffer other adverse health effects such as memory loss, seizures, and loss of sense of taste and smell.
• A testimony from a qualified doctor was used as evidence to prove the victim’s condition and suggest a likely cause of the oligoastrocytoma.
• Upon viewing the evidence, the board found that the veteran sustained an in-service injury due to being exposed to water contamination at the Marine Corps base.
• The Veterans Affairs board also found that other sources besides the drinking water contamination at Camp Lejeune could have caused cancer.
• In the end, Veterans Affairs concluded that presumptive service connection for oligoastrocytoma was warranted.

In the above case review, the veteran was lucky to walk away with their settlements because he had an extensive medical history, testimonies from a recognized doctor, and the assistance of dedicated and experienced attorneys.

Other Serious Illnesses Caused by Exposure To Toxic Chemicals

Besides brain cancer and related illnesses, exposure to hazardous chemicals, such as those that caused water contamination at Camp Lejeune, can result in many other diseases.

The following conditions and health concerns are commonly found in both adults and children linked to this disaster:

• Kidney cancer
• Adult leukemia
• Non-HoNon-Hodgkin’soma
• Breast cancer
• Multiple myeloma
• Colon cancer
• In-utero exposure leads to birth defects, childhood cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Damage to the lymphatic system
• Liver cancer and fatty liver syndrome
• Bone marrow disorders
• Aplastic anemia.

Steps To Take When Claiming Health and Disability Benefits

Victims of the Camp Lejeune water contamination have had to wait many years for the compensation they deserve due to the toxic exposure they endured. However, despite the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, receiving disability benefits is far from guaranteed.

To maximize your chances of a successful lawsuit, the following steps are essential:

Get Examined by a Doctor

By now, the most dangerous toxins involved in the Camp Lejeune water contamination are known, and their effects, such as cancers and adverse birth outcomes. It would help if you got a doctor to examine you and determine whether you have any qualifying health conditions.

In most cases that deal with Camp Lejeune water contamination, this is the issue of greatest contention. A good lawyer will sit with you during the free consultation to ensure this is in order.

Gather Evidence

When it comes down to the actual lawsuit at the district court, it can become a fight between your lawyers and Veterans Affairs. This is why you must ensure all the necessary evidence, such as relevant dates and medical records.

Contact Ehline Law

When all is in order, you need to contact a good lawyer who knows how to deal with Camp Lejeune water contamination cases at the North Carolina District Court. At Ehline Law Firm, we have a relationship with a dedicated panel of attorneys with in-depth North Carolina statute knowledge. Give us a call, and let us handle your Camp Lejeune water V.A. claims and perhaps locate one to file a local lawsuit.

Who Can Get Benefits for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?

Just because someone has a qualifying condition or health concerns associated with water contamination at Camp Lejeune does not mean they are eligible for a Camp Lejeune settlement. They may be left with a V.A. claim only. We can help with a VSO for that.

All applicants who have been previously granted health benefits under similar circumstances have the following in common:

• They were at Camp Lejeune during the approved period
• The diseases they suffer from are recognized as one of the side effects of toxic exposure to chemicals identified in Camp LejeunLejeune’s supply.

Victims exposed to Camp Lejeune drinking water but not sure whether they have a qualifying condition should schedule a free consultation with one of our friendly lawyers for excellent legal advice.

Damages We Can Win for You

At Ehline Law Firm, we have a history of winning huge settlements for our clients. With our extensive experience handling Camp Lejeune veterans, we are the go-to attorneys for former residents of the camp.

Marine Corps veterans suffering from any one of the illnesses mentioned above, who were stationed at Camp Lejeune, are entitled to compensation that covers the following damages:

• Medical expenses
• Emotional distress, disability, loss of income
• Reduced quality of life.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Camp Lejeune Brain Injury Attorney Referral

If you are looking for qualified camp Lejeune lawsuit attorneys, visit our law firm for a free case review. We understand that this can be very emotional and stressful for Camp Lejeune water contamination victims and their family members, which is why we put extra effort into our attorney-client relationship.

The Camp Lejeune water contamination incident left a lot of heartbreak, medical expenses, and life-long disabilities in its wake. It is high time that the victims of this disaster get the justice they deserve.

Our goal is to help you find a local lawyer and to open up the West Coast for wounded survivors. We at Ehline Law Firm are ready to assist you in any way we can.