The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 is new legislation that allows victims and their loved ones to seek financial compensation for their injuries and illnesses related to their service at Camp Lejeune. This Act is part of the larger Honoring Our Pact Act and is essential to providing appropriate relief for the victims who have suffered for years without help.

Continue reading to learn more about the Act and how victims can get help.

What is Camp Lejeune?

Camp Lejeune is a Marine Corps Base located in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The base was opened in 1941 and was used as a training ground for marines during World War II. However, the base gained national attention in the early 1980s after it was revealed that the water supply had been contaminated with toxic chemicals. The chemicals were released into the water systems from 1953 to 1987, meaning nearly one million people may have been exposed to them. As a result, anyone who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days during this period may now be entitled to compensation.

The base was closed in 1987 and is now used as a reserve training facility. However, the contaminated water has continued to cause health problems for veterans exposed to it. The government has only recently acknowledged a link between the contaminated water and the health problems victims were experiencing. Sadly, many military families and personnel affected by the toxic exposure have suffered from illnesses such as cancer, leukemia, and congenital disabilities. There is still much that needs to be done to help those affected by this tragedy. Due to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, unfair legal barriers have been removed, and victims can now have some measure of justice and may receive compensation for their pain and suffering.

What is the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?

In 2016, individuals impacted by the Camp Lejeune water contamination filed over 800 lawsuits to seek restitution under the Federal Torts Claims Act. They were combined into multi-district litigation in the federal courts yet subsequently dismissed based on North Carolina law. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 will provide justice for the victims in response to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water and allow them to pursue legal recourse. This Act prevents government immunity against litigation and includes health care, benefits, and established funds that pay for cleanup efforts on the military base. Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer will help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

What Injuries Are Covered By the Law?

The injuries covered by the law include health issues caused by exposure to Camp Lejeune contaminated water. This includes, but is not limited to, cancers, neurological problems, and congenital disabilities. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has listed presumptive conditions for people exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune for 30 or more cumulative days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. The conditions include certain types of cancer and other health issues.

The presumptive conditions covered under this legislation are:

  • Adult leukemia
  • Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
  • Bladder cancer
  • Kidney cancer
  • Liver cancer
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
  • Parkinson’s disease

Other qualifying health conditions include:

  • Esophageal cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Kidney cancer
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Renal toxicity
  • Female infertility
  • Scleroderma
  • Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
  • Lung cancer
  • Bladder cancer
  • Leukemia
  • Myelodysplastic syndromes
  • Hepatic steatosis
  • Miscarriage
  • Neurobehavioral effects

Who is Eligible to File a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?

Under the law, individuals eligible to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit include those who lived, worked or were otherwise exposed to the contaminated drinking water for at least 30 cumulative days from August 1953 to December 1987. This may include service members, marine families stationed at the base, civilian workers, and others. If you meet these criteria, you may be entitled to compensation for your health problems due to the toxic chemicals. Don’t leave your case up to chance — contact an experienced class action lawsuit attorney today.

How Do I File a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?

If you believe that you may have been exposed to the harmful chemicals released at Camp Lejeune and are now experiencing health problems, you may be entitled to compensation. To file a lawsuit, you should contact a lawyer specializing in injury law. They will be able to help you determine whether you have a case and guide you through the filing process.

What Are the Benefits of Filing a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?

There are several benefits to filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, including:

  1. Those who file a lawsuit may be able to recover compensation for their injuries due to the toxic chemicals; this includes money for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and any other damages that have been caused
  2. Individuals filing a lawsuit can hold the government accountable for its negligence in releasing these harmful chemicals into the water supply
  3. By filing a lawsuit, individuals may get some closure and relief from the ongoing stress and anxiety caused by this incident

You can increase your chances of getting maximum compensation by working with an attorney that gets results.

What Are the Risks of Filing a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?

The risks associated with filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit are that the claims process can be difficult and stressful and may take many years to resolve. There is also no guarantee that you will receive compensation if you file a lawsuit. However, there are no fees or costs if you do not recover a settlement. While filing a lawsuit has some risks, the benefits are substantial. Seek justice for the pain and suffering you have endured.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?

If you were exposed to the water at Camp Lejeune for 30 cumulative days or more between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, per VA, you have two years from the law’s inception to file your lawsuit. The law passed on August 10, 2022, so there are just two years to file your claim from August 10, 2022. Get started on the claims process as soon as possible before it is too late.

How Much Does it Cost to File a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?

There are no out-of-pocket costs for you to file a claim for Camp Lejeune injuries. Our firm advances all costs, and we are paid on a contingency basis. That means we only get paid if you settle the case or collect through a jury verdict. It is important to note that price should be one of many considerations when hiring an attorney for your lawsuit under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. You need a lawyer with experience handling claims like these and who will help you win against the United States. Consider hiring a lawyer who has experience without personal injury cases.

Contact a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one have been exposed to the harmful chemicals released at Camp Lejeune and are now experiencing health problems, you may be entitled to compensation via the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. Contact a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyer at Welcenbach Law Offices to learn more about your legal options.

Author Bio

Robert J. Welcenbach Robert Welcenbach is an Owner and Partner at Welcenbach Injury Law, a family-owned personal injury law firm in Milwaukee, WI. With more than 24 years of experience practicing law, he seeks justice for clients in a wide range of legal areas, including car accidents, class actions, dog bites, nursing home abuse, and other personal injury matters.

Robert received his Juris Doctor from the Marquette University Law School and is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin. He has received numerous accolades for his work, including being nominated and selected as a Milwaukee Personal Injury and Class Action Super Lawyer every year since 2008.

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