Veterans Suffer from Exposure to Burn Pits

Nov 28,2017

If you have never been involved with the military, you might be unfamiliar with burn pits. Burn pits are the military’s crude method for disposing of waste in war zones. This waste includes batteries, spent ammunition, plastic and human waste. The waste is burned with jet fuel in open pits, leaving personnel exposed to breathing it in.

Now, more than 120,000 individuals have registered with the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) for health problems they blame on their exposure to these burn pits. About 94% of them report exposure during deployment, with 64% citing specific work duties at a burn pit. Most of the registrants who have been medically evaluated at a VA facility have reported respiratory issues. Pentagon officials say they know of no burn pits that are currently in operation by the military.

Class Action Lawsuit

A class action was filed against a military contractor, KBR Inc., which operated some of the burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan. According to the attorneys, at least 10 people have died from health problems related to their exposure to the pits. However, the contractor argued that the military made the decisions on what to burn, and that the government’s scientific opinion is that burn pits are not linked to long term health issues. A Maryland judge agreed with KBR Inc. and dismissed the lawsuit earlier this year. However, an appeal has been filed.

The government is doing little to help those who are suffering from their exposure to the pits. The situation is reminiscent of the treatment of the previous generation of veterans who suffered from Agent Orange exposure.

“Veterans exposed to these burn pits who have suffered as a result deserve to have the appropriate treatment and compensation for their damages,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.