Camp Lejeune Veterans Have Less Than One Year Left to File Water Contamination Claims

With an August 10, 2024 deadline to file Camp Lejeune water contamination injury claims, many veterans have sadly already passed away from their injuries caused by exposure to toxic water on base. A group of widows in Florida aims to encourage veterans, other widows, and their children to file claims before it’s too late.

Decades after contaminants polluted the water supply at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, many veterans and their families have sadly passed away from illnesses and certain cancers linked to their exposure to the water. Conditions like Parkinson’s disease, liver cancer, leukemia, and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma developed years after veterans served our nation, in addition to others suffering the frustration and devastation of miscarriages and infertility. Some left behind families far too soon, while others lost their children even before they were born.

With the passage of the PACT Act in 2022, which included a two-year window of time for those injured to seek justice under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA), anyone who lived, worked or was otherwise on base for at least 30 days total (non-consecutively) between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987 and suffered harm may submit a claim. This includes children born to women who also were living on base during that time and have also suffered.

Claimants have until August 10, 2024 to file an administrative claim with the Department of the Navy. If that claim is denied within 180 days or no decision is made within that timeframe, claimants have the option to file a lawsuit in the Eastern District of North Carolina to seek compensation. Last month, an Elective Option for Resolution was announced for CLJA claims. The settlement option applies to certain claimants who were diagnosed with nine specific health conditions, offering compensation based on a claimant’s diagnosis and length of exposure to the contaminated water on Camp Lejeune.

While the CLJA provides a means for redress, it does not stop the clock for veterans who are gravely ill, nor does it not make up for time lost by those who dies from these conditions at very young ages.  A local news channel in Orlando spoke with several Camp Lejeune widows who are urging others to file their claims and help educate and spread information about the lawsuit and potential compensation. “That money is not going to replace your loved one, but it could make the after a bit easier on your family,” said Michelle James, one of the widows who is leading a group encouraging veterans, surviving spouses, and their children to file claims.

Have a Camp Lejeune Injury Claim? Contact Us Today to Discuss Your Potential Case

If you lived or worked at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina between 1953 and 1987 and believe your cancer or other serious injury was caused by water contamination, call us today. Grant & Eisenhofer attorneys can evaluate your potential claim during a completely free consultation.