The PACT act is a new law that has the potential to provide victims of the Camp Lejeune water contamination disaster with benefits, settlements, and justice. The PACT act was just signed into effect on August 8, 2022, and means that victims can now seek compensation if they were exposed to deadly, toxic water in Camp Lejeune more than half a decade ago.
While this water contamination might have been decades ago, victims still need to have representation, justice, and get the settlement they deserve to ease their pain and suffering. If you think you or someone you know are entitled to compensation, see here for more information about the PACT act, and read on below to find out more about this deadly incident.
What is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022?
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 was introduced to the House of Representatives back in March of 2021. It was introduced after outrage due to the Camp Lejeune contaminated water that plagued the base between 1953 and 1987.
During these three decades, groundwater at Camp Lejeune had toxic levels of solvents in two wells located on the base. These solvents include chemicals used in other industries to dissolve other compounds. They are extremely toxic to human health, and caused the following diseases and health issues for men and women:
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Female infertility
- Hepatic steatosis
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Lung cancer
- Miscarriage
- Multiple myeloma
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Neurobehavioral effects
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Renal toxicity
- Scleroderma
Sadly, many victims died as a result of their diseases, or had family members die due to being exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune.
Am I Entitled to Compensation?
If you lived on the base between 1953 and 1987, were exposed to the drinking water for more than 30 days, and suffered one of the above listed 15 conditions, you might be entitled to compensation.
In addition, if you worked on the base as a civilian contractor, health care worker, or were a family member living on the base, you might have also been exposed to the toxic water. Keep in mind, this water was used as drinking water, for bathing, washing clothes, and even cooking.
It’s estimated that as many as one million people might have been exposed and suffered from the consequences of contaminated drinking water.
Why Was Nothing Done Until Now?
Until recently, only military service members, including active duty members, reservists, and National Guard members, were entitled to VA disability benefits. However, the PACT act was signed into effect on August 8, 2022, by President Joe Biden. The PACT act includes within it the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2021 (now 2022), which allows people to file a civil lawsuit against the federal government.
This was previously almost impossible to do because of the Federal Tort Claims Act. Fortunately, you or a loved one now might be able to file a lawsuit for your pain and suffering, and also file for VA disability.
Before the PACT act, these VA disability benefits were only available to military members that did not have a dishonorable discharge. Even today, filing for VA disability is an extremely difficult process. The process involves filing an intent to file form online, through fax, or mail, submitting relevant information about your disability, and making your claim that this disability has caused you pain and suffering.
Get the Disability and Settlement You Deserve
Dolman Law Group will fight on your behalf, so you can get the settlement you deserve for Camp Lejeune toxic water exposure. Call us today for help.
