Were You Injured While Stationed or Living at Camp Lejeune?
The beginning of August saw the signing of the “Sergeant First Class Health Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act,” or PACT Act, for short, into law. The PACT Act expands healthcare benefits for veterans and their families who have developed illnesses and conditions as a result of toxic exposures, providing an easier path for more people to secure the medical benefits they need.
An important part of the PACT Act is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022. Per Stripes.com, “Included in the PACT Act is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, which will allow veterans, families and other individuals who worked or lived for at least 30 days on the base from Aug. 1, 1953, to Dec. 31, 1987, to sue for harm and exposure to contaminated water.”
If this applies to you or a member of your family, keep reading to find out how the Tulsa attorneys at Biby Law Firm can help.
What happened to the water at Camp Lejeune?
Back in 1982, the Marine Corp discovered toxins in the water at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, where hundreds of thousands of servicepeople worked, lived, and passed through. They found what’s called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the water at Hadnot Point and Tarawa Terrace – water residents used for bathing and cooking. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) determined:
- Tarawa Terrace’s water was contaminated by PCE (perchloroethylene or tetrachloroethylene) from an off-base dry cleaning business waste disposal.
- Hadnot Point’s water had multiple contaminants, including TCE (trichloroethylene), PCE, and benzene, coming from multiple sources.
Am I eligible for benefits under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?
Under the terms of the Act:
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.
For the first time in history, this means that not only veterans, but also families and civilians (including those in utero) affected by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune are now eligible to seek benefits. Additionally, the Act overrules North Carolina’s previous statute of repose for toxic exposure claims which had barred sick veterans from filing claims for their injuries and harm.
If you or your loved one meet the conditions stated above, and have developed a medical condition from contaminated water, you are likely eligible for benefits under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. Similarly, if you are unsure whether or not you qualify, the attorneys at Biby Law Firm can help guide you through the process.
What medical conditions are covered under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?
The VA considers the following conditions and diseases “presumptive” as a result of Camp Lejeune water contamination:
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“Presumptive” means that you do not have to prove that exposure to toxic water directly led to the development of your condition.
Other conditions that may be covered under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act include:
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Can you help me make a claim for Camp Lejeune toxic exposure?
Yes. The Tulsa attorneys at Biby Law Firm understand how claims against the government work, and we also know that even one small mistake in checking a box can derail your entire case. Millions of people may now be eligible to make a claim, and any errors in your documentation could put yours at the bottom of the pile.
We can help. To expedite the process any potential claimant should start to gather the following materials:
- Proof of military service or proof of dependent relationship. If you’re a dependent, this can be your birth certificate or marriage license to the Camp Lejeune veteran.
- Proof of residence or occupational status at Camp Lejeune. Eligibility requires you worked and/or lived on base for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987.
- Medical records, including the date of discovery of your illness, your treatments, and all the expenses related to your illness. If you or your loved one are unable to obtain the medical records our team at Biby Law Firm can begin the collection process as long as you know what doctors and facilities may be involved.
Our attorneys understand the sacrifices our veterans made to keep our country safe. Now it’s time for us to help them. At Biby Law Firm, our Tulsa lawyers are ready to assist you in filing your Camp Lejeune personal injury claim and secure the health benefits you need and deserve. We proudly serve clients throughout the state, including Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Bixby, Claremore, Jenks, Owasso, Sand Springs, Sapulpa, Wagoner, Muskogee, and the surrounding areas. For a free consultation, contact us or call 918-574-8458 today.
Jacob Biby has spent his legal career helping folks just like you get the resources they need after a personal injury, car accident, or oil field injury. He completed his undergraduate degree at Oklahoma State University and earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Tulsa in 2008. Jacob is licensed to practice in all Oklahoma state and federal courts. Learn more about Jacob Biby.