Camp Lejeune Justice Act
August 10, 2023, marked the one-year anniversary of the passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. This was an expansion of the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins, or PACT Act (PACT Act). The Justice Act was signed into law in an effort to compensate members of the United States Marine Corps, (both deceased and alive), members of their families, and civilians for illnesses and injuries they experienced as a result of exposure and consumption of toxic water. To be eligible, the exposure must have occurred for a period of 30 consecutive days from August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987, at Camp Lejeune or the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) at New River in North Carolina.
What We Know
The process for pursuing potential partial justice through the PACT Act has two steps at the outset:
First, victims must file an administrative claim with the Navy.
Six months after filing an administrative claim with the Navy, if the claim has not been accepted or approved by the Navy, a lawsuit can be filed in the federal courts in Eastern North Carolina.
As of our most recent check, it is reported that the Navy had received in excess of 93,000 administrative claims. Because hundreds of claims have reached and exceeded the 6-month mark without governmental acknowledgment, there have been more than 900 lawsuits filed against the US government in federal courts in Eastern North Carolina.
The bad news - Not one claim has been accepted. Not one victim has been made whole.
The better news - Not one claim has been rejected. Not one victim has been yet denied.
What Is Clear
What is clear at this point is that the resolution of these cases will not be quick, and will not be uncontested. The United States Government has filed answers to some of the cases filed under the Justice Act. Some of the defenses they have set forth in at least one case include “assumption of risks”, “contributory negligence”, and “failure to mitigate damages”. Warren v. United States of America, No. 23-cv-00091 (E.D.N.C.).
What We Are Doing
At Edwards and Beightol we continue to stay on top of the latest information regarding the Justice Act, the suits filed under the Justice Act, and public and private commentary and explanation of updates regarding the law and findings. We continue to listen to veterans and affected civilians with regard to their injuries, losses, and pain and suffering at the hands of the Lejeune water contamination. We continue to seek justice for those who thirsted only to serve their country, only to find themselves potentially poisoned.
If either you or someone you know and care about was exposed to the toxins in the water found at Camp LeJeune during the timespan of 1953-1987, please contact our office to receive guidance about the possible pursuit of a claim related to the personal injury you may have received in connection with your exposure.
As always, at Edwards Beightol we stand ready to be your voice, your counsel, and your method of receiving protection and justice.
For further information regarding the issues described above, please contact Jennifer L. Crawford.
The intent of this article is purely informative - for general knowledge purposes. It is not to be relied upon for legal advice nor does it assert or intend to give legal advice. Every person’s factual situation is different and therefore we assert that this article is not to be relied upon for the making of decisions or the performance of any action based upon this article. You should seek the specific, individual consultation and advice of a licensed attorney before taking any action or reaching any conclusion.