Monday, March 21, 2022 - People who lived worked or played in or around Camp Lejeune Jackson, North Carolina from 1953 through 1987, have been exposed to toxic, carcinogenic chemicals called PFAS forever chemicals in firefighting foam. Cancer sufferers were interviewed by Spectrum Local News servicing Jackson, North Carolina, and found that many had similar circumstances as those who have filed Camp Lejeune lawsuits after learning they had developed a debilitating disease. Most military families opted to live on or around the base because of the affordability and safety the location offered. Most were young, growing families who thought the Marines would take care of them. One woman who lived on the base during the 1970s and 1980s was recently diagnosed with thyroid cancer that, thankfully, is in remission according to Spectrum. Lawmakers fighting for the Camp Lejeune Justice Act want to make sure that not only is the North Carolina statute of limitation changed to a longer period in which to file a lawsuit, but also that the change is made retroactively to include all who have been sickened by water contamination since 1953. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was recently passed through the House of Representatives with little resistance as a part of the Honor Our Pact Act. This exciting legislation would allow millions of soldiers and their family members to file water contamination lawsuits against the Federal government holding it accountable for contaminating the local water supplies and causing their illness.
Military families have developed cancer and neurological disorders like childhood autism and Parkinson's disease from drinking the water at Camp Lejeune. Thankfully they will get their day in court soon when the US Senate approves the CLJA, and it becomes law. The CLJA is part of the Honor Our Pact Act (HOPA). The HOPA makes billions of dollars available to military families that suffer from contaminated drinking water-related illnesses and from being exposed to toxins released during the disposal of contaminated material. The Veterans Administration (VA) pays disability benefits to those diagnosed with "adult leukemia, aplastic anemia, and other myelodysplastic syndromes, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, ad Parkinson's disease. Servicemembers, reservists, and guardsmen must have served at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River for at least 30 days from August 1953 through December 1987 to qualify for benefits. They also must not have been dishonorably discharged from the service according to the VA. According to a statement released by the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, "The legislation will grant health and disability benefits to veterans--including thousands who served at Karshi-Khanabad (K2) Air Base in Uzbekistan after September 11, 2001--and are now battling cancer and other debilitating illnesses related to their exposure to environmental hazards during their service." Individuals that have had a cancer diagnosis, children that have developed autism, or older service members or their spouses with Parkinson's disease should speak with a PFAS water contamination attorney immediately to see if they qualify to seek lump-sum monetary compensation.
Our attorneys specialize in holding large corporations accountable when they've placed profits ahead of safety. Through settlements and winning verdicts, our attorneys have obtained millions for our clients. Let us help you today.
Filing a lawsuit will allow you to hold the federal government accountable for damage it has caused you or a loved one, while also providing real compensation for your medical expenses, suffering and loss. Contact us today for a free consultation.