Camp Lejeune is an operating U.S. Marine Corps base in Jacksonville, North Carolina. From 1953 to 1987, the water supply there was full of toxic chemicals. Camp Lejeune veterans fought tenaciously for reparations, which led to the PACT Act being signed. It is a testament to their bravery and will that this legislation was finally passed.
The PACT Act
President Joe Biden signed the PACT Act in August 2022. This law provides compensation to veterans who were exposed to toxins during their years of service. The law addresses up to 1 million individuals who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune during the years of contamination. The PACT Act is a huge win for the nation’s veterans and a first step toward providing them with the support and benefits they are entitled to.
Veterans who were exposed to toxicants while serving their country can get certain benefits under the PACT Act. These benefits include medical care, disability benefits, and financial aid. Under this law, family members who were living on post at the time may also be able to get health insurance. In addition, this bill sets up a way for soldiers who were hurt by Agent Orange, burn pits, and other dangerous or harmful chemicals, as well as the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, to get paid for their injuries.
The “Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act,” of which the Justice Act is a component, is a larger piece of legislation. Let us further examine the Camp Lejeune Justice Act specifically.
Camp Lejeune Justice Act
Unlike the PACT Act, the victims of Camp Lejeune are specifically and deliberately mentioned in the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. This law gives victims the power to sue the state for reparations.
Additionally, it creates a presumption that some medical issues are tied to military service for veterans at Camp Lejeune. The Justice Act is a significant advancement in helping those who have suffered because of hazardous exposure at Camp Lejeune. As for the Camp Lejeune lawsuit, this law makes it much easier than before to ask for compensation.
Lawsuit
With the above in mind, any diagnosis and proof that someone was at Camp Lejeune from 1953 to 1987 is enough to file a lawsuit and claim compensation. If you were a veteran who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune and were later diagnosed with one of the presumed conditions listed on the official VA website, you might also be eligible for benefits.
Lastly, there is a deadline for filing. So, affected individuals need to act now. In addition, the legal action against Camp Lejeune will help hold the negligent parties accountable and make sure you get the compensation that you are due.
People who were exposed, whether they were military personnel or not, are urged to take legal action under the new law. The deadline for submitting claims for the lawsuit is August 2024. So, join the Camp Lejeune trials today.