Camp Lejeune Justice Act One-Year Summary
It has been over one year since the President signed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act into law
Monday, August 28, 2023 - It has been a little more than one year since the first Camp Lejeune Justice Act Claim was filed. Individuals who have a history of active duty service within the U.S. armed forces at Camp Lejeune, spanning a duration of no less than 30 days between the dates of August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, are granted eligibility to file a claim for lump sum monetary compensation. Medical benefits pertain to a specified set of 15 illnesses or medical conditions. Moreover, they hold the right to enlist in VA health care to receive additional medical services as deemed necessary. Furthermore, immediate family members of military veterans who worked or lived on Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days, or were prenatal while their mother was a resident at Camp Lejeune, also qualified for VA-provided medical services and hospital care pertaining to the same group of 15 illnesses or medical conditions, according to the Veterans Administration (VA) web site. The illnesses covered by the VA are bladder cancer, breast cancer, esophageal cancer, female infertility, hepatic steatosis, kidney cancer, leukemia, lung cancer, miscarriage, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes, neurobehavioral effects, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, renal toxicity, and scleroderma. Children born at Camp Lejeune, therefore, may be predestined to develop one of the above types of cancer in early childhood or adulthood as a result. Adult children of mothers who were pregnant at Camp Lejeune are reporting rare types of cancer and other illnesses in adulthood.
Neurological ailments like Parkinson's disease, stemming from the ingestion of contaminated water at Camp Lejeune now qualify as legitimate grounds for legal claims. The correlation between the contamination and neurological conditions such as anxiety tremors and erectile dysfunction has gained acknowledgment. This recognition has created an avenue for affected individuals to seek recompense and justice for the health challenges they have endured. The legal processes surrounding Camp Lejeune water contamination claims have encountered delays, amplifying the obstacles faced by affected individuals. The appointment of a committee comprising seven attorneys to oversee negotiations, evidence gathering, and the selection of cases for bellwether trials aims to streamline proceedings. Nonetheless, delays in the processing of initial claims have led to frustration among claimants, driving some to pursue lawsuits.
The Camp Lejeune water contamination issue remains a pressing concern for veterans and their families, impacting health and legal aspects. Recent advancements in legal procedures, coupled with an increased understanding of the health risks linked to tainted water exposure, underscore the necessity for a comprehensive and expeditious resolution of the more than 90,000 open Camp Lejeune Justice Act claims. As the Marine Corp and Department of the Navy navigate these issues, it is imperative to prioritize the well-being of those affected by these unfortunate circumstances. Bellwether trials may soon be scheduled for plaintiffs who have filed Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits that have gone unanswered. The trials could serve as benchmarks for determining payout levels in settlement cases. As of August 14, 2023, it is anticipated that claimants might need to resubmit their claims once the Navy's updated computer system becomes operational. This transition has the potential to influence ongoing legal procedures, potentially causing even more delays and modifications in the processing of claims.
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