Soft Tissue Sarcoma Linked to Contaminated Drinking Water at Camp Lejeune

The discovery of contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune in 1982 prompted government and medical authorities to evaluate the health of those exposed.

Water analysis revealed high traces of toxic chemicals from industrial solvents and leaks from underground fuel storage tanks.

Exposure to toxic substances in Camp Lejeune’s water supply was the cause many illnesses in Camp Lejeune veterans, family members, and civilian workers stationed at the base.

Victims have suffered from various cancers, including soft tissue sarcoma.

Scientific studies have found that exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the water at Camp Lejeune, specifically vinyl chloride, have been linked to an increased risk for soft tissue cancers.

If you or a loved one were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and subsequently developed soft tissue cancer, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law’s Camp Lejeune attorneys for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify to file a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit instantly.

About Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Soft tissue sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that begins in the soft tissues surrounding, connecting, and supporting other body parts.

Soft tissues include muscles, fat, nerves, blood vessels, tendons, cartilage, ligaments, lymphatic vessels, and other structures.

The cancer can also occur in deep skin tissues.

Soft tissue sarcoma can start from anywhere in the body.

However, the malignant tumors usually develop in the arms, legs, chest, and abdomen.

Soft tissue cancer has over 70 different subtypes.

Some varieties are more likely to affect children, while others are more common in adults.

Soft tissue sarcoma is often hard to diagnose since the lumps and growths associated with it may be mistaken for other issues.

Soft tissue tumors usually begin as benign, meaning they are non-cancerous.

However, these tumors can become cancerous and spread to other body parts if left unchecked.

In the case of Camp Lejeune victims, years of exposure to contaminated drinking water potentially caused soft tissue sarcoma and many other conditions to develop.

Unfortunately, it’s possible that these illnesses were not identified until much later in life due to a lack of research and awareness.

Soft Tissue Sarcoma and Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

Chemical exposure is a possible risk factor of developing soft tissue cancer.

Long-term exposure to certain chemicals can increase the risk of developing soft tissue sarcoma.

Several studies named vinyl chloride monomers, arsenic, dioxin, chlorophenols, and phenoxyacetic acid as possible carcinogenic agents.

Vinyl chloride was one of the four main chemical contaminants in the Camp Lejeune water supply.

Studies mentioning the association between vinyl chloride and soft tissue sarcomas include:

• International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health: Exposure to polymeric materials in vascular soft-tissue sarcomas
• Journal of Oncology: Etiologic Factors in Soft Tissue Sarcomas
• Acta Orthopaedica Scandinavica: An updated review of the epidemiology of soft tissue sarcoma
• Critical Reviews in Toxicology: Vinyl Chloride—A Classical Industrial Toxicant of New Interest
• The Journal of Joint & Bone Surgery: Angiosarcoma of the Hand Associated with Chronic Exposure to Polyvinyl Chloride Pipes and Cement
• Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health: Epidemiologic evidence for the carcinogenicity of vinyl chloride monomer
• Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health: A collaborative study of cancer incidence and mortality among vinyl chloride workers
• European Journal of Cancer Prevention: Occupational exposure to vinyl chloride and cancer risk: a review of the epidemiologic literature
• Journal of Epidemiology: Update of the Follow-Up of Mortality and Cancer Incidence among European Workers Employed in the Vinyl Chloride Industry
• American Journal of Epidemiology: A Case-Control Study of Soft-Tissue Sarcoma

Other Causes of Soft Tissue Cancer

The exact cause of soft tissue sarcoma is unknown.

However, researchers believe soft tissue cancers begin when connective tissue cells undergo DNA changes, transforming them into cancerous cells.

John Hopkins Medicine has identified a few possible risk factors that can increase one’s chance of developing soft tissue sarcoma.

Causes and risk factors of soft tissue sarcomas include:

• Genetic disorders: Certain inherited diseases, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome or neurofibromatosis, increase the risk of soft tissue sarcomas.
• Exposure to radiation: People who have had radiation therapy for other cancers can be at an increased risk of developing soft tissue sarcomas.
• Exposure to certain chemicals: Phenoxy herbicides, chlorophenols, and dioxins have been linked to an increased risk of soft tissue sarcomas.
• Lymphedema: Long-standing severe lymphedema, a condition of localized fluid retention and tissue swelling, can be associated with an increased risk.
• Viral infections: Some evidence suggests that specific viruses, such as the human herpesvirus 8, might be associated with certain types of soft tissue sarcomas.
• History of previous cancer: Patients who’ve had certain types of cancer in the past may have an increased risk of developing soft tissue sarcoma.
• Chronic skin inflammation or skin injuries: Although very rare, longstanding skin inflammation or prior injuries might increase risk.

It’s important to note that while these factors can increase the risk of soft tissue sarcomas, they don’t necessarily cause the disease.

Many people with these risk factors never develop soft tissue sarcomas, and many people without these risk factors do.

Soft Tissue Sarcoma Complications

Soft tissue sarcoma can spread to other parts of the body, so it’s essential to receive prompt medical attention.

Common symptoms of this cancer include:

• A lump or swelling that does not go away after a few weeks
• Pain, redness, and warmth in the affected area
• Fatigue and weakness
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Limited range of motion in the joints
• Broken bones with no apparent cause

When left untreated, soft tissue sarcoma can cause serious complications such as:

• Loss of function in affected body parts
• Disfigurement if the tumor is on the face or other visible area
• Spreading to other organs and tissues
• Paralysis due to nerve damage

These complications can significantly decrease the quality of life for victims and even lead to death.

Sadly, this was potentially the circumstance for many Camp Lejeune veterans and family members diagnosed with soft tissue cancers.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview

For over three decades, the Camp Lejeune water supply was contaminated with highly toxic substances, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) linked to cancer.

Active duty military service members, National Guard members, private contractors, civilian workers, and family members and dependents consumed contaminated water without knowing its dangers.

Former Camp Lejeune residents developed cancer, birth defects, neurological issues, and other serious and often fatal health problems.

Countless individuals died as a result of exposure to the Camp Lejeune water supply.

The federal government and Camp Lejeune officials failed to act promptly, putting peoples health at risk and leaving victims without options for recourse.

Victims attempted to legislate change through bills such as the Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012, which attempted to expand VA health care benefits, VA disability benefits, and other forms of compensation.

However, many victims were denied access to disability compensation and other health care benefits.

It wasn’t until the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 that victims were able to seek compensation claims on a comprehensive scale.

Signed into law as part of the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act established an administrative claims process for victims.

Victims can file compensation claims against the government, demanding a certain amount of money for their injuries and damages.

The Navy’s Tort Claims Unit (TCU) will promptly review compensation claims.

If a victims does not receive a decision within six months, or their claim is denied, they may be eligible to pursue a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit in the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

The North Carolina federal court will handle all Camp Lejeune Lawsuits.

If you or a loved one were exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune Water Lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law’s Camp Lejeune lawyers for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit instantly.

Adverse Health Effects of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

The consumption of Camp Lejeune contaminated water has been linked to a number of cancer and non-cancer diagnoses.

Camp Lejeune victims suffered for years without any form of proper restitution or compensation.

Many former Camp Lejeune residents and Camp Lejeune veterans passed away as a result of water contamination.

Certain cancer diagnoses potentially linked to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune include:

• Bladder Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Esophageal Cancer
• Kidney Cancer
• Leukemia
• Lung Cancer
• Multiple Myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Prostate Cancer
• Colorectal Cancer
• Rectal Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Central Nervous System Cancer
• Myelodysplastic Syndromes
• Brain Cancer
• Cervical Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer
• Appendix Cancer
• Bile Duct Cancer
• Gallbladder Cancer
• Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Intestinal Cancer
• Sinus Cancer
• Soft Tissue Sarcoma
• Spinal Cancer
• Thyroid Cancer

Non-cancer diagnoses suffered by Camp Lejeune victims include:

• Hepatic Steatosis
• Miscarriage & Fetal Death
• Neurobehavioral Effects
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Aplastic Anemia
• Kidney Disease
• Scleroderma
• ALS
• Lupus
• Epilepsy
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Cardiac Birth Defects
• Infertility
• Renal Toxicity
• Autoimmune Disease
• Birth Defects
• Liver Disease
• Cognitive Disability
• Microcephaly
• Renal Disease
• Tooth Decay
• Hypersensitive Skin Disorder
• Nerve Damage
• Oral Cleft

Service members, their families, civilian workers, and countless others were diagnosed with deadly health conditions and, for years, could not secure the benefits they desperately needed.

What is the Average Camp Lejeune Settlement Amount?

The settlement amount for each individual case will differ based upon the injuries suffered, conditions diagnosed, time spent at the base, and more.

Lawsuit settlements would also contain damages incurred, which can include medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional damages, and more.

Depending on injuries suffered, conditions diagnosed, and evidence available, individual settlement amounts for exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune could be significant.

Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement amounts could be between $10,000 and over $1,000,000 depending on the strength of your case.

These estimates for Camp Lejeune settlement amounts are only estimations based on the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) budget for Camp Lejeune claims.

These estimates are not a guarantee by any means of certain compensation for Camp Lejeune settlements.

Visit this page for more updates on settlement amounts for Camp Lejeune lawsuits as the information becomes more widely available.

Do You Qualify To File a Camp Lejeune Justice Act Claim?

Water treatment plants at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune were contaminated with highly toxic substances for decades, and potentially over one million residents were exposed at no fault of their own.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act seeks to compensate all residents and veterans exposed to toxic water.

If you or a loved one lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit instantly.

It is not required to hire a Camp Lejeune lawyer for this process, but experienced law firms can help you throughout the legal process and advocate for a Camp Lejeune settlement that accurately reflects what you’ve been through.

Camp Lejeune attorneys will help you throughout the claims process and Camp Lejeune litigation, including crucial steps such as gathering evidence and assessing damages.

Gathering Evidence for Camp Lejeune Claims

Gathering evidence is an extremely important part of the Camp Lejeune claims process.

Marine Corps veterans, their family, and others exposed to toxic water may have documents that support their claims.

Camp Lejeune victims can begin to gather evidence on their own, but experienced Camp Lejeune lawyers can help you gather and retain all documents and information for your case.

Evidence in a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit may include:

• Documents proving residence at Camp Lejeune
• Military service records indicating dates and locations served
• Medical records and diagnoses
• Medical bills
• Travel records
• Health care information
• Records on disability benefits or VA compensation benefits

Assessing Damages for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Claims

Damages refer to the total amount of losses, economic and non-economic, incurred as a result of exposure to the contaminated water supply at Camp Lejeune.

Our Camp Lejeune attorneys can help you calculate damages, considering your financial hardships and adding medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation bills to your settlement demands.

Potential damages in Camp Lejeune claims may include:

• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Disability benefits
• Loss of companionship, consortium, enjoyment of life, and earning capacity
• Permanent disability
• Wrongful death

TorHoerman Law: Your Camp Lejeune Lawyers

Our law firm is handling Camp Lejeune cases for service members, family members and dependents, workers, and veterans affected by water contamination at the Marine Corps base.

Camp Lejeune linked illnesses include several types of cancer, birth defects, neurological disorders, and more.

Victims have gone far too long without justice.

If you or a loved one were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law today for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit instantly.

Reach out to our Camp Lejeune attorneys with any questions you may have on the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, Camp Lejeune settlements, Camp Lejeune Lawsuits, and more.

We’re here to help you.