The Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) of 2022 is a federal law that aims to provide health care and related support services to veterans exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The legislation was signed into law in 2022 after years of advocacy from military families and lawmakers alike.
The CLJA also offers help to veteran family members residing at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987. According to a recent news bulletin, the contaminants have affected at least 1 million people. If you or a family member have been affected by the contamination exposure, this article will help you understand how you can benefit from this Act.
What is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?
The CLJA of 2022 is a bill passed by the US Congress in August 2022. It was signed as a part of another Act, which revolves around supporting veterans for the problems they have faced while serving the nation.
The aim of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 is to cover not only the military personnel but also their family members. This is because many family members and other civil servants were also present at Camp Lejeune during the incident. The contaminants have been linked to various cancers and other significant health conditions. Through this Act, the government tries to compensate the affected for their problems.
Some of the most significant health conditions associated with water contamination exposure at Camp Lejeune are:
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Adult Leukemia
- Multiple Myeloma
- Hepatic Steatosis
- Neurobehavioral Effects
- Birth defects
All these health conditions were triggered because of the contaminants present in the water supply. Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and Trichloroethylene (TCE) were the most hazardous chemicals. The EPA declared these chemicals likely to be carcinogenic a long time ago. However, the government failed to prevent them from entering the water supply at Camp Lejeune.
Hence, the veterans started filing lawsuits against the government for this failure. The number of cases was so high that they were consolidated into Multidistrict Litigation (MDL), numbered 2911. In the wake of this, the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has also taken several steps to avoid such instances in the future by limiting the use of harmful chemicals.
In this context, in January 2023, EPA proposed a new use rule, SNUR, to curb the use of inactive PFAS without the EPA’s permission. The rule applies to the inactive PFAS not listed under Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory.
Overview of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act’s Purpose and Goals
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is designed to help veterans stationed at Camp Lejeune get compensation for their illnesses, injuries, and disabilities caused by exposure to toxins. According to TorHoerman Law, the Act provides financial compensation for medical care and disability benefits.
The law covers all former service members assigned to the Camp Lejeune Marine Corps base in North Carolina from August 1953 through 1987. It also covers their dependents if they lived on base during that period or were born with birth defects caused by drinking contaminated water while living off-base within 50 miles of an affected area.
This is because many studies have found that prenatal exposure to water contamination at Camp Lejeune has led to various congenital diseases. A simple example of this has been found in a study that concluded that babies exposed to the water while in the womb had 4 times higher chances of being born with neural tube defects.
How the Camp Lejeune Justice Act Addresses the Needs of Affected Veterans
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 compensates those affected by the contamination, including family members of veterans who died.
The Act requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish an electronic registry that lists all individuals who served at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune between January 1, 1957, and December 31, 1987, and have been diagnosed with one or more conditions. This list is created based on the presumptive conditions finalized by the VA.
If someone who resided at Camp Lejeune within the said dates has developed a presumptive disease, he or she does not have to provide any additional documents for claiming compensation.
All the eight conditions declared presumptive are life-changing and more likely to be developed than others. For example, those exposed to Camp Lejeune water contamination are 70% more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease, a presumptive condition.
What Is the Settlement Amount for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?
There is no finalized settlement amount, which can vary from case to case. For instance, someone with a more threatening condition will get higher compensation than someone with less severe damage. Hence, the settlement funds can be different for every case. However, an affected individual can expect between $10,000 to $500,000.
The settlement amounts will depend on various factors. To begin with, the longevity of your stay can influence the total compensation. You can expect a higher amount if you have stayed at Camp Lejeune for a longer time between 1953 and 1987.
Likewise, the severity of the condition, financial losses, economic damages, and even the non-economical damages like the psychological and economic toll on the victims. Since the compensation can vary, it is best to consult a lawyer with experience in such cases. The attorney can help you claim the right settlement amount for your case.
Who Is Eligible to File a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?
Anyone who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between the said dates can file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit.
The lawsuit alleges that the U.S. government knew about the water contamination at Camp Lejeune but failed to take action to protect the people who lived and worked there. As a result, many people have developed serious health problems, including cancer, birth defects, and other chronic illnesses.
If you or someone you know is eligible to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit, please contact an attorney today. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Conclusion
While the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 is a vital step forward in helping veterans, it’s essential to understand that many issues still need to be addressed. The VA has come under fire recently for being unable to provide adequate care for veterans, particularly those who served during Vietnam and other conflicts.
The agency needs more funding and resources to continue helping those who have served our country so faithfully.
