8 Facts About the Camp Lejeune Justice Act Every Veteran Should Know
Veterans who were stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 need to know about the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. If you or a loved one were affected by the toxic water contamination that occurred at Camp Lejeune during these dates, you are qualified for a settlement from the United States government. Before filing, however, it’s useful to educate yourself about the key facts surrounding the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. To assist you on this journey, here are eight facts about the Camp Lejeune Justice Act that every veteran should know:
1. The Government Knew About the Toxic Water Contamination
While the government is meant to protect service members during their time of service (and after), they do not always do so. The Camp Lejeune tragedy is one of the clearest examples of this in action, as nearly one million people (including veterans and their family members) were exposed to toxic water contamination for decades, all while this was often actively covered up by higher-ups at the base.
2. Family Members and Civilian Contractors Qualify for Justice
Service members and veterans are not the only people who qualify for settlements under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. Family members who lived on the base, and civilian contractors who lived on the base (for 30 days or more) will also be eligible to file a lawsuit thanks to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. For those who are still uncertain as to whether or not they qualify, the professionals at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can assist you.
3. The Water Contamination Occurred Over Decades
Under the text of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, those who lived on the base for more than 30 days between August 1st, 1953, and December 31st, 1987, are those who qualify to bring a lawsuit forward. These dates reflect the most accurate timeline for when major water contamination existed on the Camp Lejeune base. Documentation demonstrating that you were on the Camp Lejeune base during these years is critical to receiving a settlement.
4. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is Part of the Honoring Our PACT Act
The biggest news in veterans advocacy this year is the passing of the Honoring Our PACT Act, which provides a massive amount of settlement money for veterans who were exposed to toxic burn pits and other toxic materials during their service. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is just one of the many situations within the larger PACT Act that ensures veterans are finally getting justice, and receiving the money they need to live dignified lives after a life-altering medical diagnosis.
5. You Can File a Camp Lejeune Justice Act Lawsuit Right Now
As soon as the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was signed into law, the ability to bring a lawsuit against the US government for toxic water contamination-related issues became possible. There are tons of resources to help you file a lawsuit, and the sooner you do so, the sooner you can get the money you need to deal with medical conditions that arose from the contamination at Camp Lejeune.
6. A Camp Lejeune Justice Act Settlement is Separate from Potential VA Disability Benefits
Back in 2012, the Camp Lejeune Families Act allowed veterans who were affected by water contamination at Camp Lejeune to qualify for some VA disability benefits. Family members of those veterans who were diagnosed with conditions were sometimes eligible as well. However, there were only 15 specific illnesses that this act covered:
-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
7. Several Toxic Contaminants Were Found in the Water at Camp Lejeune
Many of the toxic contaminants that were found in the water at Camp Lejeune were volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These compounds came from toxic wells, broken storage tanks, and other locations that were in, and around, the Camp Lejeune base. Some of the most common VOCs that were found in the water were benzene, vinyl chloride, tetrachloroethylene, and others.
8. The Government has Allocated Over $2 Billion for Camp Lejeune Justice Act Settlements
Thanks to the passing of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, over $2 billion has been allocated for settlements. This allocated money is expected to be spent over the next two years, and over $100 million is expected to be spent paying out settlements in the first few months post-bill-passage as well.
Receive the Compensation You Deserve Now
Now that you know important facts about the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, you can begin your lawsuit, and receive the settlement you need to lead a dignified post-diagnosis life now. Thankfully, the act’s text has been written to make this process quick and simple for those affected by the toxic water contamination at Camp Lejeune.