After initially hitting some political roadblocks, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 was passed by the Senate. It was incorporated into the larger Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022, and is expected to be signed into law by President Biden very soon (who already tweeted his support).
This legislation not only allows for veterans to pursue a claim for the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, but provides additional support, medical treatment and service connections for many veterans throughout decades of service for our Country. The Department of Veterans Affairs has outlined the many changes here.
The full text of the soon-to-be enacted law can be found here: with the Camp Lejeune drinking water provisions found at Section 804.
(a) Short title.—This section may be cited as the “Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022”.
(b) In general.—An individual, including a veteran (as defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code), or the legal representative of such an individual, who resided, worked, or was otherwise exposed (including in utero exposure) for not less than 30 days during the period beginning on August 1, 1953, and ending on December 31, 1987, to water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, that was supplied by, or on behalf of, the United States may bring an action in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina to obtain appropriate relief for harm that was caused by exposure to the water at Camp Lejeune.
Importantly, the statute of limitations runs quickly for those who are eligible. Our office is working with a law firm in North Carolina (where all these cases must be filed) to ensure that any of our clients get proper representation for these claims. If you have any questions about the Camp Lejeune Justice Act’s progress, or whether you may be eligible, please contact us.
