Camp Lejeune Justice Act and Chemical Toxic Exposure at U.S. Military Bases: Claims, Benefits, Damages, and More

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows military service personnel, their families, and civilians who were on base cumulatively for 30 days or more who suffered injuries or death from exposure to the water at Camp Lejeune to bring a claim for compensation within two years from when the Act became law (Aug. 10, 2022). The chemicals identified in the water have been linked to injuries such as cancer, Parkinson's, miscarriages, and congenital disabilities.

Claims under this legislation are unique in many ways. First, many will date back to the early 1950s. Second, claimants must make an administrative claim before filing a lawsuit. Third, the legislation waives three important legal issues: (1) statutes of limitation, (2) statutes of repose, and (3) the government's immunity, which typically applies to injuries and damages sustained by military members while on active duty. Fourth, the legislation requires all civil lawsuits to be filed exclusively in the federal courts of the Eastern District of North Carolina.

Camp Lejeune cases are not as simple as filing a claim form but must prove the cases on the merits. Claimants must present strong scientific and medical evidence, establish the service connection, and obtain medical and military service records.

Listen as this experienced panel guides counsel through what they need to know to succeed under this new law.