Camp Lejeune Renal Toxicity Lawsuit | Get the Right Lawyer

A dry-cleaning company, known as ABC Cleaners, caused severe health concerns in Marine Corps Camp Lejeune after they injected toxic chemicals into the water system at levels thousands of times more hazardous than what is considered safe. 

Tragically, inflicted military service members and their families were left with permanent damage.

If you, or a loved one, have suffered from severe health issues because of exposure to hazardous substances in Camp Lejeune, Schmidt & Clark, LLP can help you.

With our decades-long experience, we specialize in helping individuals seek justice against powerful corporations.

Quick Summary 

• Toxic chemicals in contaminated water (trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, and vinyl chloride) are proven to cause severe health risks, including renal toxicity.
• Victims of the toxic water in Camp Lejeune can now claim compensation for their financial and emotional losses due to Camp Lejeune Justice Act.
• An experienced attorney can assist you in bringing a lawsuit against Camp Lejuene and gather proof to support your claim.

Renal Toxicity Linked to Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune

Three primary chemicals contaminated the water at Camp Lejeune. The contaminants were first discovered in the spring of 1980, and they affected millions of gallons of drinking water throughout the decade. 

• Trichloroethylene (TCE) –  A halocarbon commonly used as an industrial solvent to degrease metal parts but can also be found in household products such as spot removers, glues, and paints. TCE is known to cause kidney cancer if ingested through the water supply or inhaled through polluted air over a long period of time [1]. 
• Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) – Used mainly for its cleaning properties in commercial dry-cleaning processes and certain types of paint strippers and adhesives. Studies have linked all routes of PCE exposure with increased risk for various cancers [2]. 
• Vinyl Chloride – A colorless gas with a sweet odor often added to other substances for use in food packaging or garment production. It makes the plastic more malleable when heated up into different shapes or objects. Long-term health effects due to vinyl chloride include liver cancer, brain and lung cancers, leukemia, and lymphoma after breathing it in regularly [3].

These chemicals’ effects on those who lived at Camp Lejeune are still being determined today. However, professionals studying the water contamination at Camp Lejeune and veteran medical records have pointed to a potential health risk. 

They have discovered an alarming increase in renal toxicity cases for those exposed [4].

Related Article: Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

What Is Renal Toxicity?

Renal toxicity, or nephrotoxicity, is a debilitating renal disease caused by ingesting harmful drugs, chemicals, and industrial toxins [5]. 

This health risk was particularly prominent for those who served at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina from 1953 to 1987. 

Medical evidence revealed kidney cancer as one of the most common diagnoses among members affected by contaminated drinking water on base [6].

What Can Cause Renal Toxicity?

Industrial chemicals, alcohol and drug use, and exposure to toxic substances can cause renal toxicity [7]. 

In addition, contaminated drinking water has been linked to kidney damage that, in some cases, leads to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), a life-threatening medical condition.

Unfortunately, this type of damage can occur from a number of sources but typically results from long-term exposure to toxic substances.

With that in mind, Medical professionals from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) have linked exposure to toxic chemical solvents like PCE and TCE to cases of renal toxicity [8]. 

“Kidneys are particularly susceptible to toxic substances because they have high blood flow, high metabolic activity, and possible active reabsorption and concentrations of toxins.”
– Treven Pyles, Legal Expert

Renal Toxicity Complications

Kidney disease can result in devastating long-term effects, leaving people with chronic health issues that compromise their quality of life. Symptoms such as decreased urine output, swelling extremities, and breathlessness are warning signs of renal toxicity or acute kidney failure [9].

If not addressed quickly, these illnesses could lead to further complications, including: 

• Metabolic acidosis (the buildup of acid in the body);
• Heart disease;
• Pregnancy complications;
• Decreased immune response;

Early intervention is thus crucial so individuals can avoid irreversible damage from potentially deadly kidney diseases.

What Other Health Conditions Has Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune Been Linked To?

For over 30 years, service members and their families consuming contaminated water at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina have been stricken with a devastating array of illnesses.

These include: 

• Irreversible harm to kidneys (end-stage kidney disease);
• Adult leukemia; 
• Bladder cancer;
• Lung cancer;
• Liver cancer; 
• Congenital disabilities;
• Immune disorders;
• Fatty liver disease [10].

When the link between these diagnoses was first suspected, many were denied benefits despite suffering terribly due to this tragedy.

Related Articles:

• Camp Lejeune Parkinson’s Disease Lawsuit
• Camp Lejeune Kidney Cancer Suit
• Toxic Water Served for Decades

See the other toxic tort cases our attorneys have taken on.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act: Helping Those Exposed to Camp Lejeune’s Contaminated Water Supply

President Biden recently signed The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 into law, ushering in a new era of justice for the veterans who served at Camp Lejeune [11]. 

This bill is part of a larger initiative known as the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, which grants key healthcare benefits and disability services for those exposed to toxic water during service. 

This legislation opens up an unprecedented opportunity for individuals affected by exposure on base grounds – they can now support their lawsuits and recover the damages they suffered.

After decades of exposure to hazardous chemicals and subsequent struggles for justice, Camp Lejeune veterans and families can now seek legal recompense through the U.S. District Court: Eastern District of North Carolina for medical costs related to toxic contamination at the base. 

This is especially poignant after prior attempts by legislators had gone unsuccessful in addressing these issues on behalf of victims affected since 1953 when pollutants were first reported. 

With several bills having failed due to lack of widespread impact, those who suffered losses deserve a fair chance during retribution proceedings that may return much-needed funds under their claims.

Related Article: Camp Lejeune Hepatic Steatosis Lawsuit

Camp Lejeune Renal Toxicity Lawsuit

The long-standing efforts of individuals adversely affected by water contamination at Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base between 1953 and 1987 have finally come to fruition. 

With President Biden’s signing of the PACT Act into law, we can take legal action against those responsible for exposing people to dangerous levels of toxins that lead to bladder cancer diagnoses [12]. 

To qualify for VA disability benefits, you need to gather evidence that shows that:

• You were not dishonorably discharged from the military;
• You were serving for a minimum of thirty consecutive days at Camp Lejeune between August 1953 and December 1987;
• You experienced one or more of the eight medical conditions related to Camp Lejeune water contamination.

Additionally, family members can file a Camp Lejeune case and get medical benefits if they:

• Lived at Camp Lejeune for at least thirty days between August 1953 and December 1987;  
• Have been diagnosed with one or more of the fifteen illnesses specified, including renal toxicity and liver cancer.

What Is the Average Settlement for the Renal Toxicity Lawsuit?

The Camp Lejeune settlement amounts for the renal toxicity lawsuit are between $175.000 and $350.000 for patients. 

However, it is crucial to remember that a settlement’s overall worth might change depending on a few factors: 

• Associated costs for treatment-related medicine;
• Disability payments might be made if you’re unable to work or do daily tasks; 
• Therapy and mental health services costs, as well as missed earnings and earning ability;
• Emotional damages.

FAQs

1. What Percentage Do Lawyers Get for a Camp Lejeune Settlement?

Lawyers typically receive 33-40% of the Camp Lejeune settlement amount, depending on the agreement and complexity of the case.

2. Should I Get a Lawyer for a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?

Yes, hiring a lawyer ensures proper handling of your Camp Lejeune lawsuit, increasing your chances of receiving fair compensation.

3. Is Kidney Disease Part of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?

Yes, kidney disease is part of Camp Lejeune water contamination. Exposure to contaminated water is proven to cause kidney dysfunction.

4. Are There Long-Term Effects of Camp Lejeune Contamination?

Yes, there are long-term effects of Camp Lejeune contamination, including end-stage kidney disease, hyperkalemia, and a damaged nervous system.

Get a Free Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Experienced Attorneys

Ex-service members at Camp Lejeune who have developed nephrotoxicity may be entitled to a significant financial settlement, with the average payout ranging from $150.000 to $550.000.

If you lived near Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 and if you have suffered health issues due to your exposure, you might be entitled to file a suit.

Our experienced attorneys at Schmidt & Clark, LLP have spent decades helping individuals who have been failed by the justice system.

Contact us for a free consultation.

References:

1. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/trichloroethylene
2. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/epidemiology-fact-sheets/tetrachloroethylene/
3. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/vinyl-chloride
4. https://misuse.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/error/abuse.shtml
5. https://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/side-effects/nephrotoxicity-renal-toxicity.aspx
6. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/lejeune/background.html
7. https://www.childrenscolorado.org/conditions-and-advice/conditions-and-symptoms/conditions/nephrotoxicity/
8. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/lejeune/docs/ATSDR_summary_of_the_evidence_for_causality_TCE_PCE_508.pdf
9. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-failure/symptoms-causes/syc-20369048
10. https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/camp-lejeune-water-contamination/
11. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/08/10/fact-sheet-president-biden-signs-the-pact-act-and-delivers-on-his-promise-to-americas-veterans/
12. https://fedsoc.org/commentary/fedsoc-blog/pres-biden-signs-camp-lejeune-justice-act-into-law