No Longer Accepting Claims
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Facts
TorHoerman Law is no longer accepting claims for the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit.
Intake Closed
The water at Camp Lejeune was found to be contaminated between 1953 and 1987.
Organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency and The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) discovered a myriad of toxic chemicals in Camp Lejeune’s water supply.
The ATSDR discovered at least seventy toxic chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune, with the four most prominent contaminants being:
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)
- Benzene
- Vinyl Chloride
These chemicals have been linked to various cancers and autoimmune conditions — and all were in high concentrations in Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water supply between 1953 and 1987.
As a result, during these years, Camp Lejeune veterans and their family members were exposed to the water and developed a range of conditions.
Some of the illnesses discovered were found in children born during the three-decade water contamination period at Camp Lejeune.
These illnesses ranged from cardiac birth defects to other congenital disorders.
Besides these congenital disorders, cognitive disabilities afflicted many children born between 1953 and 1987 at Camp Lejeune.
Camp Lejeune victims who have suffered from neurological disorders, cognitive disabilities, or any other intellectual disability linked to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the water at Camp Lejeune may be eligible to file a claim.
If you or your child received a diagnosis of intellectual disabilities, and you were exposed to Camp Lejeune’s water between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to join others filing Camp Lejeune lawsuits.
Contact TorHoerman Law for a free case evaluation.
You may also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit.
About Cognitive Disabilities
Cognitive disabilities encompass a collection of mental and sensory impairments.
These impairments limit cognitive functioning and adaptive behavior.
Cognitive disabilities are often lifelong conditions that hinder a person’s ability to learn and retain information.
Affected individuals also have challenges with problem-solving, reasoning, and adapting to new situations.
In short, these disabilities can have severe consequences on a child’s ability to live an independent life.
Cognitive Disabilities and Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
Prenatal exposure to toxic substances like the TCE and PCE found in contaminated water at Camp Lejeune may increase the risk for cognitive disabilities and learning disabilities.
There has been a long-standing consensus about the connection between prenatal chemical exposure and the development of intellectual disabilities in children.
A 2018 study published in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health suggests that even mild prenatal VOC exposure can predispose a growing fetus to develop an intellectual disability.
These findings were echoed by another study published two years later in the Journal of Environmental Research.
In 2021, another study highlighted how prenatal VOC exposure leads to the development of intellectual disabilities.
The study was a longitudinal cohort study that examined the effects of prenatal VOC exposure on 12-month-old children.
Based on the study’s findings, the majority of the examined children of exposed mothers displayed signs of neurodevelopmental delays.
Other Causes of Cognitive Disabilities
Cognitive disabilities can be caused by several different things.
Listed below are different causes of cognitive disabilities in children:
- Genetic Factors: Cognitive disabilities can be inherited. Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome are some cognitive disabilities related to genetics.
- Complications During Pregnancy: Alcohol or drug exposure in utero (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder), malnutrition during pregnancy, infections during pregnancy (e.g., rubella, cytomegalovirus), and other complications during pregnancy can lead to cognitive disabilities.
- Complications at Birth: Premature birth, lack of oxygen (hypoxia or birth asphyxia), and neonatal infections can result in cognitive disabilities.
- Health Conditions: Certain health conditions in mothers can result in cognitive disabilities. Lead poisoning, meningitis or encephalitis, and severe and chronic malnutrition may contribute to cognitive disabilities.
- Brain Injury: Traumatic brain injury (e.g., from accidents or falls) and non-traumatic brain injuries (e.g., strokes, tumors) can result in cognitive disabilities in children.
- Environmental Factors: As we’ve mentioned previously, exposure to toxic substances (e.g., solvents) can increase the risk of cognitive disabilities, both in-utero and while developing as a young child.
Complications of Cognitive Disability
Cognitive disabilities can be associated with various complications and challenges that affect an individual’s daily life and overall well-being.
The specific complications can vary widely depending on the severity of the cognitive disability and the presence of any co-occurring conditions.
Here are some common complications and challenges associated with cognitive disabilities:
- Difficulties in school
- Communication problems
- Interpersonal issues
- Behavioral and emotional challenges
- Poor daily living skills
- Higher healthcare needs
- Safety issues
- Limited independence
In the worst-case scenario, a cognitive disability can occur alongside other neurodevelopmental conditions.
Some examples of co-occurring conditions are attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
What Are the Different Types of Cognitive Disabilities Suffered by Camp Lejeune Victims?
Exposure to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated drinking water can lead to various cognitive disabilities.
Intellectual disabilities suffered by Camp Lejeune victims include:
- Memory challenges
- Concentration issues
- Learning disabilities
- Problem-solving difficulties
- Attention problems
- Language complications
- Visual-spatial challenges
- Motor coordination issues
