By Michael Kahan, Attorney at Law, Jones Kahan Law LLC
Recent scientific research has highlighted a potential connection between Parkinson’s disease and exposure to contaminants found in the water supply at Camp Lejeune, a U.S. Marine Corps base in North Carolina. In response to the long-standing water contamination issue, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was enacted to provide legal recourse for individuals who have suffered harm.
As brief background, Camp Lejeune is known for its history of water contamination, primarily from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE). These chemicals were used in various industrial processes and were present in the base’s water supply from the 1950s to the 1980s. It is estimated that up to one million people, including military personnel, their families, and civilian employees, were potentially exposed to these contaminants during that time.
While there is ongoing research into the exact relationship between the Camp Lejeune water contamination and Parkinson’s disease, several studies have suggested a possible link. Parkinson’s disease is known to result from a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Exposure to certain chemicals like TCE and PCE has been associated with an increased risk of developing the disease. The specific mechanisms through which these chemicals may contribute to Parkinson’s disease are still being investigated, but it is believed that they can damage the brain’s dopamine-producing cells, leading to the characteristic symptoms of the disorder.
MAKING A CLAIM
Congress recently enacted The Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which provides legal remedies for individuals who suffered harm due to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune. The Act allows eligible individuals to bring tort claims against the United States government for damages resulting from exposure to the contaminants. To qualify, certain criteria must be met:
Presence at Camp Lejeune: Individuals must demonstrate that they were present at Camp Lejeune for a cumulative period of at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. This includes military personnel, their families, and civilian employees.
Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease: To pursue a tort claim, individuals must have a medically confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. This typically requires documentation from a qualified healthcare professional, including medical records and expert opinions.
Causation: Claimants must establish a causal link between their Parkinson’s disease and the water contamination at Camp Lejeune. This requires demonstrating that the exposure to the contaminants significantly contributed to the development of the disease.
Filing Deadline: The Camp Lejeune Justice Act sets a deadline for filing tort claims, which as of the publication of this blog post, is August 10, 2024. This deadline, however, may be subject to change, so it’s crucial to consult with an attorney to determine your individual, applicable deadline.
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