You may be eligible to file a Tylenol Autism ADHD Lawsuit / Acetaminophen Autism ADHD Claim if you or a loved one used Tylenol and/ or Acetaminophen during pregnancy, and your child was subsequently diagnosed with ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Legal action is being strategized by our attorneys for Horizon Therapeutics’ failure to properly warn patients of potential hearing loss side effects.
You may be eligible to file a Tepezza Lawsuit if you or a loved one took Tepezza and subsequently suffered permanent hearing loss or tinnitus.
Over 140,000 Exactech hip, knee and ankle implants have been recalled due to packaging errors that can lead to the breakdown of parts vital to the device’s function.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries from an Exactech implant device, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
You may be eligible to file a Hair Straightener Cancer Lawsuit if you or a loved one used chemical hair straighteners, hair relaxers, or other similar hair products, and subsequently were diagnosed with:
Over one million people, who were present at Camp Lejeune (North Carolina) between 1953 and 1987, may have been exposed to toxic substances in the water.
The Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Lawsuit can apply to you, a family member, or a loved one who lived at Camp Lejeune (North Carolina) and suffered health effects from the decades of water contamination that occurred.
If you have been exposed to Paraquat and diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease may be eligible to pursue compensation, and entitled to participate in the paraquat lawsuit.
Contact us today to see if you qualify for the Paraquat Parkinson’s Disease Lawsuit!
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Camp Lejeune Colorectal Cancer Lawsuit [2023 Update]
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Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit
» Camp Lejeune Colorectal Cancer Lawsuit
Last Updated: November 20th, 2023
Camp Lejeune Colorectal Cancer Lawsuit Overview
On this page, we’ll discuss the Camp Lejeune Colorectal Cancer Lawsuit, how the chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune have been linked to an increased risk of developing Colorectal cancer, and more.
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Linked to Increased Risk of Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men and women in the U.S., caused by various factors out of our control such as genetics and compromised immune systems.
Colorectal cancer can also be caused by exposure to toxic substances.
Due to the improper disposal of solvents and other harmful substances into the water at Camp LeJeune, members of the Marine Corps and their family members, National Guard members, civilian workers, and others who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune may be put at an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Those who were were diagnosed with cancer or other illnesses after being exposed contaminated drinking water can get financial compensation under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.
If you or a loved one lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between 1953 and 1987 and subsequently developed Colorectal Cancer, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit.
The Camp Lejeune litigation is ongoing and our law firm is speaking to potential clients daily about their situations and strategizing the best path forward.
Reach out to us today and find out how we can help you.
Table of Contents
Colorectal Cancer Linked to Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune
An increased risk of colorectal cancer has been identified by medical professionals who’ve studied the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune as a particularly common diagnosis.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) conducted many scientific studies on the Camp Lejeune water supply, and found that residents with long-term exposure suffered from higher rates of colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, and many other deadly forms of cancer.
About Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer refers to the development of cancerous cells in the colon or rectum, which are parts of the large intestine.
The colon is a long, muscular tube that forms the majority of the large intestine and is responsible for absorbing water and nutrients from digested food.
The rectum, on the other hand, is the terminal part of the large intestine, located just above the anus, and serves as a temporary storage site for feces.
Colorectal cancer typically starts as small, noncancerous growths called polyps that form on the inner lining of the colon or rectum.
Over time, some polyps can transform into cancerous tumors.
The exact cause of colorectal cancer is not fully understood, but it is believed to develop due to a combination of genetic mutations and environmental factors.
Colorectal cancer is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease.
Around 150,000 Americans get diagnosed with colorectal cancer annually, and about 1/3 of them will die because of the disease.
The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age, and it affects both men and women.
Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
Different symptoms manifest at various stages of colorectal or colon cancer.
The classification starts from Stage 0, when the cancer is still in its earliest stages, to Stage 4, when cancer cells have spread all over the body.
Here are the most common symptoms to monitor:
Common symptoms of colorectal cancer may include:
Constipation and difficulty with bowel movement
Changes in stool color, texture, and shape
Blood in stool; bleeding in the rectum
Abdominal pain and cramps
Diarrhea
Unexplained and rapid weight loss
Weakness and fatigue
Complications of Colorectal Cancer
If colorectal cancer is not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, it can lead to significant complications:
Metastasis: The cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, or distant lymph nodes.
Obstruction: The tumor growth can cause blockages in the colon or rectum, resulting in bowel obstruction.
Bowel incontinence: Colorectal cancer can affect bowel control, leading to the inability to control bowel movements.
It is essential to recognize the seriousness of colorectal cancer, as early detection and treatment greatly improve the chances of successful outcomes.
Regular screenings, particularly colonoscopies, are recommended for individuals aged 50 and above, or for those with a family history of colorectal cancer.
These screenings play a crucial role in detecting and preventing colorectal cancer at an early stage.
Causes of Colorectal Cancer
There is still a lot of research needed to determine the true cause of colorectal cancer.
However, most scientists agree that this disease starts because of mutations in cells.
These alterations in the DNA cause cells to grow rapidly.
The trigger for the mutation can be genetic or environmental in nature.
While the genetic factors are out of most people’s control, the environmental causes can be avoided.
Did the Chemicals at Camp Lejeune Cause Colorectal Cancer?
Studies by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) have shown the connection between chemical exposure at Camp Lejeune and the development of various cancers in the body.
The registry also released a list of cancers and other diseases that are presumptively linked to the Camp Lejeune water contamination incident.
Colorectal cancer was not included in this list.
However, this exclusion doesn’t mean that compounds found in the contaminated water are not linked to colorectal cancer.
Various other studies have established strong links between colorectal cancer and chemicals found in Camp Lejeune.
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview
Camp Lejeune — officially Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune — is a U.S. military training facility on the beaches of Jacksonville, North Carolina.
The location is ideal for amphibious assault training, so many members and their families are based here.
Camp Lejeune has been around since 1941, expanding over the years to accommodate more residents.
Barracks, temporary housing, family housing, and other residential structures were installed for this population growth.
During the early years, the main source of water for the base came from wells.
The same wells would become the source of health issues due to improper disposal of toxic chemicals.
The effects of the contaminated drinking water weren’t immediately apparent, and people were unknowingly put at risk for many years.
The toxic substances are linked various effects on the body.
A significant number of former residents developed breast cancer, colon cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and other serious illnesses that affected their way of life in a major way.
Several children who were born to mothers exposed to volatile organic compounds also suffered birth defects and childhood cancers.
The development of illnesses in Camp Lejeune veterans and their family members prompted an investigation into the water at Camp Lejeune.
An eight-year investigation led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) uncovered more than 48,000 pounds of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the water supply.
After the investigation, the agencies involved — including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — attributed the development of rectal and other types of cancers to these volatile organic compounds.
Those exposed to the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune were at an increased risk of developing rectal and colorectal cancer.
Those impacted by Camp Lejeune water contamination are not only those stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.
Service members stationed at Marine Corps Air Station New River may have also been exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other toxic substances in drinking water.
What Was the Source of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
Besides the relationship between the contaminated water and the injuries among the Camp Lejeune residents and veterans, the investigation uncovered the source of the toxic chemicals.
According to the investigation’s findings, the toxic chemicals that contaminated the water at Camp Lejeune originated from several dumping sites and water treatment plants in and around the camp.
With the water at Camp Lejeune linked to cancer, many filed their Camp Lejeune claims to recover VA health care benefits.
Unfortunately, the Department of Veterans Affairs denied a majority of these claims.
The rampant denial of claims prompted the passing of several laws to help Camp Lejeune victims.
Toxic Chemicals in Camp Lejeune Water
The toxic water at Camp Lejeune contained various volatile organic compounds that can cause serious health conditions. Here are some of these substances.
1. Tetrachloroethylene (PCE or PERC)
Tetrachloroethylene is a component of many dry cleaning agents and industrial solvents.
It has been linked to several types of cancer, including rectal and bladder cancer.
2. Trichloroethylene (TCE)
TCE is used for degreasing machines and metal parts, in dry cleaning, as an industrial solvent, and in other commercial and industrial applications.
Like tetrachloroethylene, trichloroethylene can cause certain types of cancer.
Some of the cancers caused by trichloroethylene include non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and kidney cancer.
Trichloroethylene can also affect the heart.
3. Vinyl Chloride
Vinyl chloride lines the surfaces of PVC pipes and wire coatings.
This chemical compound is linked to several illnesses, including liver cancer, hepatic steatosis, lung cancer, and more.
4. Benzene
Benzene appears in many substances crucial for industrial operations.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act: How Veterans Exposed to Toxic Water at Camp Lejeune Can Get Compensated
For a long time, the victims of Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water did not have any legal recourse or other methods to get reparation for the injuries they suffered.
Many victims died without getting any health care benefits or compensation.
Camp Lejeune veterans and their family members attempted to legislate change.
Several laws, such as the Janey Ensminger Act, Camp Lejeune Families Act, and other bills attempted to secure compensation, health care benefits, VA health care, disability compensation, and other forms of restitution.
Many of these laws failed to deliver actionable change to veterans exposed to toxic chemicals found in the water at Camp Lejeune, but they were major stepping stones to the change we see in the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act, signed into law by President Biden as part of the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, allows victims to file Camp Lejeune claims and secure financial compensation for exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
If an administrative claim is not adjudicated within six months, victims are able to file suit in the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Our Camp Lejeune lawyers are here to help you file your Camp Lejeune claims and guide you through the legal process. Contact us for more information.
Do You Qualify to File a Camp Lejeune Water Lawsuit?
If you have developed colorectal cancer from the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you may be eligible to file a claim and take legal action.
As stated in the Veterans Administration release and the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, anybody who resided at the marine corps base for at least thirty (30) days, while the Camp Lejeune accident was occurring, may be eligible to file a claim.
This includes active duty and former service members, family members living on base, non-military staff, families of deceased, and even in-utero victims who were not yet born when their mother was residing at Camp Lejeune.
It’s important to note that if you were dishonorably discharged, you may not be eligible for disability benefits or disability compensation.
Families of dishonorably discharged military personnel are also not eligible to file suit or apply for benefits.
Gathering Evidence for Camp Lejeune Claims
Quality evidence is the cornerstone of any successful personal injury or mass tort case.
Evidence relating to water contamination can include a number of documents relating to your or a loved one’s time spent at the marine corps base.
Evidence in a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit may include:
Documents proving residence at Camp Lejeune
Military service records indicating dates and locations served
Medical records and diagnoses
Medical bills
Travel records
Health care information
Records on disability benefits or VA compensation benefits
Hiring A Lawyer And Assessing Damages
When you have gathered pieces of key evidence, a lawyer will help you to refine your case and assess damages.
Damages are any losses, both physical and mental/emotional, that a person incurs as a result of an injury at no fault of their own.
Damages are the total amount the defendant is liable to pay to the plaintiff to compensate for the damage that they have caused.
Damages in a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit may include:
Medical bills
Pain and suffering
Lost wages
Disability benefits
Loss of companionship, consortium, enjoyment of life, and earning capacity
If you or a loved one was exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune between these dates, and meet other certain criteria, you may qualify to file a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit.
Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation or use the chatbot on our website for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify instantly.
We thank the brave veterans for their service to our country.
Now let us serve you.
Our law firm is dedicated to achieving justice for service members and their families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Expected Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Settlement Amounts?
Currently, it is hard to estimate what the typical settlement amount for a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit would be.
When Camp Lejeune Justice Act claims are adjudicated or lawsuits are initiated and settled, more detailed information will be released on payout amounts over time.
The settlement amount for each individual case would differ based upon the injuries suffered, conditions diagnosed, time spent at the base, and more.
Lawsuit settlements would also contain damages incurred, which can include medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional damages, and more.
Depending on injuries and evidence, individual settlement amounts for exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune could be significant.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has allocated over $6 billion to handle Camp Lejeune claims.
What Caused Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
Water contamination at Camp Lejeune was caused by spills or leaks from underground storage tanks, waste disposal sites, businesses, and more.
Because of this, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) were found in the water serving the base housing and a variety of other buildings.
These VOCs included:
Dry cleaning solvents
Degreasers
And almost seventy (70) other hazardous chemicals
What Is The PACT Act And How Does It Help Camp Lejeune Victims?
The Honoring Our PACT Act is a new bill recently signed into law by President Biden that affords new health care benefits and VA disability benefits to those exposed to toxic chemicals during their military service.
Within the PACT Act is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which allows those exposed to contaminated water at the military base to sue and recover damages.
At TorHoerman Law, we believe that if we continue to focus on the people that we represent, and continue to be true to the people that we are – justice will always be served.
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