The Camp Lejeune water contamination scandal was a major issue and affected nearly a million people over several decades. For those who were affected by the toxic contamination at Camp Lejeune, or have a loved one who was affected, the passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act is a massive deal. To ensure you make the most of this act’s passage, here are some important updates and information to catch you up on the Camp Lejeune Justice Act:
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act Passes Congress
Congress has finally passed the Honoring Our PACT Act, which covers a massive range of cases where veterans and family members were exposed to toxic burn pits and other sources of toxic contamination. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was a key part of the larger PACT legislation and was created to oversee lawsuits regarding the toxic water contamination that occurred for decades at Camp Lejeune. Nearly a million people have been estimated to have suffered life-altering medical conditions due to the toxic exposure they experienced at Camp Lejeune during their residencies. Additionally, TruLaw has information on the Camp Lejeune lawsuit.
Are You Eligible to File a Camp Lejeune Justice Act Lawsuit?
Under the text of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, anywho who “resided, worked, or was otherwise exposed” to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or longer (between August 1st, 1953 and December 31st, 1987) could be eligible to file a damages claim. Military members, their family members, non-military workers, civilian contractors, and other long-term residents who lived at Camp Lejeune are all eligible to file a lawsuit under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. For those uncertain about their eligibility status, talking to a knowledgeable attorney about Camp Lejeune lawsuit representation is highly recommended.
Can the Family Members of Deceased Loved Ones File Lawsuits as Well?
The text of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows relatives (or legal representatives) to file claims on behalf of people both living and deceased, as long as they were exposed to the toxic, contaminated water at Camp Lejeune Justice during the qualifying period. In addition to legal representatives, the individuals that can file for living or deceased folk include an exposed individual’s child, spouse, parent, or sibling.
What Illnesses are Linked to the Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune?
A large list of illnesses, many of them life-long or life-altering, have been connected to toxic exposure linked to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune. These illnesses have been put together by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), which is a public health agency. More action is needed to keep similar water contamination issues from happening around the country. Other studies were combined with the ATSDR’s initial study to compile the following list of Camp Lejeune-connected illnesses:
-Soft Tissue Cancer
-Rectal Cancer
-Pancreatic Cancer
-Ovarian Cancer
-Prostate Cancer
-Lung Cancer
-Liver Cancer
-Multiple Myeloma
-Bladder Cancer
-Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
-Leukemia
-Kidney Cancer
-Esophageal Cancer
-Brain Cancer
-Cardiac Birth Defects
-Neural Tube Defects
-Fetal Death
-Low Birth Weight
-Female Infertility
-Choanal Atresia
-Miscarriage
-Major Malformations
-Oral Cleft Defects
-Liver Cirrhosis
-Scleroderma
-Parkinson Disease
-End-Stage Renal Disease
Differences Between VA Disability Benefits and Lawsuits Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act
There was already legislation passed to help those exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune gain VA benefits in 2012 – the Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012. The act provided needed health care benefits to veterans stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, as well as their family members, as long as they suffered from any of these 15 health conditions:
-Esophageal Cancer
-Breast Cancer
-Bladder Cancer
-Lung Cancer
-Kidney Cancer
-Scleroderma
-Leukemia
-Miscarriage
-Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
-Renal Toxicity
-Myelodysplastic Syndromes
-Hepatic Steatosis
-Female Infertility
-Neurobehavioral Effects
-Multiple Myeloma
The History of Camp Lejeune’s Water Contamination
The Camp Lejeune water contamination scandal is one of the most prominent in U.S. history. From the 1950s to the 1980s, two toxic wells contaminated all water on the base and led to health issues for an estimated 750,000+ people. The contamination occurred due to a large multitude of volatile organic compounds finding their way into the water: including benzene, vinyl chloride, tetrachloroethylene, and others. The toxic contamination originated from several sources, including industrial spills, underground storage tank leaks, waste disposal sites, and other mismanagement.
When Should I File a Lawsuit Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?
Now that Congress has passed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, you should act immediately to file a lawsuit. Hundreds of millions of dollars are expected to be paid out in settlements in the first year of these lawsuits alone, so it is finally time for you to receive the restitution you deserve from the United States government.
