How the PACT Act Helps Camp Lejeune Veterans

On Wednesday, the historic PACT Act was finally signed into law. 

The legislation includes the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, as well as other legal issues involving toxic exposures related to military service.

The PACT Act, also known as Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2021, passed the Senate by a vote of 86-11 in early August.

Although the part of the Act involving veterans getting sick and being able to claim disability caused by burn pits during military service has arguably gotten the most attention, this important piece of legislation also included the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, and people who were stationed at that North Carolina military base may be wondering how it impacts them. 

Thanks to the passage of the PACT Act, marines and their family members who spent time at the Camp Lejeune base from 1953 to 1987 can now sue the government for injuries after being exposed to harmful chemicals in area drinking water.

As many as one million former servicemembers and their loved ones who were stationed at Camp Lejeune during that time period, and people who lived or worked there, may have come into contact with hazardous contaminants in the water in base wells. 

This toxic exposure may have led to a number of health issues for veterans and their family members, including but not limited to cardiac problems, scleroderma, Parkinson’s disease, miscarriage, birth defects, hepatic steatosis, leukemia, and other forms of cancer like bladder, lung, and breast cancer, and more.

As a result of the PACT Act, victims of water contamination at Camp Lejeune who got sick as a result can now file lawsuits and recover compensation for the grave harm done to them. 

People who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more during the years 1953 to 1987 are entitled to file a claim. 

At Phillips Law Group, we are horrified that military veterans and their families stationed at the North Carolina base during that time period, as well as civilian workers, were exposed to very harmful chemicals that may have caused serious health problems — some that may have proven fatal. 

If you or a loved one were stationed at Camp Lejeune before 1988, please don’t hesitate to contact Phillips Law Group to learn about all of your legal options. We’re here to help our veterans get justice NOW.