Because Camp Lejeune operated for more than three decades, the number of people exposed to the pollutants could be more than a million. Even the $2.2 million allotted as compensation by the federal government way back in 2017 didn't provide enough relief to the victims.
The victims have endured both in terms of physical illness and many years of fighting to get justice. It is important to note that veterans are the only ones who were entitled to receive benefits. They receive a lump sum from Veterans Affairs after filing a claim with them.
But there was no compensation for civilians or family members who were affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination. This went on until August 2022 when everything changed for good with the newly formed Camp Lejeune Justice Act. According to this Act, any individual can file a lawsuit against the government.
Also, a claimant can seek compensation because of the suffering they had experienced. Even if you are a veteran and receiving compensation through Veterans Affairs, you can file a lawsuit under the newly introduced Act. However, it could impact some of the benefits that you are already enjoying. Therefore, it is important to weigh the pros and cons before filing any Camp Lejeune lawsuits.
Before choosing to file for a lawsuit, you have to file a claim with the Judge Advocate General or JAG. This is per the Tort Claims Unit of the Navy. If the Judge Advocate General accepts your claim, the case could end then and there. You would receive compensation according to the guidelines set for the purpose.
But if the Judge Advocate General denies your claim, you have to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit in the US federal court. Even if the Judge Advocate General fails to make the right decision in your favor within 6 months, federal laws say that the claim has been denied. As of November 2022, the Judge Advocate General failed to address several claims.
In reality, the JAG didn't resolve any of the thousand claims that people filed for some time in relation to the Camp Lejeune water contamination. In these cases, the victims likely have to file a lawsuit. Although the new Act was introduced to provide help to the victims, it is not clear how the federal government will interpret this new legislation.
While the government hasn't provided a deadline to settle claims, victims have been given a deadline on how long they can file a lawsuit. The limitation extends two years from the date when the new Act was signed and put into force. Toxic water claims won't be entertained after 10th August 2024.