Research Shows Camp Lejeune Veterans at 70% Higher Risk for Parkinson’s Disease

A new research study funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs examined Camp Lejeune veterans’ exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE), a toxic environmental contaminant that was present in high levels over a period of years in the base’s water supply. After analyzing data from over 300,000 service members, researchers determined that TCE exposure could drastically increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.

Veterans and their families who spent time at Camp Lejeune have the opportunity to pursue compensation from the federal government if they can provide evidence that they lived or worked on base during the period of contamination. At Dolman Law Group, our team is working to represent Camp Lejeune families who have sustained significant financial setbacks, emotional turmoil, and physical injuries as a result of being exposed to toxins like TCE. We encourage you to contact our team of Camp Lejeune attorneys at Dolman Law Group for additional details about how to qualify for compensation and how to proceed.

Camp Lejeune Marines and Their Families Develop Life-Threatening Illness From Contaminated Water

Between 1953 and 1987, hundreds of thousands of military service members, their families, and civilian contractors were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. Since then, hundreds of Camp Lejeune lawsuits have been filed alleging that the military was aware of this contamination and failed to act. Records show that a number of toxic chemicals polluted the water supply, stemming from a dry cleaning operation and multiple spills of improperly stored chemicals. Military personnel and families who worked or resided on base during this time began experiencing a variety of serious health issues, including:

• Birth defects
• Infertility and miscarriage
• Adult leukemia
• Neurobehavioral issues
• Prostate cancer
• Aplastic anemia
• Breast cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Scleroderma
• Lung cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Hepatic steatosis 
• Liver cancer
• Myelodysplastic syndrome
• Parkinson’s disease

Compensation is Possible for Camp Lejeune Victims

Despite the severity of these injuries, most Camp Lejeune families had been barred from filing claims to recover compensation for their damages because their injuries did not manifest until after the North Carolina statute of limitations had expired. New legislation, known as the PACT Act, allowed Camp Lejeune families to circumvent this rule and file claims to recover compensation for damages like medical bills, loss of quality of life, and wrongful death.

Study Offers New Evidence to Support Relationship Between TCE and Parkinson’s Disease

In addition to plaintiffs pursuing compensation for cancer, birth defects, organ damage, and other health issues, former service members and their families are seeking compensation in Camp Lejeune Parkinson’s lawsuits, specifically. Going forward, this particular subset of plaintiffs can potentially benefit from a new study conducted by a group of researchers focused on the causal relationship between one of the most concerning Camp Lejeune contaminants, trichloroethylene (TCE), and Parkinson’s disease. 

The parameters of the study focused on 340,000 military personnel who served at Camp Lejeune between 1975 and 1985 using health records from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The levels of TCE during this time were 70 times the acceptable amounts stipulated by the EPA. The researchers then compared the health of Camp Lejeune service members in this group to military personnel who served at Camp Pendelton who were exposed to much lower levels of TCE. 

The study found that Camp Lejeune veterans had a 70% greater risk of developing Parkinson’s disease as compared to their Camp Pendelton counterparts. Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative neurological disease that compromises mobility and speech, eventually incapacitating people with the condition. For many families, this results in a host of financial costs associated with their care, as well as emotional losses.

Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms

Parkinson’s disease is a severe neurological condition that can significantly impact someone’s quality of life. Symptoms usually start out minor and gradually increase in severity over time. There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease although treatment through medication, therapies, and some surgery can manage and relieve many symptoms. The four major symptoms of Parkinson’s disease consist of the following.

• Uncontrollable tremors in the hands, arms, legs, or the head
• Muscle stiffness
• Coordination and balance issues
• Slow movement

Additional symptoms may include

• Constipation or urinary problems
• Depression and other emotional problems
• Difficulty swallowing, speaking, or chewing
• Skin problems

If you or a loved one lived at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 and have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s or believe you display symptoms indicating you have Parkinson’s then consider contacting Dolman Law Group about your eligibility to seek compensation for damages in a Camp Lejeune lawsuit.

Why Should I Choose Dolman Law Group to Represent Me?

Debilitating illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease often entail substantial damages, both in the short term and in the long term. You need an experienced personal injury attorney who understands how to anticipate future costs to ensure that your long-term needs are met. The personal injury attorneys of Dolman Law Group are known for maximizing our clients’ compensation.

For more than a decade, we have diligently applied ourselves to investigating thoroughly,  leveraging key evidence, and holding negligent parties accountable. We have established a reputation as one of Florida’s leading personal injury law firms, and have since expanded to represent injured clients nationwide.

At Dolman Law Group, you can rest assured that your claim will receive the attention it deserves as we work to secure a satisfactory settlement. Our archive of client testimonials endorsing our services is a point of pride for our team because we understand the value of the trust that our clients place in us. If you have developed Parkinson’s disease after living or working at Camp Lejeune, the personal injury lawyers of Dolman Law Group will go above and beyond to protect your right to seek damages.

Contact Dolman Law Group for Help With Your Camp Lejeune Parkinson’s Lawsuit

The decades-long contamination of Camp Lejeune’s water supply is an egregious example of negligence that the federal government is seeking to rectify. Service members and their families deserve to have clean drinking water while living and working on military bases. The personal injury attorneys of Dolman Law Group understand the importance of maximizing your family’s compensation after a Parkinson’s diagnosis related to Camp Lejeune TCE water contamination.

Our team is prepared to represent your Camp Lejeune claim in court if that is necessary to ensure you receive a fair settlement for your damages. After more than a decade serving injured clients, we have cultivated the skills, reputation, and expertise needed to effectively maximize your companion for your damages in a Camp Lejeune Parkinson’s lawsuit.

If you meet the criteria for exposure at Camp Lejeune and you have developed Parkinson’s disease, you should consider filing a claim to recover compensation for your damages. Parkinson’s is now considered a presumptive condition for Camp Lejeune veterans, so the process of filing a claim is less burdensome. The personal injury attorneys of Dolman Law Group will assist you in compiling evidence of your injuries and damages, coordinating communication with the other parties involved, and negotiating for the compensation you deserve.