What is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?
The Camp Lejeune contaminated water act will help to allow affected victims to seek justice. Officially known as the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (H.R. 2192), the bill passed the Senate last night (August 2nd, 2022), and is expected to be signed into law by President Biden. It will allow anyone who lived, worked, or served at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 to assert claims for damages for harm due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The bill will apply to military personnel, guardsmen, reservists, military family members, veterans, and civilian employees who worked on the base. The Act was passed in the U.S. Senate on August 2nd, 2022, and is designed to help anyone who suffered injuries or death from exposure to Camp Lejeune contaminated water to bring a claim within two years from the date the Act becomes effective.
Who was exposed?
It is estimated that more than one million military service members and their family members, as well as countless others who worked on or lived on the base, were exposed to contaminated water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River in North Carolina From 1953 to 1987. Two on-base water supply systems were contaminated with the volatile organic compounds trichloroethylene (TCE), a metal degreaser, perchloroethylene (PCE), a dry cleaning agent, benzene, vinyl chloride and other highly toxic substances. Despite reports from military service members and their families that the water tasted of chemicals, and despite warnings from experts, site inspections and other reports known to the government, no action was taken to address or remedy the contamination.
Any person that served at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 and has a serious illness, miscarriage, or birth defect is potentially eligible for disability, health care, and compensation.
Common injuries that may be compensable include:
- Birth Defects and Birth Injuries
- Miscarriage
- Multiple Myeloma and other Myelodysplastic Syndromes
- Adult Leukemia
- Aplastic Anemia and other Bone Marrow Conditions
- Bladder Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
- Stomach Cancer
- Cervical Cancer
- Esophageal Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Renal Toxicity
- Neurobehavioral Effects
- And Death
Who is eligible for a claim?
The Camp Lejeune contaminated water was used for cooking, drinking, and bathing in enlisted family housing, barracks, schools, base hospitals, recreational areas, and administrative offices. Any individual who was present at Camp Lejeune during these years, including veterans, family members, civilian workers, reservists, and guardsmen may be eligible for relief under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.
How can we help you?
Romano Law Group lawyers are working with clients who are potentially eligible for relief under this Camp Lejeune water contamination Act and are investigating potential claims against the federal government on their behalves. Founder, John F. Romano, served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps and was stationed at Camp Lejeune in the mid 1970’s. John and his wife, Nancy, and Romano Law Group Attorneys Eric and Todd Romano (also a Marine Corps officer and veteran) lived in base housing at Camp Lejeune with their parents and their other two brothers while John was stationed there. John and Nancy’s youngest of four sons, Dr. Ryan Romano, a former Naval Officer and veteran, was born at Camp Lejeune.
More information on Camp Lejeune Water Contamination can be found here.
Authored by Todd Romano
