For over three decades, the toxic water at Camp Lejeune affected over a million people. It resulted in a range of ailments, including several types of cancer and Parkinson’s disease.
The polluted water contained benzene, a chemical used in various industrial applications, which can cause numerous health issues. Several Marine civilians, veterans, and their families may have ingested benzene during their stay.
Both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry) have concluded that the tainted waters of Camp Lejeune are responsible for several diseases, such as kidney cancer, bladder cancer, multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. As time passes, new diseases are getting added to the list, allowing people to file legal complaints.
Recently, dental issues have also been included in the Camp Lejeune lawsuit claims. In this article, we will shed light on the connection between dental problems and the toxic waters of Camp Lejeune. Additionally, we will focus on navigating the legal path to file complaints
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Dental Problems Caused by Camp Lejeune Polluted Waters
Veterans as well as their family members who were stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 have attributed their dental issues to the presence of contaminated water. Just imagine brushing and cleaning your mouth with toxic chemicals daily for years. Naturally, the chances of dental ailments are obvious.
Several lawyers have cited examples from a study conducted by the ATSDR. The researchers discovered that kids have a host of dental issues because of the polluted water. Even the NIEHS (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences) conducted a study that revealed exposure to solvents like PCE (Perchloroethylene) and TCE (trichloroethylene) in the water led to Sjögren’s syndrome.
It is an autoimmune disorder that adversely impacts the salivary glands, resulting in gum disease, tooth decay, and dry mouth. The symptoms of oral dryness can include a sore mouth and challenges in swallowing and chewing.
These studies indicated that people exposed to the contaminated waters at Camp Lejeune had a higher chance of developing Sjögren’s syndrome. This condition can significantly affect an individual’s quality of life, both physically and mentally. It causes difficulty in speaking and eating, along with extreme pain and discomfort
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The dental problems connected with the toxic waters at Camp Lejeune include:
- Tooth Decay and Cavities: The solvents and chemicals in the toxic waters can weaken the teeth’s protective enamel, leading to cavities and severe decay.
- Periodontal Diseases: These occur when bacteria accumulate in the spaces between the gums and teeth, resulting in bleeding and inflammation. If not treated, there can be tooth loss and other issues.
- Tooth Enamel Erosion: Here the enamel gets worn down, exposing the softer dentin beneath. The obvious signs are pain, sensitivity, and an increased risk of cavities.
- Oral Cancer: Typically, it appears as a lesion or sore inside the mouth that never heals. Symptoms can make it challenging to chew or swallow and may cause constant pain in the throat or mouth.
Individuals who have suffered from these ailments have a chance to get compensated for the same. Camp Lejeune Justice Act empowers victims to file their complaints and get the justice they deserve. Before the Act, they weren’t able to sue the government for the injuries they sustained for years.
Today, they can not only file a legal claim but receive Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement amounts, that are case specific.
Taking the Apt Legal Action: Things to Know
Individuals who feel that their current ailment is a result of the dirty waters at Camp Lejeune should file a legal complaint. And the best way to do that is by partnering with an attorney who has the necessary expertise. Victims should also keep their medical records handy to get used as evidence by their lawyers to build a strong case.
Settlement amounts for every person can vary depending on their injuries, the medical diagnosis, and the time they spent at the base. The settlements will comprise the damages incurred, such as lost wages, medical bills, emotional damages, suffering and pain, and many more.
TorHoerman Law states that the settlement amounts can range between approximately $10,000 and $500,000, based on the case strength. But this amount shouldn’t be considered as the exact estimation. It solely depends on the CBO (Congressional Budget Office) budget for the toxic water claims. It is necessary to consult a lawyer with medical reports to know whether you qualify to file a complaint and proceed accordingly.
Conclusion
The link between dental injuries and the toxic waters of Camp Lejeune sheds light on the devastating impact this contamination has had on the health of veterans. The evidence from various studies conducted by ATSDR and NIEHS indicates the harmful effects of the hazardous chemicals present in the water.
As more diseases continue to emerge, adding to the list of Camp Lejeune ailments, it is imperative for those affected to seek justice and compensation. Filing a complaint against the ailments caused by the contaminated water can raise awareness and also get victims their due justice.
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