What is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?
Studies dating as far back as the 1950s have found that Camp Lejeune was subject to extreme drinking water contamination for a period of at least 30 years. The chemicals (most prominently benzene, vinyl chloride, PCE, and TCE) are known to cause various cancers and other severe or fatal illnesses.
In a nutshell, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act is a 2022 law that allows former residents of US Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune to sue the federal government for financial compensation. In order to qualify for compensation, they must meet certain medical and logistical criteria.
The recent admission of claims for Camp Lejeune residents and veterans is a part of the PACT Act. True to it’s name, the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics is an expansion of VA health care that includes veterans subject to various toxic exposures during their time of service.
In theory, the new legislation sets a historical precedent for VA health care and benefits. However, as with any lawsuit, there are caveats to consider. You can now
request a free case review by a licensed attorney before you dive in head first.
"If we'd known the amount of work it would take, and the money involved, we would have explored multiple attorney options before starting..."
Understand the Criteria
Before joining the Camp Lejeune lawsuit, you want to understand what's being evaluated. To even qualify for an evaluation, you must fulfill these criteria:
Present at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, and
Present for a minimum of 30 days, and
Been diagnosed with a severe illness (see the
list)
For children of former Camp Lejeune residents, additional markers apply. Children must have been in the womb during the parent's time of exposure, and must have been diagnosed with one or more severe illnesses. Furthermore, there must be reasonable cause to suspect that water contamination caused said illness.
If you suspect that you, or someone you know, qualifies for compensation under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, the best and most economically sound way to find out is to speak to a licensed attorney.
GET A FREE REVIEW
Why are Veterans and Their Families Losing Money?
Sadly, navigating the legal system can be a tricky and expensive affair if you don't have your facts straight. Lawyers and attorneys charge their fees regardless of the claim's outcome, and some may not be entirely transparent about their clients' prospects.
Filing a suit against the government can also be a time-consuming process. Bureaucracy is infamous for its endless paperwork and assessments requirements, even towards the sick or those who have served their country bravely and dutifully. Some begin the process but elect not to see it through, and the money and time invested is lost.
Before you commit, get a free estimate of the price, time frame, and the rough size of the claim you may be eligible for.
Summary: Your Opening Questions
1. Do I meet the basic qualifying criteria?
2. Should I file my claim alone, or is someone in my family involved, too?
3. Do I need written proof of my diagnosis?
4. How much money should I expect to pay in attorney fees?
5. How likely am I to get compensated, and how much?
6. How long will the legal process take?
7. Do I need to testify or make myself available in court?
With these answers, you might feel better qualified to make a decision, and they are a great starting point for entering into dialogue with a legal advisor.
Claims are being filed every day — see if you qualify now.
GET A FREE CASE REVIEW
