On August 10th, 2022, the PACT ACT (and subsequently the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, CLJA) was signed into effect. Per the CLJA, potential claimants had 2 years from the date of enactment to establish a claim with the Department of Navy (DON) Judge Advocate General (JAG). Pursuant to the CLJA, the deadline for all claims to be initiated is August 10th, 2024. With the deadline to initiate claims in 3 short months, coupled with the investigation requirement that is needed before initiation a claim, our firm will no longer accept any new clients after May 15th, 2024.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act, H.R. 2192, was recently passed by both the United States House and Senate. President Biden is expected to sign the bill into law. When passed, the act will allow “former residents of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, military, civilians and their families the right to seek reparations from the U.S. government.”
Why are survivors suing the government?
Camp Lejeune, located in North Carolina, hosted an extremely toxic water supply. Between 1953 and 1987, the water was found to contain up to 280 times the “safe” level of carcinogens and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Scientists identified four core chemicals and 70 secondary chemicals in the water supply.
When servicemembers, their families and civilians on base were exposed to the water supply, many suffered devastating health complications. Drinking, cooking, bathing and other water exposure caused numerous cases of cancer, stillbirths, miscarriages, infertility and Parkinson’s disease.
Before the act passed, poisoned survivors were unable to sue the government. The federal government has broad immunity from civil lawsuits. Furthermore, North Carolina had a 10 year statute of limitations for these cases, which further prohibited survivors and their families from receiving compensation.
Who is entitled to sue?
Under the new statute, anyone who lived at or worked on the base for at least 30 days, between 1952 and 1987, may file a claim. They must have been exposed to the toxic water in order to file suit.
Anyone poisoned who meets the above qualifications may file a claim. Previously, the only compensation available was through the VA. Servicemembers and veterans were entitled to presumptive benefits and their out-of-pocket costs. That barred civilians and family members from receiving benefits, even if they also suffered deformities, severe diagnoses and other health issues. Now, the poisoned non-servicemembers and veterans can recover compensation for their illnesses and loss.
If you believe you were poisoned by Camp Lejeune’s toxic water supply between 1953 to 1987, you need an experienced personal injury attorney on your side. Proving that your medical conditions resulted from toxic water can be difficult.
Fortunately, the Law Offices of Tim Misny has decades of experience with toxic torts and personal injury law. Our skilled attorneys and expert witnesses can help you recover compensation for this serious injustice. When you call, we’ll gladly review your claim and explain your legal options.
Discuss your case with an Ohio personal injury lawyer today
If you or a family member were poisoned by Camp Lejeune’s toxic water supply, help is available. I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (800) 556-4769 so that I can evaluate your case right away. We’ll fight to get the compensation you deserve.
