Fort Gordon Water Contamination Lawsuit [2024 Update]

The Fort Gordon Water Lawsuit is an active lawsuit

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Fort Gordon Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview

U.S. Army Garrison Fort Eisenhower (formerly Fort Gordon) is located in Georgia only minutes from Augusta. The military installation is home to the Cyber Center of Excellence. It was initially founded during World War II under the name Camp Gordon, serving as a base for infantry training. By 1950, the base was being used as Military Government Training for the Army. It eventually was redesignated as Fort Gordon, becoming a permanent Army installation. However, on October 23, 2023, the base was renamed Fort Eisenhower after Army General Dwight Eisenhower.

Recently, the Fort has gained notoriety for the detection of high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS in the water on the base. PFAS are forever chemicals that are considered dangerous to human health when consumed. Individuals who were stationed at Fort Gordon-Fort Eisenhower and subsequently diagnosed with cancer, thyroid disease, or another condition related to PFAS exposure are encouraged to contact King Law for a free consultation.

Fort Gordon Water Contamination Lawsuit Updates

March 2024: Preliminary work begins in Fort Gordon water contamination lawsuits for individuals who were stationed at the base and later diagnosed with a condition potentially linked to PFAS exposure.

November 2023: High levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are detected in a sampling of water from Fort Gordon. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) minimum reporting levels for PFAS are 4 parts per trillion (ppt).

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Historical Background of Toxic Exposure at Fort Gordon

For decades, the Department of Defense used Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) to fight fires on military bases across the United States including Fort Gordon. The fire suppressant is known to contain PFAS or forever chemicals that are dangerous to humans and the environment. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to an increased risk of deadly conditions, including certain kinds of cancer and thyroid disease.

Recent sampling of water at Fort Gordon indicates high levels of PFAS, meaning that current and former service members may have been exposed to the dangerous chemical while stationed at the base. It is believed that groundwater was contaminated with PFAS from run-off related to the use of AFFF.

Fort Gordon Water Contamination Map

PFAS has been detected in water at Fort Gordon. Areas of particular concern include the Former Fire Station, Former Fire Training Area, Solid Waste Management Unit (Building 955), Fort Gordon (FTGD)- 030 Wastewater Treatment Plan, and the FTGD-029 Gibson Road Landfill. At each of these locations, PFOS, PFOA, and PFBS (known PFAS) in the groundwater exceeded the Office of the Secretary of Defense risk screening levels.

Contaminants Found in Fort Gordon Drinking Water

The main contaminants found in the water at Fort Gordon are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). However, sampling from wells on the base also detected the presence of other toxins, including benzene, octane, decane, and TPH.

Current Water Quality at Fort Gordon

The Army indicates that water is safe to drink at Fort Gordon. However, high levels of PFAS and other contaminants have been detected in the groundwater at the base. The levels exceed the 4 parts per trillion minimum reporting requirement set by the Environmental Protection Agency. 

Water Treatment Efforts at Fort Gordon

The Army routinely monitors and samples finished water at Fort Gordon-Fort Eisenhower to determine PFAS levels. Due to detected contamination, the base was designated as a Superfund site but is not on the National Priorities List. 

Water treatment efforts on the base are currently in “further study in a remedial investigation.” An Army Cleanup Plan at the base indicates that corrective measures may not be fully in place for several years. 

Health Risks Linked to Drinking Water at Fort Gordon

PFAS exposure has been linked to a number of short- and long-term health problems. Individuals who were stationed at Fort Gordon and potentially exposed to PFAS are encouraged to seek regular check-ups. Routine medical screenings can help ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment of PFAS-related illnesses

Health conditions related to PFAS exposure:

• Liver disease
• Thyroid disease
• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Preeclampsia
• Pancreatic cancer
• Male breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Endometrial cancer

Our law firm is currently evaluating cases where individuals have been diagnosed with:

• Bladder Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Kidney Cancer
• Leukemia
• Liver cancer
• Multiple-Myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Testicular Cancer
• Thyroid Cancer
• Thyroid Disease
• Ulcerative Colitis

If you were stationed at Fort Gordon and subsequently diagnosed with cancer or another PFAS-related illness, you may be entitled to compensation. It is strongly recommended that you speak to an attorney as soon as possible to determine the best course of action.

Eligibility Criteria for a Fort Gordon Water Contamination Lawsuit

Eligibility criteria for a Fort Gordon water contamination lawsuit may be based on several factors, including the length of time you were stationed at Fort Gordon, whether your illness can be linked to PFAS exposure, and proof of injury. In order to prove your case you will need to provide evidence such as your medical records and military orders. 

Our law firm is currently evaluating cases where individuals have been diagnosed with:

• Bladder Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Kidney Cancer
• Leukemia
• Liver cancer
• Multiple-Myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Testicular Cancer
• Thyroid Cancer
• Thyroid Disease
• Ulcerative Colitis

Successful claims will require a duration of exposure of at least six months and proof of an exposure-related diagnosis, such as cancer or thyroid disease. Fort Gordon water contamination lawsuits may take several months or a year or more to resolve. It is strongly recommended that you work with an attorney to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria to file a water contamination lawsuit.

Fort Gordon Water Contamination Settlement Amounts

Fort Gordon water contamination settlement and payout amounts will vary depending on the individual circumstances of the case. In general, claims are expected to settle for between $30,000 and $500,000; however, some high-value cases have the potential to settle for $1,000,000 or more. 

It is estimated that the average settlement will be around $250,000 since previous cancer-related lawsuits often settled within the $100,000 to $300,000 range. Extended duration of active illness or substantial toxic exposure may result in a larger recovery. Individuals with minor injuries or those with less of a connection between their disease and PFAS exposure may receive settlements of between $30,000 and $75,000. 

While settlements tend to be less than the potential recovery at a trial, a favorable outcome is not guaranteed if the matter goes to verdict.

How to File a Fort Gordon Water Contamination Lawsuit

Individuals who have been diagnosed with PFAS-related illness after being stationed for at least six months at Fort Gordon may be able to file a lawsuit. The first step in filing a lawsuit is to consult with an experienced lawyer about your case. An attorney can help determine what evidence you may need to support your claim.

Evidence to Gather:

Successful Fort Gordon water contamination lawsuits require evidence to bolster their claims. Substantiating evidence may include a number of documents or witness testimony.

Evidence you may need to support your claim:

• Medical records
• Doctor’s notes
• Referrals to specialists
• Expert testimony
• Proof of military orders
• Environmental studies

An attorney can help navigate the process, including assisting in the collection of evidence to prove your case.

Statute of Limitations for Fort Gordon Water Contamination Cases

Statutes of limitations or legal deadlines by which you must file a claim are state-specific. It is imperative that you consult with an attorney as early in the process as possible to ensure you meet all legal requirements, including timeframes. While statutes of limitations are generally one to two years from the date of diagnosis, you may have up to six years to file a claim. An attorney can assess any statutes that may apply to your case and help to ensure your case is filed timely.

Fort Gordon Water Contamination Lawyers

Were you diagnosed with thyroid disease or cancer after being stationed at Fort Gordon? Individuals who are receiving treatment for a PFAS-related condition may be eligible to file a lawsuit based on water contamination at Fort Gordon. At King Law, our attorneys are well-versed in handling military base water contamination cases and will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Read our FAQs about Fort Gordon’s water contamination.