The PACT Act, which contains the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, has finally passed the U.S. Senate with an 86-10 vote. Only days before, it looked like it was going to be blocked when a few dozen Republican Senators dropped their support of it due to technicalities. Military veterans and advocates protested outside Capitol Hill, undoubtedly influencing the quick turnaround on the revisions that helped the bill pass.
President Joe Biden will now need to sign the PACT Act into law. No complications or delays are expected. President Biden had previously pleaded for the Republican Senators to vote in favor of the bill, and he has promised to sign it once it reaches his desk.
Importance of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act enables legal action to be taken against the federal government by people who were diagnosed with serious illnesses after being exposed to unsafe water at Camp Lejeune. The drinking water throughout much of the camp was contaminated by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for decades, but military service members, family members, and civilian contractors at Camp Lejeune were not warned for the longest time. While the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can provide benefits to certain veterans who fell ill after spending time at the camp, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act adds the opportunity to seek compensation through an injury claim.
Eligible Camp Lejeune Justice Act claimants will likely need to meet these prerequisites to file:
- Served, lived, or worked at United States Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina between 1952 and 1987.
- Used the unsafe water for 30 days or more, not necessarily all in a row.
- Diagnosed with a chronic or terminal illness or cancer.
- Or, lost a loved one to a terminal illness after they spent time at Camp Lejeune.
A two-year window will open once the Camp Lejeune Justice Act is officially signed into law. This time can pass by quickly, so it is important that you start exploring your legal options now.
Lanier Law Group of North Carolina is here to support you throughout your Camp Lejeune Justice Act claim or lawsuit. It is believed that the claims will be filed in one North Carolina federal court and then treated as a mass tort. Our firm has the experience, resources, and professional network required to handle such difficult and complicated cases. See if we can represent you by calling (855) 757-4204 or contacting us online today.