Camp Lejeune Justice Act Attorneys – Representing Veterans and Families in Mississippi

Camp lejeune cases Attorney Ridgeland MS

Senate voted on the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. Individuals harmed by contaminated water while living or working on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune are one big step closer to being able to recover the financial compensation they deserve. Here’s the latest update on the progressing legislation and what potential claimants need to know about moving forward with a Camp Lejeune lawsuit.

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The Camp Lejeune Justice Act Is On The Verge Of Becoming Law

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, introduced in the House of Representatives in January 2022, has now passed both the House and the Senate. The bill is on its way to becoming federal law, an update that would benefit the Veterans and families who have been harmed by exposure to toxic chemicals in the drinking water on the North Carolina military base.

In March 2022, the House of Representatives voted 256 to 174 to pass the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022, which encompasses the Camp Lejeune Justice Act along with other legal matters pertaining to toxic exposures related to military service. On June 16, 2022, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 84 to 14.

The final step needed to turn this bill into federal law is for President Joe Biden to sign it into law. The President has already advocated for the passageof the Honoring our PACT Act and is expected to sign the bill into law, possibly as early as this week.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 would establish a two-year timeframe from the date of the law’s enactment during which Veterans, their families, and others exposed to contaminated drinking water on the military base could commence legal action. This window is critical because it removes legal technicalities, like North Carolina’s statute of repose, that have barred claimants from receiving compensation despite having both a history of exposure and a relevant medical diagnosis. Once the law passes, Veterans and their families can finally move forward with a claim for the compensation they deserve.

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Who Can File A Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?

To have a valid lawsuit against Camp Lejeune, you need to establish a direct link between your time there, exposure to contaminated water and a later health condition. This applies not only to active-duty personnel but also to civilians, family members and children born to mothers who drank water while pregnant. The person filing a claim must have consumed contaminated water from the Camp Lejeune system for 30 days or more between August 1st, 1953 and December 31st 1987.

Toxic Exposure In Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Claims

What constitutes exposure in Camp Lejeune claims? Generally, you (or the loved one on behalf of whom you are seeking compensation) must have been exposed to water from contaminated systems at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between the dates of August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.

The contaminated treatment plants and distribution systems on the base were the Hadnot Point and Tarawa Terrace plants. The Hadnot Point system sometimes supplemented water distributed by the Holcomb Boulevard system, expanding the scope of potential contamination to Veterans and families served by this water system, as well.

The water in these systems during the period between 1953 and 1987 was found to have contained a number of volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) at levels in excess of what is considered safe for drinking water. The specific toxic chemicals detected in Camp Lejeune drinking water include trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (also called perchloroethylene, or PCE), vinyl chloride, and benzene.

Medical Conditions Linked To Contaminated Water At Camp Lejeune

Each of these chemicals has been linked to serious medical conditions. Research findings sufficient to establish causation exist in the case of several medical conditions, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

TCE has been shown to cause Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, kidney cancer, and cardiac defects. Additionally, research findings have uncovered sufficient evidence to suggest but not definitively conclude a causal relationship between exposure to TCE and leukemia, multiple myeloma, liver cancer, scleroderma, end-stage renal disease, and Parkinson’s disease.

Causation has been established between exposure to PCE and bladder cancer, while evidence suggests but is not currently sufficient to definitively conclude causation of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and end-stage renal disease.

Evidence exists that demonstrates causation between vinyl chloride exposure and liver cancer. Other health conditions that have been linked to vinyl chloride exposure by at least one research study include lung cancer, brain cancer, soft tissue cancer, and liver cirrhosis.

Sufficient evidence exists to show causation between benzene exposure and leukemias and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Research studies have also suggested causation between benzene and multiple myeloma, although the evidence is not sufficient to definitively conclude a causal relationship with this health condition. At least one research study has linked benzene exposure to miscarriage, aplastic anemia, and myelodysplastic syndromes.

Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, the plaintiff must be able to provide evidence showing either that there is a causal relationship between the toxic exposure resulting from Camp Lejeune contaminated water or “that a causal relationship is at least as likely as not.” As such, research findings on the health effects of these VOCs are integral to the success of a Camp Lejeune lawsuit.

In light of the ongoing legislative developments, attorneys are currently reviewing potential Camp Lejeune lawsuit claims. If you believe you may have the grounds for a claim, either under current law or once the new legislation is enacted, consider consulting a Camp Lejeune lawyer who is knowledgeable about these unique legal situations to learn more about your legal rights.

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Why Specialized Legal Representation is Non-Negotiable

Pursuing a Camp Lejeune claim involves navigating a complex federal process and confronting powerful government defense teams. It also requires gathering extensive medical and scientific evidence. The Department of Justice will handle an anticipated flood of claims, so it is crucial that your case be thoroughly prepared and aggressively argued. An experienced Camp Lejeune attorney can assist you in navigating this process and ensuring that your claim is appropriately valued for both economic and noneconomic damages.

Our legal team is actively reviewing potential claims in preparation for the signing of the law. We operate on a contingency basis, which means that you will not have to pay any attorney’s fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. We understand the significant physical, emotional, and financial impact that this contamination has had, and we are committed to fighting for maximum compensation in order to provide security and recognition for you and your family.

Do Not Wait to Secure Your Rights. Contact Our Office Today.

If you or a loved one lived, worked or served at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 for at least 30 days, and have since experienced serious illness, it is essential to take action now. The two-year filing period begins upon the President’s signature. Collecting evidence, obtaining medical records and building a strong case takes time. Taking proactive steps is crucial.

Contact our office today at (601) 414-3707 to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation with our experienced team of lawyers specializing in Camp Lejeune cases. We will review your medical records, discuss your diagnosis, and explain your legal options. We are here to help you fight for justice and the compensation you deserve after the Camp Lejeune water tragedy. We proudly serve clients throughout Mississippi and the nation in their pursuit of accountability.

Common Camp Lejeune Faqs

Is multiple sclerosis part of Camp Lejeune water contamination?

While Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is not currently on the official presumptive list, other neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease are. Ongoing research continues to explore connections between VOC exposure and a wider range of autoimmune and neurological disorders, and a skilled attorney can assess the latest science to support claims for conditions not yet formally listed.

What is the average payout for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit?

There is no true “average” payout, as settlements and verdicts will vary dramatically based on the severity of the illness, the strength of the medical nexus, the age of the claimant, and the economic losses incurred. Claims involving terminal cancers or catastrophic birth defects will be valued significantly higher than those for less severe conditions. A consultation with our firm will provide a realistic assessment of your potential case value.

What autoimmune diseases are linked to Camp Lejeune water contamination?

Research suggests that exposure to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water may be linked to autoimmune diseases like scleroderma and systemic lupus erythematosus. However, additional conditions may also be considered based on the exposure.

What are Camp Lejeune tier 2 claims?

“Tier 2” claims generally refer to conditions with a strong scientific association but perhaps not yet meeting the highest level of presumptive causation. These might include certain rare cancers, severe renal disease, or specific cardiac conditions. While potentially more complex to prove, they remain highly viable with proper legal and expert support.

Has anyone won a Camp Lejeune settlement?

Yes, prior to this Act, some families successfully navigated the administrative claims process or won in court despite legal hurdles, setting important precedents. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is designed to streamline this process and allow the thousands of pending and future claims to be heard fairly, aiming for just resolutions without the previous legal barricades.

What type of compensation can I recover?

A successful claim can seek compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and reduced quality of life. The goal is to recover financial damages that reflect the full impact of the illness caused by the exposure. Each case is evaluated individually based on the severity of the harm.

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