This 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.
So what does this mean for Texas personal injury victims? Austin accident injury attorney Stephen Stewart explains.
Does the Camp Lejeune Justice Act Cover All Personal Injury Claims?
No. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is only relevant to people exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during the time period of 1953 through 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.
It’s important to note that 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.
How Many People May Have Been Exposed at Camp Lejeune?
At Camp Lejeune, it is anticipated that over one million military personnel and their families may have been exposed to contaminated water.
The government knew that the water at Camp Lejeune had been contaminated, but took no action.
If victims were at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between 1953 and 1987, we are looking at victim’s claims to determine if they may have any possible claims.
What Kind of Benefits Can Camp Lejeune Victims Get?
If you were affected by Camp Lejeune during this time period, you may be eligible for health care and compensation benefits.
You’ll need to file a claim for disability compensation online at VA.gov, with the help of an accredited representative, or from a regional Veterans Affairs regional office. 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 in the Camp Lejeune Justice Act
Please note that pursuing a claim under the Camp LeJeune Justice Act DOES NOT affect your Veteran’s benefits.
Contact The Stewart Law Firm For More Information
At the Stewart Law Firm, we know that bad things sometimes happen to good people. That’s why we work hard to fight for our clients when they are injured. Our Austin-based personal injury attorneys have years of experience dealing with all kinds of personal injury claims. Contact us to discuss your case today.
