Introduction
For decades, thousands of Marines and their families were unknowingly exposed to dangerous chemicals present in the water supply at Camp Lejeune, a major military base in North Carolina. As the details of the environmental disaster have come to light, affected individuals have sought justice and compensation for their suffering through a class action lawsuit against the United States military. This article provides an overview of the case and offers guidance for those in Southern Illinois who may be eligible to join the lawsuit.
Background
From the 1950s until the late 1980s, the water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with industrial solvents and other chemicals, including trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride. These chemicals originated from on-base activities such as dry cleaning, vehicle maintenance, and waste disposal. The military did not act to address the contamination until the late 1980s, which left thousands of service members, their families, and civilians exposed to hazardous substances over the years.
Health Impacts
The health effects of prolonged exposure to these chemicals can be severe. TCE, PCE, and benzene are known carcinogens and have been linked to various forms of cancer, including leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and kidney and liver cancers. Other reported health problems include birth defects, neurological disorders, and autoimmune diseases.
Legal Action
In response to the extensive suffering caused by the Camp Lejeune water contamination, affected individuals have filed a class action lawsuit against the United States military. The plaintiffs in this case include current and former service members, their spouses, and their children who were born, lived, or worked at Camp Lejeune during the period of contamination.
The lawsuit seeks compensation for damages related to medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Additionally, the plaintiffs demand that the military take appropriate action to ensure that such an environmental disaster never occurs again.
It is important to note that the case is still ongoing, and the final outcome remains uncertain. However, the lawsuit has already led to increased public awareness of the issue, prompting the military to improve its environmental practices and the federal government to extend healthcare benefits to eligible Camp Lejeune victims.
Joining the Class Action Lawsuit
If you or a loved one lived, worked, or were stationed at Camp Lejeune during the period of water contamination, you might be eligible to join the class action lawsuit. In Southern Illinois, contact Daniel Kay, Attorney at Law, to determine if you qualify for this class action lawsuit. Daniel Kay and his team are experienced in handling cases involving military negligence and environmental contamination, and they are committed to helping you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
Conclusion
The Camp Lejeune water contamination tragedy has caused immense suffering for thousands of individuals and their families. By joining the class action lawsuit, you can contribute to holding the military accountable and ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to prevent similar disasters in the future. In Southern Illinois, contact Daniel Kay, Attorney at Law, to determine if you qualify for this class action lawsuit.
Image by Guri shama11 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=121963690