Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 Becomes Law
On August 10, 2022, President Joe Biden signed into law the Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022. Within the PACT act is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which allows members of the armed services who were exposed to toxic chemicals in the water at the base from 1953-1987 to file a claim for damages.
At Bailey Cowan Heckaman PLLC, we represent individuals who have suffered serious harm after being exposed to toxic chemicals. Our nationally-recognized legal team provides dedicated advocacy for veterans and their loved ones who became sick after drinking contaminated water at the Camp Lejeune marine base located in North Carolina.
If you were diagnosed with cancer or another serious health condition after being based at Camp Lejeune, contact our office. Call (888) 367-7160 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
Rights for Camp Lejeune Victims
With the Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022 signed into law, Camp Lejeune victims are on their way to getting the justice they deserve. Incorporated within the PACT Act of 2022 is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022. The Act allows families who have sustained harm after being exposed to contaminated water at the Camp Lejeune Marine base in North Carolina to file a claim for damages.
Who Can Receive Compensation?
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans (VA), to receive disability benefits, a person must have served at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. To be eligible, a person must have lived or worked at the base for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.
The newly passed legislation allows for veterans, their family members, workers, and nearby residents that were potentially affected by the contaminated drinking water to file a claim for damages against the United States government.
Types of Harm Associated with the Toxic Water at Camp Lejeune
Research has shown that the water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with toxic chemicals. Wells that were shut down in 1985 showed that they contained volatile organic compounds, including cancer-causing chemicals. It is believed that the source of the contamination was “on-base leaking storage tanks and industrial activities, and an off-base dry cleaner.”
Harm associated with ingesting the contaminated water include but are not limited to:
- Bladder Cancer
- Female infertility
- Esophageal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Lung cancer
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Leukemia
- Renal toxicity
- Miscarriage
If you lived or worked at Camp Lejeune from 1953 - 1987 and were subsequently diagnosed with a severe health condition, you should contact an attorney. A chemical exposure claims attorney can help you understand your rights and determine your legal options.
Contact Our Office to Discuss Your Case
At Bailey Cowan Heckaman, PLLC, our firm is experienced in toxic chemical cases. We are currently investigating and filing claims related to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. Contact our office now at (888) 367-7160 to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve clients nationwide. There are no fees unless we win; call now to get started.
