Camp Lejeune Justice Act Becomes Law After President Biden Signs PACT Act At The White House
WASHINGTON D.C., VIRGINIA (August 8, 2022) – President Biden has finally signed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act during a ceremony at the White House.
The bipartisan bill is part of the larger PACT Act which also has provisions to help veterans injured by burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan. Veterans exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune will also be able to seek aid through civil claims.
Between August 1, 1953 through December 31, 1987 the water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), vinyl chloride (VC) and benzene. It has been estimated that as many as 1,000,000 people were exposed to the contaminated water.
These industrial solvents and degreasing agents are known to cause cancer and other serious ailments including:
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Female infertility
- Hepatic steatosis
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Lung cancer
The government knew about the contaminated water for years and failed to take action. Previously, people who became ill were not able to file civil claims due to a 10 year statute of repose law in North Carolina where the base is located.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act eliminates this procedural hurdle and allows anyone that lived, worked or stayed at the base for at least 30 days from August 1, 1953 through December 31, 1987 to file a civil claim. Victims and their families will finally be able to have their day in court.
If you lived or worked at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, now is the time to act. Our team of toxic tort lawyers at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. are here for you. They have over 39 years of experienced getting justice for their clients. Call us today for a free case evaluation at 800-529-9997.
