How are dangerous chemicals, a military base in North Carolina, and veterans here in Tampa connected to one another? Last year’s lawsuit regarding water contamination at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina can answer that question. During the span of years between 1953 and 1987, dangerous substances were leached into the water, yet left undisclosed to those who lived and worked at the base, resulting in catastrophic health repercussions to this day. Veterans, their families who lived on base, and contracted employees who were exposed to these highly volatile compounds have been left to suffer for years with a wide variety of conditions, including (but not limited to):
- Leukemia (including Acute Myeloid Leukemia or AML)
- Bladder Cancer
- Brain Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Central Nervous System Cancer (CNS)
- Cervical Cancer
- Esophageal Cancer
- Lymphoma
- Kidney Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes
- Multiple Myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Ovarian Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Rectal Cancer
- Cardiac defect
- Epilepsy
- Fatty Liver Disease (Hepatic Steatosis)
- Female Infertility
- Kidney Damage
- Immune Disorders
- Nerve Damage
- Miscarriage
- Neurobehavioral effects
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Renal Toxicity
- Scleroderma
- and possibly even more serious (and sometimes fatal) health conditions.
Unfortunately, it has taken the government years to take responsibility for what happened to these victims, but they are finally giving individuals the opportunity to step forward and fight for justice and compensation on behalf of themselves, or a family member, who has been left to deal with the consequences of the water contamination. With the passing of the PACT Act, individuals and/or their loved ones who have been impacted by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune can file a claim under the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit. Not only do individuals now have the opportunity to receive disability benefits related to their exposure to these chemicals, but they could also be eligible for compensation for the suffering they’ve endured since their exposure. Why, then, are countless veterans throughout Florida, including here in the Tampa Bay area, not stepping forward to claim these benefits that they are rightfully owed?
The three most common reasons given are:
- “My condition isn’t on the list. That means I’m not eligible.”
- “My spouse/child/dependent is the one with the health condition, not me.”
- “I don’t have the money to hire an attorney to take on this case for me.”
We would like to offer some clarification to victims who are holding off on filing for these reasons, and hopefully give them the confidence they need to move forward with seeking justice.
First, the list of health conditions is not comprehensive. Working with your doctor, you may very well be able to prove that your health struggles link back to your time spent at Camp Lejeune during the aforementioned period of time. Skin issues, a wide variety of cancers not listed, and more are all potentially covered by the lawsuit, depending on what your doctor concludes. We help you work with your doctor to get the necessary tests and paperwork done if you suspect you were impacted by contaminated water.
Second, the lawsuit benefits are not limited to veterans only. Anyone who lived on the base, or was working in a contracted position on the base for more than 30 days, is eligible to file a claim. This includes spouses and/or children of those who were serving at the time.
Third, and finally, money should not be a concern if you feel you were harmed by Camp Lejeune’s Water Contamination. The team at Brooks Law Group is committed to making sure everyone impacted gets the justice they deserve and the compensation they need for recovery. We provide free, no obligation consultations to discuss your unique situation and the potential for your case. What’s more, you don’t pay unless we WIN for you.
Our veterans and their families deserve better than what they’ve been given in the years past. If you feel that you are eligible to take part in this lawsuit, Look to Brooks. We’re here for you! Call us for your free, no-obligation consultation and let us take up the fight on your behalf. We’re here to serve Tampa veterans with the very best in legal service, after they gave their best for our country.
