What Civilians Can Learn from the Camp Lejeune Tragedy

 Posted on August 08, 2023 in Toxic Exposure

Living in a large, industrialized society means putting a great deal of subconscious trust in “the ways things work” each and every day. When you get behind the wheel of a car, you generally assume that those traveling around you will do so safely and that you will reach your destination unharmed. When you shop at your local grocery store, you generally trust that the items you purchase will be relatively safe to eat. And when you turn on the tap, take a shower, or let your kids run through a sprinkler, you generally rely on the idea that the water supply will not make you sick.

Unfortunately, not all businesses and government actors earn the trust that the public subconsciously places in them. And, as a result, it is important to be aware of the risk of certain realities if you or your loved ones start to become ill seemingly out of nowhere. This is a challenge that the victims of the Camp Lejeune tragedy understand all too well.

What Happened at Camp Lejeune?

Between the late summer of 1953 and the end of 1987, individuals who were stationed at Camp Lejeune, their loved ones, and others who worked or visited the Base for 30 days or more were exposed to truly unsafe levels of toxins in the Camp’s water supply. As a result of this exposure, individuals have experienced a variety of significant health events – including miscarriage – and have developed numerous, serious health conditions, including cancer, aplastic anemia, and Parkinson’s disease. It is now widely understood that the government was aware of this toxic exposure long before it acted to protect those affected.

What Can This Tragedy Teach Us All?

Unfortunately, businesses and government actors do not always disclose their knowledge of toxic exposure challenges until long after those affected start to get sick. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a challenging health condition that does not seem to reflect your lifestyle choices, it is possible that toxins in a particular substance you have been exposed to could be partially or wholly to blame for your harm. Seeking toxic exposure screening and legal guidance may help you to identify what has gone wrong and what your options are moving forward.

Speak with a Client-Focused Allegheny County Toxic Tort Lawyer to Learn More

Learning that you or a loved one may have been a victim of a toxic tort is an overwhelming reality. Thankfully, you do not need to manage this situation alone. Consider scheduling a no-cost case evaluation with the skilled team of Pittsburgh, PA toxic tort lawyers at Colianni & Leonard LLC today to learn more about your rights and how we can help. You can reach out online or call our offices at 412-680-7877 to get started. We look forward to speaking with you.  

Source: 

https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/camp-lejeune-water-contamination/