CAMP LEJEUNE
Recently, President Biden signed the PACT Act in order to help people living or working at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina between 1953-1987 who were exposed to contaminated water that has caused death, illness, and life-altering chronic health conditions. There were two main Volatile Organic Compounds initially identified in Camp Lejeune’s water supply, a dry-cleaning solvent, and a degreaser, but as time went on there were more than 70 chemicals identified in the water that could cause health problems. Those deadly chemicals included Benzene, Toluene, Vinyl Chloride, Trichloroethylene, and Perchloroethylene. Ingesting these poisonous chemicals can cause death, and lots of injury and illness.
Veterans and families that resided or worked at Camp Lejeune have not been able to recover from their injuries. But that changed today with the passage of the PACT Act, which includes the right to assert a claim for money damages for those injured or killed by exposure to Camp Lejeune’s toxic water. As many as 1,000,000 people were exposed to contaminated water over thirty years. An individual, including a veteran and their families, (or the legal representatives of their estates), who resided, worked, or was otherwise exposed (including in utero exposure) for not less than 30 days during the period beginning on August 1, 1953, and ending on December 31, 1987, to water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, that was supplied by, or on behalf of, the United States may bring a civil action for money damages in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
The statute of limitations provided for in the Act are: (A) the date that is two years after the date of enactment of this Act; or (B) the date that is 180 days after the date on which the claim is denied under section 2675 of title 28, United States Code. Any potentially applicable statute of repose or statute of limitations shall not apply to a claim under this section.
The Act:
Provides a remedy against the United States for those exposed to water for at least 30 days at Camp Lejeune from August 1, 1953, and ending on December 31, 1987.
Waives Sovern immunity for the United States.
Requires the filing of a notice letter similar (but not the same) to an SF 95 before a suit can be filed.
Prohibits punitive damages but does not cap actual damages.
Permits jury trials.
Should you or a loved one need representation or simply have questions please let us know and we would be delighted to work with you.