At the Camp Lejeune military post in North Carolina in the 1950s, the water supply was tainted with hazardous substances, including benzene and vinyl chloride. This contamination continued for decades, exposing military personnel, their families, and civilians to serious health risks.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) calculated that between 1953 and 1987, almost one million people may have been exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. As a result of this exposure, approximately 200,000 individuals may have developed cancer or other diseases.
In this article, we will discuss the impact of the Camp Lejeune water contamination on families, as well as strategies and resources for coping with the crisis and seeking justice.
Table of Contents
Parenting Amidst the Crisis
The effects of the Camp Lejeune water contamination on families have been devastating. Children born to parents who were exposed to contaminated water have an increased risk of birth defects, cancer, and other serious health problems. Parents are struggling to cope with the uncertainty and fear that comes with this knowledge and the added stress of seeking legal help and advocating for their children’s health.
One of the biggest challenges for parents is navigating the healthcare system to get their children the care they need. Many healthcare providers are not familiar with the long-term effects of the Camp Lejeune water contamination, which can make it difficult to get an accurate diagnosis or appropriate treatment. Parents may need to advocate for their children and educate their healthcare providers about the risks associated with exposure to contaminated water.
Navigating Camp Lejeune Lawsuits
Parents who have experienced healthcare expenses and other losses as a result of the Camp Lejeune water pollution may be qualified to initiate a case. The judicial system, however, may be challenging and confusing to navigate. It is crucial for parents to consult with a qualified lawyer who can explain their legal alternatives to them and lead them through the procedure.
Providing an accurate estimate of the Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement amounts is challenging due to the unique requirements and procedures of each type of lawsuit. Personal injury, wrongful death, and claims filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act can all result in varying levels of compensation, depending on factors such as the severity of illness or injury and the financial and emotional impact on the individual and their family.
TorHoerman Law advises affected parents to seek the guidance of an experienced attorney who can help them navigate the legal system and understand their options for seeking compensation. The attorney can assist in gathering pertinent documentation and information to support the case and provide an assessment of the potential compensation that may be available based on the individual’s unique circumstances.
Advocacy and Activism
Parents affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination may benefit from advocacy and activism efforts alongside legal help. Various organizations and groups are working to support affected families and advocate for better healthcare and legal resources. Writing to elected representatives or attending public hearings and town hall meetings can also help raise awareness and push for change at different levels of government.
In order to help individuals impacted by the poisonous water at Marine Base Camp Lejeune from 1953 to 1987, environmental activist Erin Brockovich just opened the Camp Lejeune Legal office in Jacksonville, according to CNN. In addition to others, she is working with former USMC Master Sergeant Jerry Ensminger, trial lawyers from Henson Fuerst, and members of the Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce.
Jerry Ensminger, the father of Janey Ensminger, who died at age nine due to leukemia caused by exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, became a vocal advocate for the affected families after his daughter’s death. He played a critical role in pushing for legislation to provide healthcare and compensation to those impacted, leading to the Janey Ensminger Act being signed into law in 2012. The Act provides healthcare to those impacted by the contamination.
Hope and Healing for Families
While the effects of the Camp Lejeune water contamination are devastating, there is hope for families affected by this crisis. Advances in medical research and treatment options are helping to improve outcomes for children born with birth defects and other health problems.
As highlighted by the Lawsuit Information Center, Sherry Miller is an individual who was affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination. Her family remained on the base until 1963, and she was born there in 1962 while her parents were still residing there. Miller was born with a congenital spine problem that resulted in a bony growth on the back of her head as a result of exposure to polluted water, necessitating two spinal operations.
Her story is just one example of the many families and individuals impacted by the toxic water at Camp Lejeune.
As more attention is brought to the issue and families continue to fight for justice, there is hope that policies and regulations will be put in place to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future. By staying informed, advocating for their children’s health, and seeking legal help when necessary, parents can help bring about positive change and protect their families’ futures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, families have suffered much as a result of Camp Lejeune water poisoning, which has put them at risk for major health problems and created a climate of uncertainty and anxiety. There are services available to assist parents in coping and pursuing justice, despite the tremendous obstacles they encounter while navigating the healthcare system and turning to the judicial system.
Parents may contribute to constructive change and safeguard the futures of their families by fighting for the health of their children, working with knowledgeable lawyers, and getting involved in activism. There is hope for families despite the fact that the impacts of the poisoning are still being felt because of improvements in medical research and treatment possibilities.