Who Qualifies for Relief Under the Camp Lejeune Water Act?
01. Exposure
Individuals must have been exposed to the contaminated water between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.
02. Length of Exposure
Individuals must have been exposed to the contaminated water for at least 30 days by being stationed on, living on or working on the base during the eligible years.
03. Harm
Individuals will need to show the exposure caused a harm to themselves, a child or family member. Many Cancers, Diseases and Complications are covered. See list below.
How Did The Water At Camp Lejeune Become Contaminated?
Water from the Tarawa Terrace water treatment plant was found to be contaminated with perchloroethylene or tetrachloroethylene. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the waste disposal practices of ABC One-Hour Cleaners, an off-site dry cleaning business, was the primary source of the contamination.
Water at the Hadnot Point water treatment plant was contaminated by TCE (trichloroethylene). Other contaminants include PCE and benzene and TCE degradation products trans-1,2-DCE (t-1,2-dichloroethylene) and vinyl chloride. The supply wells at the plant became contaminated from multiple sources including leaking underground storage tanks, industrial spills, and waste disposal sites. From 1953 to 1985 the drinking water at the military base exceeded contaminant levels considered safe by the Environmental Protection Agency.
What is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022?
People can sue and recover damages for harm caused by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Claims are NOT limited to military members and their families. It also applies to people who lived at the base such as spouses, children, and other family members. Workers exposed to the contaminated water are also covered.
Individuals must have been exposed to the contaminated water between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. Individuals must have been exposed to the contaminated water for at least 30 days. Individuals who bring an action under this law may not bring a separate tort action against the United States based on the same harm.
The legislation covers all individuals who have not already been compensated. But plaintiffs seeking damages must be able to prove their claim based on its merits. Accordingly, it is extremely important that anyone exposed to contaminated water at the base keep all medical records, work records and documents related to their stay at Camp Lejeune.
