Archives for November 2023

Houston Attorney Advocates for Camp Lejeune Victims

The heartbreak of the Camp Lejeune water contamination situation unfolded between 1953 and 1987 when the water supply at the United States Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina was contaminated by toxic wastewater.

Houston Attorney Advocates for Camp Lejeune Victims

The Tragedy of Camp Lejeune

Unfortunately for many years, servicemen, their families, and Camp Lejeune workers were unknowingly using contaminated water for drinking and bathing at Camp Lejeune. An eventual investigation into the situation determined that over a million individuals residing or employed at Camp Lejeune were exposed to water contamination between the years 1953 to 1987, which led to chronic illnesses, lifetime health issues, and death.

Camp Lejeune Cases Handled by Houston Attorney

William Herren is a well-known lawyer from Houston, Texas, who has made a strong name for himself in his practice areas of veterans disability, social security disability, and long-term disability. For over 35 years, Bill and his law firm, Herren Law, have worked hard to help his clients by giving good representation and standing up for justice for the people who need his help. He’s known for being knowledgeable, seasoned, and trustworthy.

With the passing of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act,  Attorney Herren has been focused on offering his services to potential Camp Lejeune claimants. Anyone who has lived or worked at Camp Lejeune may be wondering if the illnesses or deaths in their family may be related to exposure to the contaminated water. If there is a possibility of that, he recommends you contact his office to explore whether you should file a claim as the deadline is fast approaching.

How to Make a Camp Lejeune Claim

Herren Law has helped over 4,000 people in the Houston area with their veteran disability claims and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, so getting involved with the Camp Lejeune situation was a logical step.  Though an attorney is not required to make a claim, it is recommended, as the complexity of properly filing may be daunting.

Deadline File by July 2024: There is a deadline of two years from when the act was passed on August 10, 2022, so do not hesitate to find out as soon as possible if you or a family member may have a claim.

When you make an appointment with Herren Law, we’ll discuss your case with you. This includes when and where you were stationed, (as well as your family) along with your current medical condition that brings you to this point. We will ask about:

  • Your tenure at Camp Lejeune
  • Medical conditions that developed later, and their impact on your life
  • Provide an assessment of your case and the possibility of recovering compensation.
  • Collect and collate all required evidence to support your claims.
  • Ensure that your claim is prepared and filed correctly and on time.

Contact Herren Law for Your Camp Lejeune Concerns

Bill Herren and his dedicated staff at the Herren law firm have helped veterans and other disabled people with their benefit claims and appeals. We have extensive experience dealing with Veterans Affairs and other governmental agencies and the claims that are filed with them.

If you or someone you know became ill or died after being stationed at Camp Lejeune, get in touch with us immediately. Contact us by calling (713) 682-8194 or using our online contact form. Our consultation is free, and we work on a contingency basis.

Cancers Related to Camp Lejeune

Of all the illnesses caused by the Camp Lejeune water contamination, cancer has been one of the most prevalent. The three chemicals involved were found to be connected to many different types of cancers in adults, and children, including unborn children exposed in utero.

Dr talking about Cancers Related to Camp Lejeune

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ASTDR) found that Navy and USMC personnel stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina had a 10% higher risk of dying from cancers than those stationed at Camp Pendleton (near Oceanside, CA.) As many as one million Marines, sailors, their families, and civilians were exposed to three highly toxic chemicals from 1953 through 1987.

Presumptive Cancers

There is a long list of conditions that are presumed to be connected to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water. Individuals with one of these are presumed to have developed a cancerous condition after being stationed at Camp Lejeune:

  • Bladder
  • Breast (in both men and women)
  • Central nervous systems
  • Cervical
  • Colon/colorectal
  • Esophageal
  • Kidney
  • Leukemia
  • Lung
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Myelodysplastic syndromes
  • Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cancer in the lymph system)
  • Prostate
  • Soft tissue

These are just some of the cancerous conditions that are connected to Camp Lejeune.

Specific conditions

The chances of developing cancer increase with the length of exposure. The ASTDR study found that of all the related conditions, these were the highest risk of chemical-related cancers:

  • Kidney cancer: 35%
  • Liver cancer: 42%
  • Hodgin’s lymphoma: 47%
  • Multiple myeloma: 68%

The most common of these is cancer of the liver. Vinyl chloride, a chemical used to produce polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a commonly used plastic material, is a highly toxic and known carcinogen. It is easily absorbed through the skin, as well as the digestive system and the lungs. Following ingestion, vinyl chloride disrupts liver functioning by damaging DNA inside human cells. High amounts of vinyl chloride were found at Camp Lejeune.

You Can Still File Your Claim

Even if your condition isn’t listed here, it doesn’t mean you can’t file a claim—you can. The cancers listed here are just some of the medical conditions that are directly or indirectly connected to water contamination.

If you became ill after living at Camp Lejeune during the affected period, contact us anyway, as your condition may be connected to the waterborne chemicals. It is possible that other conditions will be added to the list and recognized as presumptive.

You have less than a year before the deadline for filing your claim, so we strongly suggest contacting our office immediately. Ideally, your claim should be filed no later than July 2024.

Contact The Herren Law Firm Immediately For Your Camp Lejeune Claim

For over 30 years, the Herren law firm has helped veterans and other disabled people with their benefit claims and appeals. We have extensive experience dealing with governmental agencies and the claims that are filed with them.

If you or someone you know became ill after being stationed at Camp Lejeune, get in touch with us immediately.

We’ve helped over 4,000 people, and we can help you as well. Contact us today by calling (713) 682-8194 or using our online contact form our consultation is free, and you won’t owe us a fee until we win your case.

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