Last week, President Biden signed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, allowing military personnel and their families who may have suffered injuries or death from exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune to bring a claim for compensation.
From experienced Texas and New Mexico personal injury attorney Clark Harmonson, here’s what you need to know about this Act. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is for potential victims of exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejune between 1953 and 1987.
During this time, water supplies at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina were contaminated with hazardous chemicals, which are linked to numerous injuries/sickness, including:
- Cancer,
- Neurological defects such as Parkinson’s disease,
- Miscarriages
- Birth defects, and
- Other injuries.
Please note that the Camp Lejeune Justice Act states that victims have 2 years from the enactment of the law to file their claims. So the statute of limitations on these claims starts now. It is anticipated that over one million military personnel and their families may have been exposed to contaminated water.
Although the government knew that the water at Camp Lejeune had been contaminated, no action was taken to clean the water for the military personnel and their families.
If victims were at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between 1953 and 1987, they may have possible claims. Potential victims of this contamination can apply for health care benefits and other types of compensation for their injuries by filing a claim for disability compensation in a number of ways:
- Online via VA.gov
- With the help of an accredited representative
- With the help of a Veterans Affairs regional office.
When you file a claim, you’ll need to provide the following evidence:
- Your military records showing you served at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River for at least 30 days from August 1953 through December 1987 while on active duty, or in the National Guard or Reserves, and
- Medical records stating that you have 1 or more of the 8 illnesses on the presumptive conditions list (see above)
Whether you believe you were affected by the contamination at Camp Lejeune during this time period or have suffered a different type of personal injury, Harmonson Law Firm is here to help.
Over the years, we’ve proven ourselves capable of handling personal injury cases of all types and sizes, as well as challenging claims involving serious auto accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and more. We know preventable injuries and losses place tremendous strain on victims and their loved ones, and are committed to securing the full and fair compensation they deserve. Contact us today to get started on your case.
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