Camp Lejeune Justice Act

Camp Lejeune Justice Act

As part of the Honoring our Pact Act, Congress included the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which was passed by the Senate on August 2, 2022. The passing of the CLJA immediately allows for lawsuits from victims that would otherwise be barred from making a claim.

These victims are those who lived or worked at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune for at least thirty (30) days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 and were exposed to toxic agents that contaminated the water for over thirty-four (34) years, which has definitively led to significant health issues and even death.

These health issues include, but are not limited to:

• Various cancers;
• ALS;
• Parkinson’s disease;
• Aplastic anemia;
• Renal toxicity;
• Scleroderma;
• Hepatic steatosis;
• Birth defects;
• Birth injuries;
• Male infertility;
• Female infertility;
• Brain damage;
• Neurologic disorders; and
• Congenital heart disease

Filing A CLJA Claim

All claims made under the CLJA will be submitted under the Federal Tort Claims Act for initial review. If formal filing of a lawsuit is necessary, it will be filed and consolidated in the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of North Carolina.

The CLJA will also allow for Wrongful Death claims filed by family members or Personal Representatives of a victim’s estate;

All injury claims that occurred before the passage of the CLJA of 2021 will have two (2) years from the passing of the Act to file the claim.

Documents Needed to File your Claim

The following documents are likely necessary for filing:

• Documents establishing residency at Camp Lejeune;
• Military service records indicating dates and locations served;
• Medical records and diagnoses;
• Medical bills;
• Travel records;
• Healthcare information; and
• Records on disability benefits or VA compensation benefits

Damages

Currently, 6.7 billion dollars has been approved for settlement funds.

The following damages may be recovered:

• Medical bills;
• Pain and Suffering;
• Lost Wages;
• Disability benefits;
• Loss of Companionship, consortium, enjoyment of life, and earning capacity; and
• Permanent disability

Family members are also eligible for reimbursement of out-of-pocket health costs related to fifteen (15) specified conditions.