How the Camp Lejeune Justice Act Opens New Avenues for Claimants in Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas, has been ranked the friendliest city for veterans, mainly due to its strong economy and high quality of life. Some of the veterans living in Austin served in the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, where they may have been harmed by contaminated drinking water. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act offers individuals with claims against the government new options for recovery. Those who have filed claims with the Veterans Administration (VA) for disability compensation can also file a lawsuit against the U.S. government for additional damages. The process for filing lawsuits is complex, but your local attorney can help you navigate each step to ensure you are eligible for a claim.

If you lived or worked at Camp Lejeune and have filed a claim for illness caused by the toxic water, contact the Austin attorneys at Carabin Shaw. We are helping victims seek additional compensation for their medical conditions. We are available 24/7 for a free case review in English or Spanish by calling 800-862-1260.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is part of the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT Act), which President Biden signed into law on August 2, 2022. The act allows military and civilians working or living near Camp Lejeune to sue the U.S. government for damages related to illnesses suffered as a result of the contaminated water. Before the act, disability compensation from the VA was the only recourse.

Before the PACT Act was signed, individuals injured by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune were unable to sue the federal government and seek damages. The North Carolina Statute of Repose prevents damage claims more than 10 years after the final polluting act, granting immunity to the government. The PACT Act overrode that statute, allowing victims to seek the damages they deserve. If you believe you were impacted and are now living in Austin, contact a lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.

Claims under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act had to be filed by August 10, 2024. Claimants who meet that deadline are eligible to file a lawsuit. These claimants also:

• Were located at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987
• Lived or worked in the area for at least 30 days
• Were diagnosed with an illness linked to contaminated water exposure

This criterion applies to veterans, family members, civilians working on the base, and children exposed in the womb. Survivors whose loved ones passed away from a disease caused by the toxic water are also eligible for wrongful death claims.

Claimants who qualified for and accepted the Camp Lejeune Elective Option payout are not eligible for any additional claims. To receive the elective option, claimants had to agree to take no further action against the federal government. Your Austin Camp Lejeune attorney can advise you on your eligibility to file a claim against the U.S. government for additional damages.

Claimants receiving disability from the VA often find that the compensation is insufficient for covering all the losses they suffer as a result of their illness. Filing a lawsuit against the U.S. government allows victims to pursue additional damages, such as:

• Lost wages
• Medical expenses, past and future
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium
• Wrongful death

The compensation amount varies based on the severity of your illness, the duration of your exposure, and other relevant factors. An experienced lawyer can help you maximize damages.

The illnesses linked to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune, such as Parkinson’s disease, kidney disease, and cancer, can be devastating and costly. Multiple compounds contaminated the water on the base, and negligence contributed to the fact that millions of people were exposed to these contaminants. If you or someone you love was one of them, you deserve restitution.

Carabin Shaw is helping former residents and workers of Camp Lejeune pursue the compensation they are entitled to in Austin, Texas. We offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case. Our client reviews attest to our ability to maximize damages for our clients. Call us toll-free now at 800-862-1260.

For more information:

• Navy
• Disability Denials
• NCLEG
• Justice.gov