Camp Lejeune Multiple Myeloma Lawsuit
Camp Lejeune Multiple Myeloma Claims Due to Toxic Water
If you served at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 and were later diagnosed with multiple myeloma, you might be eligible for a Camp Lejeune multiple myeloma claim or lawsuit.
Riddle & Brantley is currently investigating claims from former service members, family members, and civilian workers who suffered from multiple myeloma (and other cancers and conditions) after being exposed to contaminated water at US Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.
Give us a call at 1-800-525-7111 for a FREE evaluation of your case. We will help you understand your options and you will not have to pay any attorney fees unless we win compensation for you in your Camp Lejeune multiple myeloma 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.
Because of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (passed as part of the PACT Act on August 2, 2022), victims of water contamination at the base will be able to file Camp Lejeune lawsuits and claims directly against the federal government, even if a previous claim was denied.
Did Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune Cause Multiple Myeloma?
Water contamination by toxic chemicals is a major risk to public health. Exposure to toxic water has been linked to several diseases, including cancer and congenital disabilities.
In 2016, the Marine Corps discovered elevated levels of trichloroethylene (TCE), a carcinogen, and other toxic chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, a Marine base where many people were exposed to the contaminated water. The water contamination was caused by a variety of issues, most notably from runoff from a nearby dry cleaning operation. As early as 1953, service members complained of health problems potentially associated with the water contamination, including multiple myeloma.
Although the Marine Corps found no evidence that the TCE was directly responsible for these cancers, it has taken steps to correct the contamination. As part of an ongoing effort to remediate the damage done by its predecessors, the Marine Corps is working with local authorities and contractors to update the aging aqueduct system that provides drinking water for residents who live near Camp Lejeune. This effort is expected to last for years and cost millions of dollars.
Evidence that Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune Caused Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma claims and other claims against the Marine Corps, Navy, and federal government at large related to water contamination at Camp Lejeune are supported by significant scientific research. The chemicals found in the water at Camp Lejeune have been tied to serious health problems across many scientific studies, including direct ties to the development of multiple myeloma.
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a suspected human carcinogen that has been used as a solvent for decades. It has been shown to be capable of damaging DNA and causing mutations, which has caused concern about its possible role in the development of certain cancers, including multiple myeloma.
In the past few years, several studies have shown an association between TCE exposure and multiple myeloma, a cancer affecting the plasma cells producing antibodies. One evaluation of many studies and published papers on the effects of TCE exposure and an increased risk for cancer found that TCE exposure was a significant risk factor for developing serious cancers, including multiple myeloma.
There is currently no definitive explanation for how this happens, but one possibility is that TCE disrupts the way DNA is packaged, allowing mutations to occur more easily. Although there is strong evidence that TCE exposure increases the risk of developing multiple myeloma at some level, it will remain unknown how high this risk may actually be until further studies are done.
Another significant risk factor for multiple myeloma that was found in the water at Camp Lejeune was perchloroethylene. Perchloroethylene (PCE) is an industrial solvent that is used in everything from dry cleaning to plastic manufacturing. As a result, exposure to PCE is a significant risk factor in developing multiple myeloma (compared to those that haven’t been exposed).
“I Was Exposed to Toxic Water at Camp Lejeune. What Should I Do?”
If you were exposed to the water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you should first consult with your healthcare provider to look out for symptoms of multiple myeloma and other diseases.
Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma
Many people with multiple myeloma have no symptoms until the disease has progressed to a more advanced stage. Symptoms potentially associated with multiple myeloma include:
- Numbness or tingling in the legs or arms
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Difficulty walking
- Shortness of breath
- Changes in the color of your urine.
If you are currently experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately to determine their cause and a course of treatment. If you are diagnosed with multiple myeloma, you may qualify for a Camp Lejeune multiple myeloma lawsuit.
How to File a Camp Lejeune Multiple Myeloma Lawsuit or Claim
Victims of this chemical exposure at Camp Lejeune can now file claims related to Camp Lejune water contamination, even if their claim was previously denied.
To file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit (including one involving multiple myeloma), you must meet the following criteria.
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.
- 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:
- Multiple myeloma
- Bladder cancer
- Brain cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Colon cancer
- Laryngeal cancer
- Oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Leukemia (various types)
- Ovarian cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Uterine cancer
- CNS cancer (central nervous system cancer)
- Colon cancer
- Laryngeal cancer
- Oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL)
- Rectal, colon, and colorectal cancer
- Parkinson’s disease
- Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)
- Renal toxicity
- Fatty liver disease (NAFLD or hepatic steatosis)
- Liver disease
- Birth defects
- Miscarriage
- Female infertility
- Scleroderma
Get Help with Your Camp Lejeune Claim Today
Riddle & Brantley is an experienced personal injury law firm that can help you determine the best legal options for a multiple myeloma lawsuit or claim against the federal government. We offer FREE consultations, and you never pay any attorney fees unless you receive compensation.
We have offices just down the road from Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC, and have handled hundreds of claims in the Eastern District of North Carolina, where Camp Lejeune multiple myeloma claims must be filed. We serve clients nationwide and can consult with you for free from anywhere by phone, email, text, or video conference.
Our Results
We’ve recovered over $665 million clients since 2000 alone (see disclaimer below), but we’re most proud of the positive experiences our clients have when working with our firm:
- “It was nice to see Riddle & Brantley put me and my needs first.” –R. C.
- “You’ll walk in the door as a client but leave as family. They’re the absolute best.” –Susan S.
- “They handled my case very professionally, with respect from beginning to end.” –Joseph P.
Our Camp Lejeune multiple myeloma lawyers have also been recognized by many prestigious memberships and awards (see disclaimer below) in the legal community, which we’ve won by providing world-class service to the clients who walk through our door. These awards and memberships include:
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- The National Association of Distinguished Counsel
- Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40
- Super Lawyers
- Super Lawyers “Rising Stars”
- AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell
- The Litigator Award
Call 1-800-525-7111 or complete the fast and convenient form below to start your free, no-obligation consultation with a compassionate Camp Lejeune multiple myeloma claim attorney on our experienced team. We believe Justice Counts for those who suffered due to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and we are ready to help with Camp Lejeune claims or lawsuits however we can.
*** 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.