Spinal Cancer Linked to Contaminated Drinking Water at Camp Lejeune

The toxic water contamination incident at Camp Lejeune resulted in countless and persistent life-threatening diseases for victims.

Cancer is one of the many well-documented diseases related to to Camp Lejeune water contamination.

Spinal cancer is among the many types of cancers that Camp Lejeune victims may be at an increased risk to develop.

Exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has been known to affect the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).

Medical evidence linking spinal cord injuries, tumors, and cancer to contaminants found in the water at Camp Lejeune includes:

• Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health: Irreversible effects of trichloroethylene exposure on the central nervous system
• Japanese Journal of Health Science: Immunotoxic Effects of Trichloroethylene and Tetrachloroethylene
• Neurobehavioral Toxicology and Teratology: The neurobehavioral toxicity of trichloroethylene
• International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health: Transverse lesion of spinal cord after accidental exposure to trichloroethylene
• Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology: Occupational exposures in rare cancers
• Diagnosis, Management and Modeling of Neurodevelopmental Disorders: The environmental pollutant trichloroethylene disrupts key neural pathways during brain development
• Journal of the National Cancer Institute: Association Between Outdoor Air Pollution and Risk of Malignant and Benign Brain Tumors: The Multiethnic Cohort Study
• International Conference on Health Informatics and Medical Application Technology: Measurement of Benzene Levels in Decrease Hemoglobin Levels among Printing Industry Workers

About Spinal Cancer

The spinal cord is a crucial component of the central nervous system.

The spinal cord transmits messages between the brain and the rest of the body, controlling essential functions such as movement, sensation, and reflexes.

Spinal cancer is a rare but devastating condition that affects the spinal cord.

There are many types of spinal tumors, but here are the most prominent types:

• Intramedullary Tumors: These types of tumors grow within the spinal cord itself. These types include ependymomas, astrocytomas, and gliomas.
• Extramedullary Tumors: In contrast, these tumors grow around the surrounding structures of the spinal cord and reach the organs. These types of tumors include meningiomas, schwannomas, and neurofibromas.

Spinal Cancer and Its Causes

The exact causes of spinal cancer are not fully understood, and in many cases, the development of spinal tumors remains idiopathic.

However, there are several risk factors and potential contributing factors that have been associated with the development of spinal cancer:

• Genetic Predisposition: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition that makes them more susceptible to developing spinal cancer or other cancers of the central nervous system.
• Exposure to Radiation: Exposure to ionizing radiation, whether through medical radiation therapy or environmental factors, might increase the risk of developing spinal tumors.
• Family History: A family history of spinal tumors or certain genetic conditions associated with tumor development can increase the risk of spinal cancer.
• Immune System Weakness: Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or those who have undergone organ transplants and are on immunosuppressive medications, may have a higher risk of developing spinal tumors.
• Chemical Exposures: Limited evidence suggests that exposure to certain chemicals or toxins in the environment may be associated with an increased risk of spinal cancer.

Spinal Cancer Complications

Spinal cancer can lead to various complications that severely impact an individual’s quality of life.

Here are some of the most notable complications associated with spinal cancer, spinal tumors, and cancers of the central nervous system:

• Neurological Deficits: As spinal tumors grow, they can exert pressure on the spinal cord, leading to various neurological deficits. Patients may experience weakness, numbness, tingling, or loss of limb sensation.
• Pain and Discomfort: Spinal cancer often causes severe back pain, which can be constant and debilitating. The pain may radiate to other parts of the body, making it challenging for patients to find relief.
• Loss of Bladder and Bowel Control: As the spinal tumor affects the nerves responsible for controlling bladder and bowel function, patients may experience urinary and fecal incontinence.
• Psychological Impact: Spinal cancer can also affect a patient’s mental health. The uncertainty of the disease’s progression, coupled with the physical and emotional challenges, can lead to anxiety and depression.

Early diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan that may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and supportive care are crucial in managing spinal cancer and improving the patient’s prognosis and overall well-being.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview

Hazardous chemicals contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune for over 30 years.

Over one million people were potentially exposed to the contaminated drinking water, resulting in the diagnosis of several fatal health conditions and the deaths of countless service members, family members, workers, and more.

The government and military knew about the rampant water contamination at Camp Lejeune but failed to act.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) discovered a troubling amount of toxic chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune, which originated from waste disposal sites, leaking underground storage tanks, and other sources.

In the ATSDR report, it was noted that two of the eight water treatment plants that served Camp Lejeune were contaminated.

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

Contact our Camp Lejeune lawyers today for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify to file a Camp Lejeune claim today.

Adverse Health Effects Linked to Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

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

Health conditions linked to the specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in Camp Lejeune’s water supply include:

• Bladder Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Cervical Cancer
• Esophageal Cancer
• Kidney Cancer
• Liver Cancer
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Adult Leukemia
• Aplastic Anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
• Multiple Myeloma
• Renal Toxicity
• Scleroderma
• Hepatic Steatosis
• Infertility In Women (and other birth effects)
• Lung Cancer
• Neurobehavioral Effects (like ALS & Parkinson’s Disease)
• Ovarian Cancer
• Stomach Cancer
• Birth defects and birth injury
• Miscarriage

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.

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

As mentioned, various VOCs were found contaminating Camp Lejeune’s water supply.

Here are the most concentrated contaminants:

• PCE (tetrachloroethylene): Also known as perchloroethylene, PCE is a colorless liquid chemical commonly used in the dry cleaning industry and as a degreasing agent. It is also used in some industrial processes and as a solvent. PCE is considered a hazardous substance and has been linked to health problems, including cancer.
• TCE (trichloroethylene): TCE is a volatile organic compound mainly used as a solvent in various industrial and commercial applications. TCE is considered a hazardous substance and has been linked to health problems, including cancer.
• Benzene: Benzene is a colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet odor. It is a natural component of crude oil and is used to produce various chemicals and plastics.
• Vinyl chloride: Vinyl chloride is a chemical containing one or more chlorine atoms attached to a vinyl group (a carbon-carbon double bond). Long-term exposure to vinyl chloride can increase the risk of liver cancer and other health problems.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act: How Former Camp Lejeune Residents Can Seek Justice

In August 2022, President Biden signed the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act into law.

The PACT Act encompassed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which affords people exposed to the contaminated Camp Lejeune water supply a new way to secure compensation.

Under the CLJA, Veterans, National Guard members, family members, workers, and any other person who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more can seek justice through an administrative claims process.

The Office of the Judge Advocate General (JAG) of the Navy’s Tort Claims Unit (TCU) will promptly review compensation claims, giving a decision within a 6 month window.

If six months pass and your Camp Lejeune claim is not adjudicated, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit in the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

The CLJA builds off prior legislative efforts meant to help victims, such as the Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012, which provided improved VA health care benefits, disability compensation, and other forms of relief to victims.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is a comprehensive bill that aims to address the breadth and severity of water contamination at the Marine Corps base.

Law firms are offering their services to victims across the country in an effort to make sure they receive Camp Lejeune settlements that adequately address their needs and damages.

It is not required to use an attorney to go through the Camp Lejeune administrative claims process.

Experienced lawyers and legal staff will help victims assess their claims, file them on their behalf, and pursue Camp Lejeune litigation if necessary.

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

Contact our Camp Lejeune attorneys for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify instantly.

We are here to help Camp Lejeune veterans, their family members, and others exposed to contaminated drinking water seek justice.

Reach out to us with any questions or concerns you may have about the Camp Lejeune claims process, litigation, health care benefits, and more.

Do You Qualify for the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?

Countless individuals have suffered from health conditions and related costs for decades without any comprehensive action or form of relief from the government.

The Camp Lejeune water supply was known to be contaminated, but it took several decades after the contamination at Camp Lejeune subsided before any measurable compensation could be claimed by victims who lived at the base.

If you or a loved one lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between 1953 or 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune claim.

Reach out to our Camp Lejeune attorneys 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.

Camp Lejeune lawyers can help you complete every step necessary to file a claim and get adequately compensated.

Steps include gathering evidence for a claim, as well as assessing or calculating the total damages in Camp Lejeune cases.

Gathering Evidence for Camp Lejeune Claims

Gathering relevant evidence to support your case for a successful Camp Lejeune water contamination claim is crucial.

As the water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated quite some time ago, it can be difficult for some individuals to retain evidence.

Camp Lejeune attorneys can help victims gather and retain evidence for their claim, helping them prove that they were impacted by water contamination at Camp Lejeune.

Evidence for those potentially exposed to water contamination at Camp Lejeune includes:

• 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

Assessing Damages for Camp Lejeune Claims

Damages refer to the total amount of losses, economic and non-economic, incurred as a result of exposure to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune.

Experienced Camp Lejeune attorneys can help you assess and calculate the total damages present in your case.

Potential damages in Camp Lejeune claims may include:

• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Disability benefits
• Loss of companionship, consortium, enjoyment of life, and earning capacity
• Permanent disability

TorHoerman Law: Your Camp Lejeune Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone.

TorHoerman Law is here to help you seek justice and maximize compensation for your damages.

Our experienced team of attorneys specializes in Camp Lejeune water contamination claims and has a proven track record of success in toxic chemical exposure lawsuits.

We understand the unique challenges of these cases and we are dedicated to advocating for your rights.

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

Contact us today for a free consultation, or use our chatbot for an instant case evaluation.

We’re here to fight for your rights and help you on your journey to justice and recovery.