From 1953 to 1987, the water supply at Camp Lejeune military base in Jacksonville, North Carolina, was contaminated by toxic chemicals and carcinogens up to 280 times the standard safety level. This water used for bathing, cooking, and drinking by Marines, their families, and employees on the base later caused many to suffer different cancers, diseases, and health complications. Previously, federal law barred victims’ claims against the U.S. government. Now, Congress just passed an act allowing their claims.
If you lived or worked at Camp Lejeune, you may be one of the 450,000 people impacted by the contamination. Henson Fuerst Attorneys has joined Watts Guerra LLC and the Law Office of Douglas Boxer to form Camp Lejeune Legal – an association of law firms working together to pursue federal claims under the Camp LeJeune Justice Act. Our team is actively assisting those affected and is available 24/7 for others who need help filing a claim. Contact us today by calling 919-781-1107 or submitting a free case evaluation form on our website.
About the Camp Lejeune Justice Act
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is a bill that provides former residents of Camp Lejeune the right to seek reparations from the U.S. government for their exposure to the toxic water supply.
Additionally, the bill prevents the U.S. government from asserting specific immunity from litigation in response to any lawsuit. So, now, impacted military veterans, their family members, and former civilian residents on the base have access to the court systems to settle their cases.
About the PACT Act
Honoring Our PACT Act, is the largest bill in American history to address military service members’ exposure to toxic substances, including those at Camp Lejeune. In addition, this bill extends to service members’ family members and caregivers who have fallen ill during their service.
This new legislation will provide expanded access to healthcare and disability benefits for service members suffering from a toxic exposure-related illness. Additionally, it will let the Department of Veteran Affairs move more quickly to identify conditions related to military service and offer critical support to those affected. The bill also includes the tools and resources to ensure a successful implementation from the VA.
The Cause of the Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene, vinyl chloride, and other toxic chemicals contaminated two of the eight water treatment plants at Camp Lejeune. These poisonous water treatment plants were located in:
Hadnot Point where leaking underground storage tanks, industrial spills, and waste disposal sites contaminated the water treatment plant with primarily TCE. Other contaminants included perchloroethylene (PCE) and benzene.
Tarawa Terrace was primarily contaminated with PCE and or TCE due to the waste disposal practices at ABC One-Hour Cleaners, a dry cleaning firm located off the base.
If you lived in either of these areas at Camp Lejeune between 1953 to 1987 and were exposed to the contaminated water supply, you may be eligible to seek compensation from the U.S. government. Contact the experienced veterans law attorneys at Henson Fuerst for a free legal consultation today.
