In a bid to expedite compensation for those affected by toxic exposure at Camp Lejeune, hundreds of military veterans and their families are set to convene at the U.S. Capitol. This gathering, scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, aims to urge legislators to enact reforms that will address the significant delays affecting over 400,000 ongoing compensation claims.
For decades, advocates like Jerry Ensminger and Mike Partain have been at the forefront of the fight for justice for Camp Lejeune victims. Their efforts culminated in the passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act in 2022. Their upcoming demonstration is poised to be a landmark event, emphasizing the need for legislative intervention.
“We did have one rally back in 2014 with the Supreme Court, but we weren’t permitted. It was just a loose gathering. This is more organized,” Partain said, highlighting the urgency of the situation. He expressed frustration that, despite years of effort, less than 1% of claims have been resolved. Ensminger added, “And the settlements they have made are pennies on the dollar of what these cases would truly be worth in a court of law. I mean, it’s obscene.”
The government has introduced an Elective Option settlement framework, promising expedited payouts between $100,000 and $550,000 to avoid federal court proceedings. Over 2,500 individuals have opted for this route, driven by financial urgency. “The longer you wait, the more desperation sets in,” Partain noted, comparing the situation to “throwing food out to hungry fish.”
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
The legal battle has been prolonged, with no trials reaching verdicts due to aggressive litigation from federal attorneys. Ensminger criticized the government for opposing its own scientific findings, stating, “They filed motions against everything that ATSDR has done on the Camp Lejeune water contamination issue.”
Victims and supporters are advocating for the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act, which proposes expanding court jurisdictions to hasten trials and enable jury decisions on case outcomes. The bill also includes measures to cap attorney fees.
U.S. Veterans Administration
The proposed legislation is crucial as cases are predicted to stall for years without it. Partain referenced a past warning by Judge Dever about the risk of prolonged litigation without a settlement matrix, drawing parallels to the 9/11 cases.
Representatives Greg Murphy and Deborah Ross from North Carolina are championing the bill. Both intend to address the crowd at the Capitol, with Partain urging other members of Congress to demonstrate their support for veterans and their families.
The rally will feature testimonies from affected families and speeches by veteran advocates, underscoring the urgency for change as many veterans continue to suffer without resolution. Partain lamented the government’s inadequate response, stating, “It’s time to take care of your Marines.” The demonstration is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on both days, with Public Radio East reporting live on the second day of the event.
