What Are My Rights After Being Affected by Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune?

The contamination of drinking water at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina has had serious health implications for many veterans and their families. This began in the 1950s when industrial solvents and other toxins began to seep into the water supply. These pollutants included benzene, trichloroethylene (TCE), and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which have since been linked to multiple serious health problems. The contamination continued until the late 1980s when the Department of Defense began to take action to clean up the water supply. For more than a decade now, the Department of Veterans Affairs and other organizations have been aiding and benefits to those affected. In this article, we will discuss what your rights are if you have been exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

Health Care Benefits

Veterans and their family members who were stationed at Camp Lejeune may be eligible for health care benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs. These benefits are available for a variety of medical conditions related to the contaminant. These include several types of cancer affecting the kidneys, lungs, bladder, and liver. As well as other illnesses such as leukemia, multiple myeloma, Parkinson’s disease, and aplastic anemia. The VA offers a variety of services, including medical care, mental health services, and disability compensation. These types of health issues can be overwhelming to deal with on your own. That is why it’s important to reach out to a legal professional if you believe you fit the criteria.

Disability Compensation

Veterans who have developed a service-connected disability due to exposure to toxic substances may be eligible for VA disability compensation. This means if the veteran is not able to work other jobs due to their health condition. This is meant to help them pay for medical care and other expenses related to the disability. The VA also offers Individual unemployment benefits, which can help veterans who are unable to work due to their disabilities. That way the veteran is not forced to fend for themselves and can still have a good quality of life.

Family Member Benefits

Family members of veterans and civil servants who were exposed to the contaminants may also be eligible for certain benefits. The VA may provide reimbursement of out-of-pocket medical expenses related to the exposure. As well as a monthly benefit for survivors of those who have died from illnesses related to the contamination. Family members do not need to be burdened with any health issues that were brought to them by an outside force. Family members need to speak up and get the justice their family deserves.

Participation in Health Studies

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and other organizations have conducted several health studies on the effects of the toxic water at Camp Lejeune. As such, you have the right to take an interest in any of these studies, and your participation may help to further understand the health effects of contamination. Everyone should understand where these health issues came from. With this knowledge, it will help future bases act and to prevent other issues like this from happening again.

Legal Recourse

You may also have the right to pursue legal action against responsible parties for damages, depending on the circumstances of your exposure to the contaminants. Successful legal action could result in monetary compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses. A lawyer can help you determine if you have a valid claim and how to proceed with your case. They will be able to look over the details of your case and assess whether you can pursue it.

Conclusion

If you are a victim, either directly or through a family member who was stationed at Camp Lejeune, you have rights that allow you to seek assistance and compensation. Fortunately, the Department of Veterans Affairs is actively helping those affected. As such, you may be eligible for health care benefits and disability compensation, as well as reimbursement for medical expenses. You may also have the right to participate in health studies, and potentially pursue legal action against responsible parties. Your health matters and you deserve to not have the issues solely on yourself.