What is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?

What is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?

A law that allows the exposed military, their family members AND civilians to seek restitution from the U.S. government.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 strives for restitution for those drowning in the U.S. Government’s cover-up. This law is a federal remedy to provide the residents of Camp Lejeune, military, civilians and their families an opportunity for restitution.

Without this law, the family members and civilians who suffer from diseases, deformities and loss of loved ones would not have an opportunity for restitution.

The law allows Camp Lejeune victims to exercise their constitutional right to legal action. This action is available to individuals exposed to contaminated water for at least 30 days regardless of whether they are veterans, family members, caretakers, or civilians.

Source: Congress ➤

What disability claims process did the Obama administration implement?

Two levels of benefits solely through the VA: presumptive benefits and compensation for family members’ out-of-pocket costs.

In January 2017, the Obama administration implemented a disability claims process through the VA. Outgoing VA Secretary Bob McDonald determined that there was "sufficient scientific and medical evidence" to establish a connection between exposure to the contaminated water and eight medical conditions for purposes of awarding disability compensation.

To date, approximately 71,400 Camp Lejeune victims have filed for disability claims, but just five percent have been treated for a recognized condition.

Sources:
NBC News, U.S. Agrees to Pay Billions to Marines Affected by Toxic Water ➤

The White House ➤

Why have the poisoned alumni of Camp Lejeune consistently fallen short of garnering relief?

North Carolina’s enforcement of a strict 10-year statute of repose.

Because of North Carolina’s enforcement of a strict 10-year statute of repose, thousands of victims have been unable to file claims in court. North Carolina is the only state where such a statute exists.

While the statute was recently amended for future cases, it does not apply retroactively and subsequently does nothing for Camp Lejeune victims who would like to file a claim but are outside the 10-year window to do so.


Source: Indy Week, N.C.'s 'statute of repose' provides an out for long-term polluters ➤

How is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act different than the presumptive disability benefits and compensation?

The poisoned family members, caretakers and civilians who lived and worked at Camp Lejeune can seek restitution in addition to the veterans and outside of the VA.

Poisoned individuals are able to seek restitution from the U.S. government.
The law prohibits the U.S. government from asserting specified immunity from litigation in response to such a lawsuit. 

Even those without one of the presumptive illnesses may still have a claim.
If the exposed suffered or suffers from one of the presumptive conditions, the U.S. government will be prohibited from asserting specified immunity. However, even those without one of the presumptive illnesses may still have a claim.

Adults who lived on Camp Lejeune as a child and suffer from the exposure can also seek restitution.
Suppose an individual was damaged in utero or attended school at Camp Lejeune and later developed one of the recognized diseases. In that case, they will be able to seek restitution from the U.S. government. 

Primary caretakers can seek restitution.
Primary caretakers, including spouses and children of the individuals who were directly exposed, can sue for damages on behalf of the poisoned. Even if the caretakers were not poisoned themselves, and the suffering loved one is now deceased, they can seek restitution.

Source: Congress.gov ➤