Kidney Cancer and Kidney Disease Camp Lejeune Water Lawsuits
Kidney cancer, renal toxicity as well as kidney disease has a very strong link to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune. Kidney cancer’s link to the contaminated water is so strong that the government has deemed Kidney Cancer as a presumptive condition linked to the toxic water at the Marine base. Camp Lejeune kidney cancer lawsuits will constitute solid jury trial lawsuits.
Camp Lejeune kidney cancer lawsuits
A small percentage of Camp Lejeune kidney cancer lawsuits and renal toxicity claims will proceed to a Jury trial in North Carolina Federal Court. Our lawyers believe that the United States government will settle the Camp Lejeune kidney cancer claims out of court. It is possible that the U.S. will make lucrative settlements with victims during the six month administrative claims process.
TCE causes kidney cancer and Renal Toxicity
Why do the lawyers at Slepkow Law believe that some settlement proposals may be made within the administrative claims window? There is a very solid link between Trichloroethylene (TCE), a toxin found everywhere in the Lejeune water during the applicable time period, and kidney cancer. Medical science has determined that TCE causes kidney cancer.
This page will evaluate evidence that links kidney cancer to the Camp Lejeune water distribution system. We will also discuss possible Kidney Cancer Camp Lejeune settlement amounts.
Our attoneys will be representing Camp Lejeune victims looking for compensation and justice in their kidney cancer disease lawsuit across the United States. If you suffered through Kidney Cancer or Kidney disease AND were at Camp Lejeune for 30 days (nonconsecutive or consecutive) from 1953 to December 1987, call us.
35 years- Marine service members were exposed to toxic water.
For nearly 35 years, Marine service members who are at Camp Lejeune and their families were exposed to extremely toxic water. At first, the military knew that there was a potential problem with the location of the water wells, but it did not do anything to prevent the potential harm. Over time, the Marine Corps learned of the exact nature of this danger, yet it was still years before they turned off the tap.
At Camp Lejeune, the problem was that water wells that fed the following water treatment plants were located in an extremely poor place:
- Tarawa Terrace
- Hadnot Point
Poor Planning and Oversight Sickened and Killed Many People
One of the wells that fed water to the water treatment plant was located in close proximity to an underground chemical dump. The chemicals that were buried here seeped into the grounds. In turn, they traveled the short distance into the water supply. Another water treatment plant was located down gradient from an off-base dry cleaner that had extremely poor chemical disposal practices. Later, this dry cleaner was declared a Superfund site in need of cleanup.
Many families who were at Camp Lejeune had family members who developed one of a number of illnesses. These illnesses attacked children and adults alike. The federal government’s carelessness cost many lives and affected many others who battled critical illnesses.
Victims Had Previously Been Unable to File a Lawsuit
The problem was that the law kept victims from being able to file a lawsuit to get the compensation that they deserved for the federal government’s negligence. Both an interpretation of federal law and a North Carolina state statute kept families from being able to get justice. Courts threw out lawsuits seeking money, claiming that the victims were barred from filing a lawsuit.
It became clear that Congress needed to change the law to allow Camp Lejeune families to have any shot at justice. In August 2022, President Biden signed the PACT Act into law. This legislation included the Camp Lejeune Justice Act that created a specific cause of action that allowed people who were at the base for 30 days or more during the relevant period to file a claim against the Federal government.
Kidney Cancer Has Been Connected to Camp Lejeune Water
One common illness that has been connected to Camp Lejeune water is kidney cancer and Liver cancer. Many people have died from this illness, while others have had their quality of life taken away from them. The good news is that your family can now file a claim with the Department of Defense seeking compensation for your illness.
The main function of the kidneys is to remove toxins from the body. When you ingest toxins, they make their way into your bloodstream. The kidneys’ job is to filter and keep the blood clean. Therefore, they are among the first parts of the body to develop a tumor when you have been exposed to toxic chemicals.
Camp Lejeune Water Was Laden with Carcinogens
The chemicals of the toxic water at Camp Lejeune were those that have been known to cause damage to kidney cells. When these cells have been damaged, they can mutate and develop a tumor. The same is true with other hazardous substances used by the military. For example, service branches have used firefighting foam that contains the chemical known as PFAS. There have been numerous instances of kidney cancer diagnosed in people who have been on bases where these chemicals have been used.
At Camp Lejeune, the water has been found to contain the following chemicals:
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Perchloroethylene (PCE)
- Benzene.
- Vinyl chloride
All of these chemicals are either known or suspected carcinogens. Among this list, benzene is a particularly dangerous chemical. There is not even any doubt as to whether Benzene is carcinogenic. The International Agency for Research on cancer does not even hedge when describing benzene as a full-fledged carcinogen.
Camp Lejeune service members and their families were exposed to all of these chemicals in numerous ways. they ingested them when they drank the toxic water. They were also exposed to these chemicals when they bathed and showered in this hazardous water. The mere presence of these chemicals on base is enough to raise the risk of cancer.
People at Camp Lejeune Were 35% More Likely to Develop Kidney Cancer
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry performed a study in 2014 that aimed to quantify the increased risk of certain types of cancer among people who were exposed to Camp Lejeune water. When it came to kidney cancer, the ATSDR found that there was a 35% increase in one’s chances of developing the disease after being exposed to the water.
Although prolonged exposure is enough to raise the risk of cancer, those who were around the toxic water for even a shorter period also have a higher risk of developing the disease. Therefore, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act made 30 days the minimum threshold for being able to file a claim against the government.
The connection between toxic water and kidney cancer is so strong that the Veterans Administration has designated this condition as one of the eight that are presumed to be connected with the contaminated Camp Lejeune water. If you have kidney cancer, and you file for veterans benefits, there would be a presumed connection between the water and your condition that should entitle you to disability benefits.
Common Symptoms of Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer threatens to rob you of the functioning of one of the most vital organs in your body. Even those who survived the disease may suffer ongoing symptoms, such as:
- Blood in your urine, which may appear pink, red or cola colored.
- Pain in your back or side that doesn’t go away.
- Loss of appetite.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Tiredness.
- Fever
When your kidneys are affected, it is difficult for you to carry on the functions of your daily life. Generally, you would feel constant fatigue, and you would not be able to enjoy the life that you did before you became sick. Many people with kidney cancer are forced to have one of their kidneys removed.
You Must Act Now to Obtain Financial Compensation
You have a limited amount of time to file a claim for the illness that you developed from your time at Camp Lejeune. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act gives you two years from the date that the legislation was signed into law by President Biden to file a claim. If you miss this date, your ability to sue goes away entirely. Right now, you have until August 2024 to file a claim. However, you should not wait until close to that deadline because there is more of a chance that something could happen that could cause you to miss it. The failure to make this deadline by even a day will completely cost you the ability to recover any money.
Your Damages in a Camp Lejeune Kidney Cancer Claim
Our attorneys are standing by and ready to talk to you. If your claim is successful, you could recover the following elements of financial compensation:
- The cost of your medical care
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
If your loved one died from kidney cancer, and they were at Camp Lejeune for more than 30 days during the relevant time, your family may file a wrongful death claim against the Federal government. Contact one of our Camp Lejeune attorneys today. You do not need to pay us anything unless you win your case.