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Case Overview
Veterans, military personnel, workers and their families were exposed to toxic water at North Carolina’s Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune from August 1953 through December 1987. People harmed by the contaminated water may be able to receive a payout for their injuries. Learn more about the facts of a Camp Lejeune settlement.
What is a Camp Lejeune settlement?
The water contamination at Camp Lejeune harmed thousands of veterans, military workers and their families. The passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 opened a window for people harmed by the toxic water to seek compensation for their injuries.
Because the bill was so highly publicized, some of the information currently circulating about how it operates and what people can expect is not accurate. In fact, some lawyers promising high Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement amounts may be part of a Camp Lejeune scam.
Some payouts have been made to people who filed claims through the U.S. Navy. Settlements have also been reached to resolve litigation filed by a number of victims, while many other cases are still ongoing.
How to pursue Camp Lejeune compensation
In order to seek awards under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, Camp Lejeune victims were required to file a claim with the Department of the Navy (DON) by August 10, 2024. The DON is no longer accepting claims.
If the DON denies your filed claim or does not respond to your claim in six months, you have 180 days to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit to further pursue compensation options.
When will Camp Lejeune compensation be paid?
The first Camp Lejeune elective option settlement payouts were announced in November 2023. The elective option payouts are decided using a set matrix that considers the duration of exposure to the contaminated water and how much evidence supports the connection between the water and the claimant’s injury. The matrix sets a payment range of $100,000 to $500,000 per person depending on these factors.
It is difficult to estimate how long it will take for the DON to process claims and elective option settlements, how long it will take to resolve a Camp Lejeune lawsuit, and when anyone whose lawsuit is successful will be paid. It is unclear if filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit or accepting the elective option will result in a greater recovery for an individual, and no result can be guaranteed.
Our history representing veterans
Motley Rice is proud to represent veterans, military workers and their families. We have litigated matters involving:
- 3M earplugs and hearing loss
- EFP roadside bombs manufactured by terrorists
- Exposure to asbestos and other toxic materials
- Exposure to toxins released from burn pits at military facilities
What is a Camp Lejeune settlement?
How to pursue Camp Lejeune compensation
Our history representing veterans
About the Author
T. David Hoyle
Member
David Hoyle is a trial lawyer who works to bring about change through the civil justice system, representing victims of corporate wrongdoing and negligence in complex litigation ranging from toxic torts to environmental contamination and catastrophic incidents.