Camp Lejeune Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Claim or Lawsuit
Camp Lejeune Acute Myeloid Leukemia Claims Due to Toxic Water
You might be eligible for compensation if you or a loved one developed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after being exposed to contaminated water at US Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina between 1953 to 1987. A Camp Lejeune AML claim or lawsuit can help you and your loved ones recover the financial compensation you need to pay your medical bills, recover from “non-economic” damages, and regain your quality of life.
If you developed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after serving, working, or living at Camp Lejeune, contact Riddle & Brantley at 1-800-525-7111 to speak with one of our experienced Camp Lejeune lawsuit lawyers. We can help evaluate your claim and determine your best legal options for pursuing compensation in a Camp Lejeune AML lawsuit or claim.
IMPORTANT: Certain diagnoses may not qualify if not accompanied by another diagnosis for a separate condition. Call 1-800-525-7111 for a free case review and we’ll evaluate your claim.
Please call 1-800-525-7111 today and let’s see how we can help. We have offices in Jacksonville, NC, just down the road from Camp Lejeune and we are committed to seeking justice for our veterans, their loved ones, and civilian military workers.
“This settlement changed me and my family’s lives.”
–Linda B., Riddle & Brantley client
We are available for in-person consultations at any of our locations in North Carolina or can consult with you from anywhere by phone, email, text, or video conference. Call 1-800-525-7111 and let’s review your Camp Lejeune AML claim. You may be entitled to significant financial compensation.
What is Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)?
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow, which produces blood cells for the body. It is one of the most common types of leukemia and is especially common in adults over 60 years old.
AML can affect any part of the body, but the most common sites are the bone marrow, liver, spleen, and blood cells. AML develops when abnormal blood cells grow and multiply at an accelerated rate. These abnormal blood cells cannot carry oxygen to other parts of the body, causing damage and death to healthy tissues.
The cause of AML is not known. However, there are several risk factors that increase your chance of developing AML, including:
- Being older than 60 years old
- Having a family history of the disease
- Having certain mutations in your genes called MLL-AF9 or t(11;14)
- Having certain types of cancer before age 40
- Being exposed to carcinogenic compounds
Symptoms of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is very uncommon, comprising just 1% of all cancer diagnoses. AML is, however, the second most common type of leukemia diagnosed, accounting for 31% of all adult leukemia cases. The average age of diagnosis is 68, but it can also affect children. The five-year survival rate is 27% for adults and 69% for children, according to the latest American Cancer Society statistics.
Like many cancers, AML is rarely detected early — and the first symptoms of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (chronic fatigue and fever) are associated with a number of other disorders. Some people describe feeling like they have the flu. As a blood cancer, neutropenia (low white blood count) is common, which can lead to frequent infections that can complicate diagnosis.
AML also causes a shortage of red blood cells known as anemia, which prevents the cells from receiving sufficient oxygen. Dizziness, lightheadedness, and weakness are common side effects accompanying the fatigue. Low red blood cell count can also cause headaches, shortness of breath, and a pale complexion.
Thrombocytopenia — or low platelet count — can lead to symptoms such as easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from minor cuts, frequent or severe nosebleeds, bleeding gums, and pinhead-sized red spots on the skin (petechiae).
Other general symptoms associated with Acute Myeloid Leukemia include loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, bone and joint discomfort, and fullness or swelling in the abdomen due to spleen or liver enlargement. If the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, a person may experience neck, groin, armpit, or collarbone swelling.
Emergency medical attention may be sought when the cancer metastasizes or a high number of leukemia cells clog the blood vessels — a condition known as leukostasis. Although uncommon, the symptoms can mimic a stroke — including sudden severe headache, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, confusion, and sleepiness.
The symptoms can be difficult to piece together, so to confirm a suspected AML diagnosis, the physician will need to take a bone marrow biopsy — numbing the skin at the back of the hip bone and removing a sample of liquid bone marrow using a long, thin needle. If the symptoms are confirmed as AML, the main treatment will include chemotherapy, along with targeted drug therapy, and potentially a stem cell transplant.
Was Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Caused by Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune?
Between 1953 and 1987, trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), vinyl chloride, benzene, and other contaminants were detected in the water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The contamination is thought to have come from a local dry-cleaning company, and it’s believed to have been responsible for health issues experienced by many veterans, family members, and civilian contractors who lived and worked on the base.
A variety of blood diseases may have resulted from this contamination. It is now believed that TCE, PCE, and benzene are connected with a higher risk of acute myeloid leukemia, a type of blood cancer, later in life.
Evidence that Camp Lejeune Water Caused Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Several research studies have investigated the connection between acute myeloid leukemia and exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The connection between benzene exposure in industrial occupations, where workers are regularly exposed to small to large amounts of the substance, has been the strongest connection discovered.
A study published in the Internation Journal of Cancer examined multiple chemical exposures and their association with an increased risk of myelodysplastic syndromes
and acute myeloid leukemia. This study found that benzene exposure was associated with an increased risk of AML and other blood cancers, especially for workers who were exposed regularly in their workplace.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute also found that petroleum workers who were regularly exposed to benzene had a higher chance of developing AML and other cancers of the blood than the general public.
Scientists are still investigating, but the overall conclusion is that regular benzene exposure may increase the risk for AML. For personnel and customers at Camp Lejeune, regular exposure to water polluted with benzene might increase their risk of AML as they age.
“Can I File a Camp Lejeune AML Claim or Lawsuit?”
If you served at Camp Lejeune and were later diagnosed with AML or other health issues, you may qualify for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit or claim. These claims must be filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina. Riddle & Brantley has decades of experience handling claims in this jurisdiction.
IMPORTANT: Certain diagnoses may not qualify if not accompanied by another diagnosis for a separate condition. Call 1-800-525-7111 for a free case review and we’ll evaluate your claim.
To file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit or claim, you must meet the following criteria:
- Were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune for 30 or more days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987
- Were diagnosed with one of the following conditions:
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
- Other forms of leukemia
- Bladder cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Uterine cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Colon cancer
- Laryngeal cancer
- Oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Central nervous system cancer (CNS cancer)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL)
- Renal toxicity
- Liver disease
- Fatty liver disease (NAFLD or hepatic steatosis)
- Birth defects
- Heart defects
- Miscarriage
- Female infertility
- Hepatic steatosis
- Scleroderma
These claims are authorized by the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which was signed into law on August 10, 2022 as part of the broader PACT Act. Finally, veterans, their loved ones, and civilian contractors exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune have a chance at justice.
For a FREE, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Camp Lejeune AML attorney, please call 1-800-525-7111 and let’s review your claim. You may qualify for a claim or lawsuit and be eligible for significant financial compensation.
Call 1-800-525-7111 and let’s see how we can help.
Why Riddle & Brantley for Your AML Claim?
If you experienced acute myeloid leukemia after being exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you might be able to file a claim or lawsuit. However, the huge legal system claimants face can be daunting and complicated.
At Riddle & Brantley, we can help you determine the best course of action for your Camp Lejeune case and file it on your behalf. Please give us a call at 1-800-525-7111 for a free, no-obligation consultation so we can help you navigate the complex legal framework and obtain the compensation you deserve.
Our Results
Since 1985, our attorneys have helped thousands of injury victims secure the justice and compensation they deserve. We’ve secured over $665 million in compensation for our valued clients since 2000 alone (see disclaimer below).
We are proud of the way our valued clients describe their experience working with our attorneys and staff. Our attorneys have over 225 years of combined legal experience, and have been recognized by many prestigious membership groups and awards (see disclaimer below), including:
- Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Super Lawyers
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- The National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40
- The National Association of Distinguished Counsel
- AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell
- The Litigator Award
“By far the best law firm that actually cares about helping veterans.”
–B.F., Riddle & Brantley client
Contact us today to learn more about Riddle & Brantley’s Camp Lejeune acute myeloid leukemia lawsuit attorneys and how they can help you. Call 1-800-525-7111 or fill out the simple form below for your FREE consultation.
You won’t pay any attorney fees unless you receive compensation. We don’t get paid unless you do. Please call 1-800-525-7111 and let’s review your claim.
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*** Disclaimer: The results mentioned are intended to illustrate the type of cases handled by the firm. These results do not guarantee a similar outcome, and they should not be construed to constitute a promise or guarantee of a particular result in any particular case. Every case is different, and the outcome of any case depends upon a variety of factors unique to that case.
*** Disclaimer: An attorney must meet certain requirements to join these organizations or receive these awards. For more information on Membership Criteria for Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers “Rising Star” designation, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, The National Association of Distinguished Counsel, AV Preeminent designation by Martindale-Hubbell, the Litigator Award, and other memberships, awards, and accolades, please visit our Membership Criteria page. These awards and memberships should not be construed as a promise or guarantee of a similar result. Each case is different and must be evaluated separately.