On June 16, 2022, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 passed the Senate as part of the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022 (H.R. 3967). As of June 23, 2022, the House needed to vote on the revised H.R. 6482, which would then go to President Biden to sign.
This law will allow veterans, civilians, and families who have lost a loved one through exposure to the toxic chemicals at Camp Lejeune to recover damages from the federal government. So, if you or a loved one has developed scleroderma due to Camp Lejeune contamination, our Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyers can help you build a case for compensation.
How Will the New Law Help People Affected by Contaminants at Camp Lejeune?
Once President Biden signs the Act into law, it will enable Marines and other people who have suffered severe diseases or illnesses after exposure to the base’s toxic water to file a lawsuit against the federal government for damages. It should also improve how the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) manages disability benefit applications related to Camp Lejeune illnesses.
Our legal teams have helped people harmed by exposure to the water supply at the base. For example, we have evaluated potential cases that may qualify to join a class action lawsuit under the new law. To qualify, injured parties must meet the following criteria:
- The injured party served at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 cumulative days
- Their service must have occurred between August 1953 and December 1987
- They were not dishonorably discharged from the military
- The injured party must have been diagnosed with one or more of the qualifying conditions associated with exposure to contaminants at the camp.
We can also help you appeal a decision if VA denies your application for disability benefits. However, if you receive disability benefits for an illness related to exposure at Camp Lejeune, you will still be able to file a lawsuit should you meet the qualifying criteria.
Scleroderma and Camp Lejeune Contamination
Scleroderma is one of the many diseases associated with exposure to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune. For 34 years, dangerous chemicals seeped into the treatment plants serving the base, resulting in serious harm to the people who lived and worked there.
This chronic disease causes hardened and tightened areas of skin, which can also lead to problems with internal organs and blood vessels. Different types of sclerodermas can cause mild to severe health problems. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of the disease include:
- Swollen and extremely dry, itchy skin
- Limited or restricted movement in the hands, fingers, wrists, or other body parts if the hardened skin forms over a joint
- Skin sores
- Lumps caused by calcium deposits
- Blood vessels visible through the skin
- Extreme sensitivity to stress or cold
- Digestive system issues
- Shortness of breath
- High blood pressure
- Abnormal heartbeat
Scleroderma has no cure; however, it can be managed with various treatments.
Who Can Join the Camp Lejeune Justice Act Class Action Lawsuit?
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, nearly one million people who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 were exposed to harmful chemicals in the base’s water supply. Testing and studies have determined the water supply contained dangerously elevated levels of TCE, PCE, benzene, and other compounds. These chemicals have been linked with certain types of cancer, other severe illnesses, and birth defects.
Unfortunately, thousands of service members, their families, and civilian employees have developed cancer and other diseases due to their exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. So far, none of the victims have been able to sue for compensation for their injuries due to the federal government’s immunity.
However, once President Biden signs the law, the federal government waives its immunity from lawsuits. As a result, victims of Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water will have a two-year window to file suit in the Eastern District of North Carolina and recover damages for the medical bills, lost quality of life, and other losses they’ve experienced. Finally, Marines who honorably served their country can receive the justice they deserve.
Making My Claim for Developing Scleroderma Due to Camp Lejeune Contamination?
Our class action trial lawyers are here to support individuals who worked or lived at the camp between 1953 and 1987 and were later diagnosed with scleroderma related to the camp’s contaminated water.
Our team has taken the time to review the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 and understand the legal options that will become available to military personnel and their loved ones who suffered debilitating diseases due to exposure to the contamination at the base. We are ready to answer your questions and address your concerns during a free initial consultation.
Will It Be Expensive to Hire Legal Representation?
We believe everyone should be able to access the justice system and will provide our legal services on a contingency fee basis. This system means we fund the cost of building and pursuing your case. Instead, we only collect our fees and expenses if we achieve a favorable settlement or verdict on your behalf.
Contact Our Trial Lawyers for a Free Evaluation of Your Case
At Ben Crump Law, PLLC, our trial lawyers understand what it means to be wronged by powerful organizations and government entities that negligently harmed large groups of people. Class actions allow injured people to unite and hold those responsible for causing their pain and suffering accountable for their actions.
If you or a loved one suffered scleroderma or another illness caused by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, contact our legal team today for a free initial consultation to learn about your legal options.
