"Toxic-Water Victims at Camp Lejeune Can't Sue"

"RALEIGH -- The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta has ruled that Marine veterans and their families cannot sue over groundwater contamination at Camp Lejeune.

President Obama signed a law in 2012 offering health benefits to thousands who were exposed decades ago to contaminated water at the North Carolina base, but families also sought money for damages, including disability benefits.

The government has argued that victims did not file their claims before North Carolina's 10-year "statute of repose" expired - after which claims are deemed moot. Unlike the statute of limitations, which legal experts explain begins when an injury is first recognized. The clock for the statue of repose begins at the date of the final contamination. That's even if victims remain unaware until decades later."

ABC 11 (WTVD) Raleigh's I-team had the story October 14, 2014.