Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Linked to Contaminated Drinking Water at Camp Lejeune

Toxic chemicals were responsible for Camp Lejeune’s water contamination.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were present in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune, causing an increased risk of various medical conditions.

VOCs found in the water at Camp Lejeune include:

• Trichloroethylene (TCE)
• Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)
• Benzene
• Vinyl chloride

Exposure to toxic water at Camp Lejeune has been linked to ALS.

This incurable neurodegenerative disorder is characterized by muscle weakness gradually worsening over time.

With the advanced stages of ALS, the brain loses several abilities and can lead to the inability to move, speak, and swallow normally, eventually resulting in death.

Specifically, exposure to TCE and PCE have been found to increase the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

About ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) — also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease — is named after the legendary New York Yankees baseball player diagnosed with the illness in 1939 and died almost two years later.

ALS is a rare neurological disease that gradually weakens muscles, impacting essential bodily functions such as walking, talking, chewing, and breathing.

ALS has no known cure, and no treatment currently exists to stop or reverse the progression of the disease.

ALS causes the upper motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord to degenerate and die, resulting in the gradual loss of voluntary muscle control.

This loss eventually leads to complete paralysis, although mental capacity usually remains intact.

ALS and Its Causes

The exact causes of ALS are multifaceted and not fully understood.

However, exposure to certain environmental factors may be responsible for its onset.

Risk factors for developing ALS include genetics, age, biological sex, race and ethnicity, and exposure to environmental toxins.

In the case of Camp Lejeune, the presence of toxic substances in the water supply adds a troubling layer to the already complex puzzle of ALS causation.

Camp Lejeune victims exposed to toxins in the water have an increased risk of developing ALS.

ALS Complications

ALS causes a myriad of complications that deteriorate the quality of life for those affected.

From muscle weakness to difficulty speaking and swallowing, individuals battling ALS face immense physical, emotional, and financial challenges.

The need for comprehensive medical care and support becomes paramount as the disease progresses.

Early warning signs of ALS may include:

• Muscle cramps or twitches
• Stiff muscles
• Muscle weakness
• Slurred speech
• Dysphagia or trouble chewing or swallowing

As the disease progresses, the symptoms worsen and affect other body parts. Eventually, ALS can lead to:

• Inability to move, stand, or walk
• Dysarthria or difficulty speaking
• Dyspnea or difficulty breathing
• Total paralysis
• Respiratory failure
• Neuropathy or nerve damage

People with ALS typically have a life expectancy of two to five years after diagnosis.

If you or a loved one were exposed to toxic substances in the water at Camp Lejeune, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim and seek compensation.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

Use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim instantly.

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

The consumption of Camp Lejeune contaminated water has been linked to a number of cancer and non-cancer diagnoses.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released a list of illnesses that have a “presumptive service connection” to Camp Lejeune water contamination.

The illnesses on the VA presumptive service connection list include:

• Adult leukemia
• Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
• Bladder cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Liver cancer
• Multiple myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Parkinson’s disease

Other medical conditions linked to Camp Lejeune water contamination include:

• Prostate cancer
• Lung cancer
• Liver cancer
• Breast cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Adult leukemia
• Aplastic anemia
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• Renal toxicity
• Multiple myeloma
• Other myelodysplastic syndromes
• Miscarriage, infertility and birth defects
• Many more diagnoses

Service members, their families, civilian workers, and countless others were diagnosed with deadly health conditions and, for years, could not secure the benefits they desperately needed.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act affords veterans and others exposed to contaminated water the ability to join a claims process and seek justice.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview

Camp Lejeune water contamination posed a grave threat to the health and well-being of civilians and veterans exposed.

The Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit seeks to recover compensation and health care benefits for those who have suffered from exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

Encompassed in the PACT Act is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, a new piece of legislation that allows veterans, family members, workers, and others exposed to contaminated water the ability to file a Camp Lejeune claim and seek compensation for what they’ve experienced.

Law firms are helping affected veterans and family members file claims

If claims are not adjudicated, our Camp Lejeune attorneys are here to represent victims in the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

If you or a loved one were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit.

Contact the Camp Lejeune lawyers at TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Camp Lejeune lawsuit instantly.

What Caused Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune?

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), a division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reported over one million Camp Lejeune victims were exposed to toxic water contamination from 1953 to 1987.

In 1982, the U.S. Marine Corps discovered that a dry cleaning business near the base was responsible for contaminating the water supply.

The unethical waste disposal practices caused hazardous chemicals to seep into the water supply.

Other reports of toxic chemicals entering groundwater and drinking water sources have been unearthed over the years, including reports that the Marine Corps improperly disposed of chemicals and fuel waste into drains.

The toxic water affected two of the eight water treatment plants, namely the Tarawa Terrace treatment plant and the Hadnot Point treatment plant.

Camp Lejeune residents unknowingly used contaminated water on the base for drinking, bathing, laundry, cooking, and other purposes.

What Toxic Substances Were Found in the Water Supply at Camp Lejeune?

The ATSDR discovered several toxic chemicals in the contaminated main water supplies.

The four (4) primary contaminants found in the Camp Lejeune water supply include:

• Trichloroethylene (TCE): This colorless liquid chemical is significant in the production of refrigerants, degreasing solvents, and other products. It was the primary contaminant of the Hadnot Point treatment plant.
• Tetrachloroethylene (PCE): This colorless chemical is common in dry cleaning and industrial degreasing procedures. It was the primary contaminant of the Tarawa Terrace treatment plant.
• Benzene: Benzene is a clear, colorless liquid chemical compound that plays a crucial role in various industrial processes, including the production of plastics, detergents, and synthetic fibers. It was a significant contaminant found at certain industrial sites due to its widespread use in the past.
• Vinyl Chloride: Vinyl chloride is a colorless gas with a slightly sweet odor, and it has been primarily utilized in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a widely used plastic material for pipes, cables, and construction products. It was a key contaminant associated with specific industrial facilities where PVC manufacturing or processing took place

These toxic substances are known carcinogens and can cause severe medical complications, including ALS and various cancers.

What Is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?

Several legislations sought support and legal avenues for individuals affected by the Camp Lejeune toxic water contamination.

The Federal Tort Claims Act of 1946 (FTCA) granted financial compensation for victims of personal injury, property loss or damage, or death because of any federal employee’s negligence or act of omission.

However, victims could not file Camp Lejeune lawsuits against the federal government.

To remedy this issue, President Joe Biden signed the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act into law on August 10, 2022.

The PACT Act authorized the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide its services, such as VA health care and other VA benefits, to Camp Lejeune water contamination victims.

Section 804 of the PACT Act was the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 (CLJA).

This act amended the FTCA and finally allowed victims to file Camp Lejeune lawsuits against the federal government.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act permitted claims, allowing victims to seek financial compensation for damages.

Do You Qualify To File a Camp Lejeune Justice Act Claim for ALS?

Were you a Camp Lejeune resident for at least 30 days during the contamination period (August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987)?

Have you been diagnosed with ALS?

If so, you may qualify to file a claim under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.

Victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination may be eligible to file claims and seek financial compensation, health care benefits, and other restitution for their exposure to contaminated water.

Experienced Camp Lejeune lawyers can help victims file claims and secure compensation.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

Use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit.

The role of experienced attorneys and law firms is to help guide victims through the legal process, completing necessary steps such as gathering evidence and assessing damages.

Gathering Evidence for Camp Lejeune Claims

Having solid evidence when filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit is crucial.

Your attorney should be able to assist in gathering the necessary documents and information for your claim.

Potential evidence in Camp Lejeune lawsuit claims may include:

• Proof of residence at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
• Medical records proving diagnosis and treatment
• Military service records indicating dates and locations served
• Medical bills
• Travel records
• Health services information
• Records of disability benefits or VA compensation benefits

Assessing Damages for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Claims

Determining the extent of damages is a complex process that considers the health condition’s physical, emotional, and financial toll.

From medical expenses to lost wages and quality-of-life considerations, a comprehensive assessment is essential to secure just compensation.

Victims of the Camp Lejeune water contamination may be eligible to recover compensation for damages such as: 

• Medical expenses
• Loss of wages due to medical treatment or disability
• Loss of companionship, consortium, enjoyment of life, and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral costs (in the case of wrongful death)
• Other economic impacts of diagnosis

The amount of compensation you receive from a Camp Lejeune lawsuit will depend on a range of factors, such as the extent of your injuries and other losses.

TorHoerman Law: Your Camp Lejeune Lawyers

TorHoerman Law is a steadfast ally in pursuing justice for Camp Lejeune victims.

With a proven track record of advocating for individuals affected by environmental hazards and toxic exposures, our law firm is dedicated to providing the legal guidance and support necessary to navigate the complexities of the Camp Lejeune lawsuits.

At TorHoerman Law, our experienced attorneys are committed to protecting the rights of those affected by Camp Lejeune’s water contamination.

Through comprehensive legal representation, we strive to secure the compensation and closure that victims and their families deserve.

If you or a family member were exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit instantly.

Reach out to our Camp Lejeune lawyers with any questions or concerns you may have about the claims process.

We are here to help you through the legal process and seek justice.