Fort Ord Water Contamination Lawsuit

The Fort Ord water contamination lawsuit seeks justice for those harmed by toxic chemicals at the former Army base in California. Toxic substances were first identified in the 1980s, leading the EPA to designate it as a Superfund site. 

Veterans, military families, and civilians who lived or worked on the base developed serious health problems. The lawsuit aims to get compensation for those harmed by the contamination. Results may vary for different individuals.

If water contamination at Fort Ord has affected you or a loved one, please contact us for a free legal consultation.

Table of Contents

Overview of the Fort Ord Water Contamination Lawsuit

The Fort Ord lawsuit involved people exposed to harmful chemicals. Researchers found chemicals like TCE, PFAS, and benzene in the water. Individuals at Fort Ord lived or worked in areas exposed to these substances from the 1960s to the 1990s. 

The lawsuit claims the military and government didn’t prevent contamination or warn residents. Many people now face health issues, including cancer and kidney disease.

History and Background of Fort Ord Toxic Exposure

The Legacy of Fort Ord Military Base

Fort Ord opened in 1917 in Monterey, California, as a training base for the military. It housed thousands of soldiers and their families. Harmful chemicals had damaged the area’s environment by 1994. That was when the base closed. 

While the site remains under supervision, major cleanup efforts have been made. Certain areas still need ongoing cleanup to address residual contamination in the groundwater.

Timeline of Water Contamination at Fort Ord

Contamination at Fort Ord was first found in the 1980s. In 1990, the EPA added the base to its National Priorities List, designating it as a hazardous site requiring cleanup. 

Testing showed high levels of dangerous chemicals like TCE and PFAS. Despite years of cleanup, contamination persists.

How Contamination Occurred: Chemicals and Practices

Improper handling of chemicals, including PFAS in firefighting foam, contaminated Fort Ord. Over time, this foam polluted the water. TCE, an industrial solvent, was also used on the base. Faulty disposal releases waste into the soil and water.

Fort Ord Water Contamination Health Risks

Common Contaminants Found in Fort Ord’s Water

Fort Ord’s water supply contained various hazardous substances, including:

Trichloroethylene (TCE) 

NIH has linked a chemical used in industrial cleaning that contaminates water to kidney cancer and liver disease.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

PFAS, known for resistance to heat and water, poses an increased risk of cancer and immune system issues.

Benzene

Long-term exposure to benzene causes blood disorders, such as leukemia, and impacts the nervous system.

Health Conditions Linked to Fort Ord Water Contamination

Fort Ord Presumptive Conditions

Veterans exposed to toxic substances may qualify for VA benefits. This is under broader, presumptive conditions for toxic exposure. Long-term exposure may link to cancers, respiratory illnesses, and organ damage. Veterans with these conditions can access benefits via the VA’s presumptive conditions list.

Cancer Risks Associated with Fort Ord Toxic Exposure

Cancer is a major concern for those exposed to contaminated water at Fort Ord. Veterans have a 35% higher rate of multiple myeloma compared to the general U.S. population, according to studies.

Other Serious Health Effects

Those exposed to Fort Ord’s contaminated water reported many health issues besides cancer. Some of these are:

• Kidney disease: Linked to TCE exposure.
• Liver damage: Caused by exposure to DCE, CT, and PCE.
• Blood cancers & disorders: Prolonged exposure to benzene causes blood cancers and disorders such as leukemia.

Legal Options for Victims of Fort Ord Water Contamination

Eligibility for the Fort Ord Water Contamination Lawsuit

Those exposed to Fort Ord’s contaminated water may be eligible for compensation. This includes military personnel, their families, nearby civilians, and anyone on base for an extended time. Those with certain health conditions should note their exposure situation and diagnosis. This is especially for cancers and organ damage.

As stated above, veterans may qualify under the VA’s Fort Ord presumptive conditions. This facilitates their access to benefits and legal options.

Is There A Fort Ord Class Action Lawsuit?

There is no class action lawsuit related to water contamination at Fort Ord. Rather the Fort Ord lawsuit is part of a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) about AFFF on Military Bases. In an MDL the unique situations of individuals are taken into account. This is opposed to a class action lawsuit where the plaintiffs are all treated equally.

How to File a Fort Ord Water Contamination Claim 

To file a Fort Ord water contamination claim, you will need the following information:

Documenting Toxic Exposure 

Victims must gather proof of exposure to toxic chemicals to file a claim. This includes medical records that show illnesses linked to the contamination. Veterans should provide service records to prove they were at Fort Ord. Civilians can prove they lived or worked at the base during the contamination period. Documents from the EPA and various health studies can also support your case.

Medical Records and Diagnosis 

Medical records are critical when filing a Fort Ord lawsuit. Claimants must have medical documents from a doctor. They should outline the diagnosis, treatment, and link of their illness to toxic chemicals at Fort Ord. 

For veterans, VA medical reports can be crucial. They confirm conditions the government recognizes as presumptive. Clear, detailed medical records improve the chances of a successful claim and compensation.

Legal Steps in Filing a Lawsuit 

Start by meeting with a lawyer. They will help you gather the documents needed for your case. After filing the lawsuit, both sides gather evidence. The process can take months or even years based on the details of the case. Talk to a lawyer for free about your case now.

Compensation for Victims of Fort Ord Toxic Exposure

Those harmed by Fort Ord water pollution may deserve compensation for their health issues. Compensation seeks to cover damages. Damages may include medical costs, lost wages, and suffering from toxins. 

Types of Compensation Available 

Victims may be able to recover financial compensation for the following:

• Medical Expenses: This includes costs for treatments, hospital visits, surgeries, and medications. It also includes ongoing care for conditions caused by the toxic exposure.
• Lost Wages: Compensation can cover income lost due to an illness or disability. It can also cover future earnings affected by long-term health issues.
• Pain and Suffering: This covers the emotional and physical distress caused by a severe health condition. Pain and suffering compensation often reflects the severity of the illness and its impact on the victim’s daily life.

Severity of Health Conditions

The severity of a claimant’s health condition affects compensation in a lawsuit. Higher settlements usually follow serious, life-threatening conditions. Those with long-term or permanent disabilities from toxic exposure may get more compensation.

Duration and Extent of Exposure

Long-term exposure to contaminated water increases the chance of serious illness. Those who lived or worked at Fort Ord for many years are at higher risk. The longer the exposure, the stronger the compensation case. This is especially true for those with severe health conditions caused by pollution.

Evidence and Documentation 

Providing strong evidence is key to receiving compensation. Claimants need medical records and proof of military service or proof of living at Fort Ord. Environmental reports and studies that link chemicals like TCE and PFAS to health risks are also helpful. Thorough evidence can help build a stronger case.

Key Legal Milestones in the Fort Ord Case

In the 1990s, the EPA listed Fort Ord as a hazardous Superfund site. Since then, several important legal milestones have shaped the situation. Court rulings have linked toxic exposure at Fort Ord to serious health issues, like kidney disease and multiple myeloma.

Impact of Recent Court Rulings on Fort Ord Victims

Many judges now recognize the dangers of TCE and PFAS. These rulings may allow more claims to move forward. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Ord Water Contamination Lawsuit

What Is the Current Status of the Fort Ord Lawsuit? 

The Fort Ord lawsuit is ongoing, victims can still come forward with claims. 

Is there a Fort Ord Water Contamination Settlement?

No settlements have been reached yet in the Fort Ord Water Contamination Lawsuit.

Who Is Eligible to File a Lawsuit? 

Those who lived or worked at Fort Ord before or during 1994 may be eligible. This includes veterans, military families, and civilians. We encourage people with cancer, kidney disease, or blood disorders from TCE and PFAS to speak with an attorney about filing a claim.

What Types of Cancer Are Linked to Fort Ord Contamination?

Researchers have linked several cancers to the toxins at Fort Ord. These include multiple myeloma and kidney cancer. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and leukemia are also connected to exposure to TCE and PFAS in contaminated water.

What Compensation Can I Expect? 

Fort Ord lawsuit payouts depend on the victim’s illness and exposure to toxic chemicals. Compensation may cover medical bills, lost wages, and damages for pain and suffering. The stronger the evidence, the higher the potential settlement for those affected.

How Winder Law Firm Can Help

Winder Law Firm provides compassionate legal services. Our goal is to help victims get justice and compensation for their suffering. We understand the complexity of these water contamination lawsuits. We will provide you with the support you need throughout the legal process.

Why Choose Winder Law Firm?

At Winder Law Firm, we fight for people affected by toxic exposure. Each case gets personal attention, so clients feel supported throughout the legal process.

Steps to Get Started with Your Case

Free Consultation and Case Evaluation

We offer a free consultation to check your case. We will discuss your exposure to toxic chemicals at Fort Ord and your health problems from it. If you have a valid claim, we will outline the next steps and how we can help you seek compensation.

Building a Strong Legal Strategy

Once you choose to move forward with Winder Law Firm, we immediately begin building a tailored legal strategy. This involves collecting all necessary documents, like medical records and residency verification. It would help if you also worked with professionals to link your health condition to the contamination at Fort Ord.

Ongoing Support and Communication

Our team communicates with clients often, keeping you informed at every step. We answer all questions and address concerns as they arise. You will always know the status of your case and what to expect next.