Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Linked to Laryngeal Cancer

Military veterans, family, workers, and other former residents of Camp Lejeune were exposed to highly toxic substances for over 30 years.

Industrial solvents and other dangerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in the water at Camp Lejeune have been linked to a number of different cancers, including laryngeal cancer.

The 2024 Cancer Incidence Study published by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) investigated cancer rates at Camp Lejeune compared to a similar population stationed at Camp Pendleton, another Marine Corps base.

The study found increased risks for laryngeal cancer for military personnel stationed at Camp Lejeune.

About Laryngeal Cancer

Laryngeal cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the larynx, or voice box, which is a critical component of the throat that helps in breathing, speaking, and swallowing.

Laryngeal cancer is characterized by the abnormal growth of cells in the larynx, often beginning in the squamous cells lining the inside of the voice box.

This type of cancer can lead to symptoms such as a persistent sore throat, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and a lump in the neck.

Patients diagnosed with laryngeal cancer may experience significant impact on their ability to communicate and eat, which can greatly affect their quality of life.

The scope of the disease varies, with outcomes and treatment options depending on the cancer’s stage and location within the larynx, as well as the overall health of the patient.

Laryngeal Cancer and its Causes

Laryngeal cancer can arise from various causes, including exposure to the certain chemicals found in the water at Camp Lejeune.

Industrial solvents like TCE and PCE can damage DNA in the cells of the larynx, leading to cancer.

Besides chemical exposure, other risk factors for laryngeal cancer include smoking tobacco, heavy alcohol consumption, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

Prolonged exposure of military personnel and their families to the harmful chemicals in the water supply at Camp Lejeune has heightened concerns about the increased risk of developing laryngeal and other types of cancers.

While chemical exposure is a significant risk factor, the combination of lifestyle choices and environmental factors contributes to the complexity of diagnosing and treating laryngeal cancer.

Complications of Laryngeal Cancer

Laryngeal cancer can lead to several severe complications, profoundly affecting patients’ quality of life and overall health.

One of the primary concerns is the loss of voice, as tumors in the larynx can impair vocal cord function, making speech difficult or, in advanced cases, impossible.

Difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia, is another significant complication, where tumors obstruct the passage of food and liquids, leading to weight loss and malnutrition.

Breathing difficulties may also arise, particularly if the cancer obstructs the airway, necessitating medical interventions like tracheostomy.

In cases where treatment involves surgery, such as a partial or total laryngectomy, patients may face permanent changes in their ability to speak and breathe normally.

Laryngeal cancer can metastasize to other body parts, complicating treatment and diminishing prognosis, highlighting the importance of early detection and comprehensive treatment plans to manage these potential outcomes effectively.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview

The Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit addresses widespread water contamination at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, from the 1950s to 1987.

During these decades, service members, their families, and civilian workers were exposed to drinking water tainted with hazardous chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride.

Contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune has been linked to various health issues, including cancers, birth defects, and neurological disorders.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act, enacted as part of the Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022, allows affected individuals to seek compensation for harm caused by this exposure.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act represents a significant step towards acknowledging and remedying the suffering of those impacted.

Victims seeking compensation must file a claim that details their exposure and the resulting health conditions.

The process involves submitting claims to the Department of the Navy, which will either adjudicate or deny the claim within six months.

If the Navy fails to respond/adjudicate a claim, or denies the claim outright, victims may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit in the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

Camp Lejeune Lawyers are assisting claimants in navigating the Camp Lejeune claims process.

If you or a loved one were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune claim.

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.

What is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) is a federal law signed by President Biden in August 2022.

Officially signed into law as part of the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, the CLJA established a process for victims and family members of victims to file claims for compensation against the federal government.

Camp Lejeune claims are filed with the Department of the Navy, which has six (6) months to either adjudicate the claim or deny the claim.

If your claim is denied, or the Department of the Navy fails to adjudicate the claim within 180 days, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit in the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

Law firms are currently helping individuals who have been exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune file claims for compensation.

If you are interested in filing a claim for you or your family member, contact our law firm to confirm eligibility.

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

What are Average Camp Lejeune Settlement Amounts?

Average Camp Lejeune settlement amounts can vary widely based on the specifics of each case, reflecting the severity of the health condition and the extent of exposure to contaminated water.

Estimates for the Camp Lejeune payout per-person range from $10,000 to over $1,000,000, but it’s important to understand that these figures are not a guarantee of compensation for your claim.

For an accurate assessment of your claim and to explore your legal options, contacting a Camp Lejeune Lawyer is a critical step.

A Camp Lejeune attorney can provide personalized guidance and support, helping you navigate the process for seeking justice and compensation.

Remember, each case is unique, and a lawyer can help evaluate the potential value of your claim based on the details of your situation.

What was in the Water at Camp Lejeune?

Several highly toxic substances were found in the water supply, with past Camp Lejeune research confirming the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at levels far above acceptable safety standards.

Past research has confirmed that the following hazardous chemicals were present in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune:

• Trichloroethylene (TCE): A volatile organic compound used as a solvent for cleaning metal parts, TCE was one of the primary contaminants found in the water at Camp Lejeune. Its presence is linked to increased risks of kidney cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and liver cancer due to its known carcinogenic properties.
• Tetrachloroethylene (PCE): Commonly used in dry cleaning and metal-degreasing operations, PCE contaminated the water supply through improper disposal practices. PCE exposure is associated with risks of bladder cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and other malignancies, reflecting its toxic impact on human health.
• Vinyl Chloride: Vinyl chloride is a gas used in the creation of Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes. This gas can also form when TCE and PCE break down, both in the environment and within the body. Vinyl chloride is primarily associated with an increased risk of liver cancer, as well as lung and brain cancers, due to its potent carcinogenic effects.
• Benzene: A component of gasoline and other fuels, benzene was present in the water due to leaks and spills at fuel depots and its use in various industrial processes on the base. Exposure to benzene is linked to leukemia and other blood disorders, highlighting its significant risk to the hematopoietic system.

The water supply at Camp Lejeune became contaminated due to leaks from underground fuel storage tanks and the discharge of chemicals from an off-base dry cleaner, which seeped into the groundwater and affected the base’s drinking water sources.

These sources introduced toxic substances into the water system, exposing residents and military personnel stationed at Camp Lejeune Marine Base to harmful contaminants over the span of decades.

The contaminants in Camp Lejeune’s water supply led to severe health problems, such as miscarriages and fetal deaths, along with cancers in both children and adults, various disorders, and neurological issues.

Health Risks of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

The Camp Lejeune population that lived and worked at the Marine Corps base during the contamination period were exposed to cancer causing chemicals.

Camp Lejeune’s tainted drinking water caused numerous people to develop significant and severe health problems.

Exposure to these toxic substances has been linked to a number of diseases, including the following:

• Laryngeal cancer
• Throat cancer
• Leukemia
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• Bladder cancer
• Breast cancer
• Liver cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Lung cancer
• Multiple myeloma
• Parkinson’s disease
• Aplastic anemia
• Birth defects
• Neurobehavioral effects
• Thyroid cancer
• Kidney disease
• Birth defects
• Other health risks

The health conditions linked to Camp Lejeune water contamination span a wide and severe range, reflecting the profound impact of toxic exposure on veterans, their families, and civilian workers over several decades.

Despite the complexities in pinpointing direct causation between the contamination and specific illnesses, the enactment of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) has paved the way for affected individuals to seek and potentially secure the compensation they rightfully deserve.

What is the Cancer Incidence Study?

The Cancer Incidence Study is a research study conducted by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), a division of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Agency’s Camp Lejeune research represents a significant effort to quantify the impact of water contamination at Camp Lejeune on cancer rates among military personnel, their families, and civilian workers.

This extensive research study compared the cancer incidence rates between those stationed at Camp Lejeune and a control group from Camp Pendleton, where water was not contaminated.

The study tracked health data from both groups over a decade, aiming to establish a clearer link between exposure to toxic substances and the development of cancer.

Findings revealed that individuals exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune had a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer, most notably thyroid cancer.

Individuals exposed to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water between 1975 and 1985 showed at least a 20% increased risk for cancers such as leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and cancers of the lung, breast, throat, esophagus, and thyroid.

Male breast cancer rates were significantly higher in the Camp Lejeune population compared to those at Camp Pendleton.

The Cancer Incidence Study is pivotal in understanding the long-term health outcomes of Camp Lejeune’s residents and workers, providing critical evidence that supports the pursuit of compensation for affected individuals.

The study contributes to the broader scientific and medical discourse on the relationship between water contamination at Camp Lejeune and cancer risk.

According to AP News, the head of the ATSDR and CDC’s environmental health programs said the study was “remarkable” in its scope and purpose, and federal health officials called the study one of the largest ever done to assess cancer risk in similar populations at different locations.

Do You Qualify to File a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Claim?

Although individuals are able to file Camp Lejeune claims on their own, navigating the legal process of Camp Lejeune claims with the help of an attorney is highly recommended.

If you spent a minimum of 30 days at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and have been diagnosed with a condition linked to water contamination at the site, you might qualify for compensation under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA).

Experienced Camp Lejeune attorneys are available to evaluate your case’s eligibility for compensation and offer guidance through the legal proceedings.

Lawyers will ensure that you are well-informed about your rights and will help you in securing the compensation and benefits you are entitled to.

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 Lawsuit instantly.

Gathering Evidence for Camp Lejeune Lawsuits

To build a strong Camp Lejeune case, gathering evidence is paramount.

Experienced attorneys can help you gather evidence relevant to your claim, but this is a step of the process you can start on your own.

Evidence in Camp Lejeune claims may include:

• Medical records and diagnoses
• Military service records
• Employment records
• Testimony from other witnesses
• Documentation of financial losses due to medical expenses
• Documentation of time spent at Camp Lejeune

An experienced Camp Lejeune lawyer can help you collect the necessary documents to support your claim.

Reach out to us for help with your Camp Lejeune claim.

Assessing Damages for Camp Lejeune Claims

Damages refer to the total losses incurred as a result of being exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

Camp Lejeune attorneys can help victims assess and calculate damages in their case.

Camp Lejeune victims may be eligible to receive compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of wages due to illness or injury
• Mental anguish
• Funeral costs, if applicable

How much compensation a victim may receive depends on the specifics of their case, such as when the injury or illness occurred and the severity of its effects.

Determining the damages suffered due to leukemia or other related conditions is complex.

Experienced Camp Lejeune lawyers can help accurately evaluate the extent of injuries and seek appropriate compensation.

TorHoerman Law: Your Camp Lejeune Lawyers

If you or a loved one have been affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune and are seeking justice, the experienced attorneys at TorHoerman Law are here to help.

Our team is committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of those impacted by water contamination, ensuring they receive the recognition and compensation they deserve.

With a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit, we offer personalized guidance and support through every step of the legal process.

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.