The Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Contamination and Justice Act
Introduction
The Camp Lejeune toxic water contamination is one of the most significant environmental disasters in American military history. Between 1953 and 1987, approximately one million military personnel, civilian workers, and their families were exposed to hazardous chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), at the Marine Corps base located in North Carolina. After years of suffering and loss, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) was established by national lawmakers in August of 2022, providing a two-year legal window for eligible individuals to file claims for financial compensation before its deadline of August 10, 2024.
The Contamination: Decades of Suffering
The contamination at Camp Lejeune began in the 1950s when hazardous waste from the base’s industrial area infiltrated two of the water treatment plants, leading to exposure to extremely toxic chemicals. Despite the contamination being identified in 1982, it wasn’t until 1985 that the water plants were shut down, and many individuals had suffered significant harm by then. Those who worked or resided on the base between 1953 to 1987 and sustained injuries from contaminated water are eligible to file a CLJA claim.
Decades of exposure to toxic chemicals in the Camp Lejeune water supply has led to numerous debilitating illnesses. Those exposed have developed serious health problems, including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukemia, liver cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, multiple myeloma, Parkinson’s disease, and a range of other cancers. Moreover, babies whose mothers were exposed while pregnant were also affected.
Preparing Your Camp Lejeune Claim
Those who believe they may be eligible for compensation must file a CLJA claim before the August 10, 2024 deadline. Eligible individuals can receive more information on Camp Lejeune claims by visiting the Tort Claims Unit (TCU) set up by the Office of the Judge Advocate General (JAG) of the Navy’s online portal. Claims can be submitted online, through the mail, or hiring a Camp Lejeune lawyer may be the safest route.
Why You Need a Camp Lejeune Lawyer
With the deadline for filing a claim fast approaching, it is recommended that victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination should seek out the services of an experienced lawyer. Lawyers can ensure that all the required documentation is in order, and the claim can be filed appropriately before the deadline. Additionally, a Camp Lejeune lawyer can ensure that you receive the correct and just amount of compensation for your specific injury.
The Road Ahead: Filing a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit
If a larger issue arises, such as a claim denial or insufficient compensation, the lawyer can assist in moving forward with a Camp Lejeune lawsuit. All Camp Lejeune lawsuits are currently being handled by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
The Importance of Filing a Camp Lejeune Claim
Filing a claim cannot take away the physical pain and emotional suffering from a long-term illness or bring back a loved one who died from the contamination. However, it can remove some of the burden and perhaps cushion some of the heartbreak for the victim’s families. Furthermore, filing a Camp Lejeune claim will also help hold the U.S. government accountable for their role in the contamination.
Conclusion
The Camp Lejeune toxic water contamination caused devastating harm to those exposed, and the legal window for victims to file for compensation is closing in August 2024. It is critical that victims familiarize themselves with the claim process, seek out experienced legal assistance, and file claims in a timely manner. This is a difficult and painful journey, but it is one worth taking to ensure accountability and justice for the victims of the Camp Lejeune water contamination crisis.
Originally Post From https://www.legalexaminer.com/environment/camp-lejeune-water-contamination-lawsuits/time-is-running-out-to-file-a-camp-lejeune-injury-claim/
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