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Camp Lejeune was one of US history’s most catastrophic water contamination cases. One million people were exposed to water contamination containing hazardous compounds from 1953 to 1957.
These chemicals have put service members exposed to the water at Camp Lejeune at an increased risk for prostate cancer.
The personal injury lawyers at Schmidt and Clark have represented thousands of cases for individuals in personal injury lawsuits. We can help you submit a Camp Lejeune cancer lawsuit and get you the compensation you deserve.
Table Of Contents
What Happened With the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
The Camp Lejeune water contamination occurred through oil and industrial waste disposal in storm drains and contamination from a local dry-cleaning business.
The business dumped wastewater with chemicals in nearby drains containing chemicals such as tetrachloroethylene and trichloroethylene. The Camp Lejeune water contamination occurred from 1953 to 1987.
Nearly one million people, including service members, civilians that worked on base, and family members, may have been subjected to the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune.
Related Article: Water Contamination Lawsuit
Chemicals Found in the Toxic Water at Camp Lejeune
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease found that the contaminated water contained the following toxic chemicals [1]:
- Trichloroethylene (TCE): A chemical used for making refrigerants and degreasing metal equipment.
- Perchloroethylene(PCE): One of the hazardous chemicals used in the dry-cleaning process.
- Vinyl chloride (VC): PCE and TCE degrade into vinyl chloride in water over time.
- Benzene: One of the carcinogenic chemicals used to make plastics, synthetic fibers, and resins.
Other Health Conditions the Toxic Substances in the Water at Camp Lejeune Caused
Exposure to the dangerous water at Camp Lejeune leads to an increase in certain diseases, including prostate cancer.
The following health effects occur from the toxic substances in the contaminated water:
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Adult leukemia
- Aplastic anemia
- Multiple myeloma
- Renal toxicity
- Scleroderma
- Hepatic Steatosis
- Infertility in women
- Lung cancer
- Parkinson’s disease
- Prostate cancer
The effects of chemical exposure from toxic water depend on how much exposure occurred, the length of exposure, and the method of exposure.
The Link Between Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune and Prostate Cancers
The Agency For Toxic Substances and Disease mortality studies into the health effects caused by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune examined death healthcare records of over 200,000 former employees that lived or worked at Camp Lejeune during the water contamination with dangerous chemicals.
The ATSDR found evidence that individuals with chronic exposure to the polluted water at Camp Lejeune were at a heightened risk of developing prostate cancer and dying.
The rate at which service members developed prostate cancer was significantly higher, and their prostate cancer was linked to exposure [2].
What to Know About Prostate Cancer
The prostate is a gland positioned between the bladder and the penis. Its primary function is to produce a liquid found in semen in men. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men [3].
Other aspects that put you at risk for developing prostate cancer include:
- Age
- Race
- Family history
- Obesity
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Like other cancers, prostate cancer doesn’t typically show signs in the early stages.
As the disease advances, the following symptoms occur:
- Difficulty urinating
- Blood in urine
- Blood in semen
- Bone pain
- Weight loss
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased urine pressure
Prostate Cancer Treatment
Some prostate cancer patients do not require treatment.
However, if treatment is necessary, it may include the following:
- Prostate removal
- Radiation
- Freezing or heating prostate tissue
- Hormone therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted drug therapy
- Chemotherapy
“If you live a long time, you are likely to live longer if you are treated for prostate cancer than if you are not,”
– Doctor Anthony D’Amico, Chief of Genitourinary Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
How the Camp Lejeune Justice Act Helps With Camp Lejeune Prostate Cancer Cases
This year, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 was passed, allowing victims exposed to contaminated water while living at Camp Lejeune to file an individual damages lawsuit.
Those negatively affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune were previously unable to file legal claims. Since the passing of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, veterans, workers, and their families who resided or worked at Camp Lejeune are now eligible to file lawsuits against the federal government.
Burden of Proof
Although the Camp Lejeune Justice Act has made it simpler to file these lawsuits, there is still a burden of proof. There are a few key things you must prove.
- First, you must have worked or resided at Camp Lejeune for 30 days between August 1953 and December 1987.
- Second, you must be diagnosed with prostate cancer or any other health issue caused by contamination
- Third, you must file your lawsuit within the next two years.
Average Settlement of a Camp Lejeune Prostate Cancer Lawsuit
There is currently no average settlement for these cases due to the new act being passed. The Camp Lejeune lawsuit settlements will range between $25,000 to over $1 million, depending on the severity of the illness.
By filing a lawsuit, you can receive compensation for medical expenses, loss of life quality, pain and suffering, wrongful death, and disability.
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See the other toxic tort cases our lawyers have taken on.
FAQs
1. What Are the Early Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer?
Early warning signs of prostate cancer include frequent urination, a burning sensation when urinating, trouble starting to urinate, sudden erectile dysfunction, and blood in urine or semen.
2. How Fast Does Prostate Cancer Spread?
Prostate cancer can take years to spread and become large enough to be detectable. Prostate cancer is relatively slow growing. However, some cases are aggressive and need urgent treatment.
3. What Is the Biggest Contributor to Prostate Cancer?
The biggest contributor to prostate cancer is genetic factors. Men whose close relatives were diagnosed with prostate cancer can be twice as likely to develop it, and those who have two or more relatives with cancer maybe four times more likely to develop prostate cancer [4].
4. How Long Will a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Settlement Take To Recieve?
It will take a year or longer to receive a settlement. Most cases will take 20 months on average.
File a Camp Lejeune Prostate Cancer Lawsuit
If you or a family member were exposed to the Camp Lejeune water contamination, which caused prostate cancer, or other diseases, you might be eligible for a lawsuit.
The experienced lawyers at Schmidt & Clark, LLP can provide a free consultation, help you to gather proof of exposure, estimate the extent of your loss, collect medical records, help to file the lawsuit, and represent you in court if needed.
References:
- https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/lejeune/chem_descriptions.html
- https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/lejeune/civilianmortalitystudy.html
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/about/what-is-prostate-cancer.html
- https://www.pcf.org/patient-resources/family-cancer-risk/prostate-cancer-risk-factors/
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