Veterans who were exposed to toxic water while stationed at the United States Marine Corps Base at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina may be able to recover monthly disability benefits and receive VA health care. Plus, veterans with dependent children or dependent parents may also be eligible to get survivor benefits from the Department of Veteran Affairs.
The federal government discovered dangerous compounds in the groundwater at Lejeune Camp in 1982. Scientific and medical evidence shows that exposure to these contaminants can lead to the development of some serious illnesses.
Why are More Benefits Possible?
President Joe Biden signed the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, or PACT Act, on August 10, 2022. This legislation bill provides significantly expanded coverage for vets exposed to toxic chemicals while serving in the armed forces. And as part of the more comprehensive PACT Act, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 is a bill that allows military families to seek compensation for their injuries and losses due to water contamination.
Under the text of the Act, any person who “resided, worked, or was otherwise exposed” to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or longer (between August 1st, 1953 and December 31, 1987) may be eligible to file a claim for damages. This includes the following individuals:
- Military members;
- Military family members;
- Non-military workers;
- Civilian contractors; and
- Other long-term residents who lived at Camp Lejeune.
For anyone who’s uncertain about their eligibility status, speak to an experienced Michigan personal injury attorney at Buchanan Firm.
What are the Long-Term Health Effects?
It’s estimated that a million American veterans and their families experienced or are experiencing the long-term health effects of toxic water exposure. Those who lived at Camp Lejeune must have been diagnosed with one of the following diseases:
- Bladder Cancer
- Breast cancer
- Cervical Cancer
- Esophageal Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Renal Toxicity
- Scleroderma
- Hepatic Steatosis
- Infertility In Women (and other birth effects)
- Adult Leukemia
- Aplastic Anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
- Multiple Myeloma
- Lung Cancer
- Neurobehavioral
- Effects (such as ALS & Parkinson’s Disease)
These are just some of the diseases and health issues that have been connected to exposure from contaminated and toxic water at Camp Lejeune.
Who is Eligible for Benefits?
Again, to be eligible, you must have been exposed to the toxic water for a minimum of 30 days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987. Moreover, you must prove that your illness or injuries are connected to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water. This will mean that you will need a medical expert who will testify in court that your condition was caused (at least in part) by your exposure to the contaminated water.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with any of these conditions and resided at Camp Lejeune, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation.
For a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney in Michigan, contact Buchanan Firm. Our firm proudly serves people all across Michigan, including major cities like Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Detroit, Lansing, Holland, St. Joe, and Ann Arbor, and rural towns such as Lowell, Ada, Fremont, Newaygo, Grand Haven, Rockford, and Cedar Springs. We will meet you after-hours, at home or in the hospital, to accommodate you.