What Are Camp Lejeune Lawsuits?
Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits are legal claims brought against the federal government by people who were harmed by the contaminated water at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina between 1953 and 1987.
During this time, two of Camp Lejeune’s water treatment plants — Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point Treatment Plant — were contaminated with toxic chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Camp Lejeune Founded
Camp Lejeune residents are exposed to toxic chemicals in the water supply
These hazardous substances have been linked to many severe Camp Lejeune health conditions, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).
Before a new law called the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) of 2022 (part of the PACT Act) was passed in August 2022, Camp Lejeune victims could not file lawsuits for their injuries — they could only apply for benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
This is because the federal government had immunity against lawsuits, which left victims and their families with no legal options.
Thankfully, that has changed, and Camp Lejeune victims can finally pursue the compensation they deserve. However, you only have until August 2024 to take action, so don’t wait.
Camp Lejeune claims are processed in the order they’re received. Get started right now with a free claim review.
Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Update: June 2024
As of June 2024, a total of $14.4 million in Camp Lejeune payouts has been awarded to families, according to a joint status report filed by the federal government and plaintiff lawyers.
The government estimates spending over $21 billion on claims filed by those impacted by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, and it’s important for all victims to know they may be able to access these funds.
So far, tens of thousands of families have decided to take action and pursue the compensation they’re entitled to under the PACT Act.
- 261,293+ Administrative claims filed with the Navy
- 1,825 Camp Lejeune lawsuits filed
- 79 Elective Option settlement offers made
- 59 Camp Lejeune payouts made
RELATED: Get more information on the current status of the Camp Lejeune claims.
Camp Lejeune Lawsuits vs. VA Benefits
Camp Lejeune lawsuits are different from VA claims, and filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit will not affect existing or future VA benefits.
Filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit involves taking legal action against the federal government. Whereas the VA provides Camp Lejeune veterans benefits to support them with various resources and financial assistance.
VA benefits can include disability compensation, health care benefits, education, home loans, and more. However, obtaining VA disability benefits can be a lengthy and challenging process, especially for Camp Lejeune-related conditions.
Some believe the high VA disability benefits denial rate is linked to a 2012 program that required all Camp Lejeune claims to be reviewed by a group of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). These SMEs are considered responsible for reducing the approval rate to a shameful 8% of submitted claims.
By pursuing a lawsuit, veterans and their loved ones may finally seek financial compensation for harm caused by exposure to contaminated water.
Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Settlement Amounts
The government has set aside over $21 billion to pay the victims of the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
Since these lawsuits are relatively new, there is no way to know for sure how much Camp Lejeune settlements will be at this time.
That said, legal experts believe that Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit settlement amounts could range from $25,000 to $1 million or more per person.
Estimated Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Settlement Amounts
The exact amount will depend largely on the severity of the condition caused by the contaminated water.
Camp Lejeune water contamination victims may be able to get settlements for:
- Loss of future earnings
- Lost wages
- Medical care
- Pain and suffering
It is important to remember that this money is in addition to any VA benefits already being paid. Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit payouts will not affect existing benefits.
Find out if you can access Camp Lejeune lawsuit settlements with a free claim review right now.
Who Qualifies for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?
Anyone who lived, worked, trained, or served at Camp Lejeune or Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River for at least 30 days from August 1953 through December 1987 may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit.
This includes veterans, active-duty military personnel, and civilian workers. Loved ones and surviving family members may also qualify.
RELATED: Find Out If Your Family Member Was at Camp Lejeune
Learn if you’re able to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit below.
Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Lawsuit Eligibility
Many people are unsure as to whether they are eligible to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit.
Some veterans think they may not be eligible if they were denied VA disability benefits in the past. However, seeking compensation is especially important for disabled veterans who have faced delays or denials with VA benefits.
Others may think their exposure happened too long ago to take action now.
Family members of Camp Lejeune victims who have since passed away may not know their loved one trained or served at the military base.
If you lost a loved one to an illness you believe could have been caused by the toxic water, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune wrongful death lawsuit. Even if they passed away long ago, you may be newly eligible.
An experienced lawyer can help you determine your Camp Lejeune lawsuit eligibility.
Download our FREE Attorney Checklist for help choosing the best Camp Lejeune lawyer for your family.
How to File a Camp Lejeune Water Lawsuit
The best way to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit is to work with an experienced attorney. Skilled Camp Lejeune lawyers can help you navigate the legal process and do the heavy lifting, making the process as stress-free as possible for your family.
1. Contact a Camp Lejeune Lawyer
A Camp Lejeune attorney is a personal injury lawyer experienced in handling Camp Lejeune cases.
By working with a skilled Camp Lejeune lawyer, you have someone on your side who is knowledgeable about what it takes to pursue compensation from a Camp Lejeune lawsuit. They will provide a free case review and do all of the legal work if you qualify.
2. File Your Camp Lejeune Claim
Your lawyer can help you gather the evidence needed to support your case.
- Bills and other expenses related to your condition
- Medical records and other medical evidence
- Proof of military service
They will file your Camp Lejeune claim before the August 2024 deadline.
3. Negotiate a Camp Lejeune Settlement
If you are eligible, you may be offered a Camp Lejeune settlement from the Department of Justice and the U.S. Navy.
Your attorney will represent your interests during settlement negotiations, striving to secure the maximum compensation possible for your Camp Lejeune water contamination claim.
Working with a Camp Lejeune lawyer can be especially helpful during the negotiation stage of the legal process, as it involves a lot of paperwork, follow-up, and back-and-forth communication. Further, if a settlement cannot be reached, your Camp Lejeune lawyer will fight for you in court.
Remember, strict deadlines apply, so don’t delay filing your Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit.
When to File Camp Lejeune Water Lawsuits
You only have until August 2024 to file your Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit. Once this date passes, you will no longer be able to file a Camp Lejeune claim under the CLJA.
After you file your claim, the Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) has 180 days to respond with a payout offer or a denial. If they do not respond or you are not satisfied with their decision, your claim may proceed to a lawsuit.
By working with a top-quality Camp Lejeune lawyer, you can ensure that all deadlines are met and your lawsuit is filed before it’s too late.
Don’t miss your chance for justice. If you or a loved one was affected by the toxic water, find out if you can file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit — get a free case evaluation right now.
What Diseases Are Covered in the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?
Exposure to contaminated Camp Lejeune water is linked to many health issues, including various types of cancer and neurological disorders.
Additionally, women exposed to Camp Lejeune water during pregnancy were at a greater risk for infertility and miscarriage and giving birth to babies with birth defects.
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease)
- Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
- Birth defects
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer (in women and men)
- Cervical cancer
- Childhood cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- Esophageal cancer
- Female infertility & miscarriage
- Heart disease
- Hepatic steatosis (fatty liver)
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Lymphomas
- Multiple myeloma
- Neurological disorders
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Pancreatic cancer
- Parkinson’s disease
- Prostate cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Renal toxicity
- Sarcoma
- Scleroderma
The VOCs in Camp Lejeune’s contaminated drinking water are used as solvents, degreasers, and in the dry cleaning industry. They included benzene, trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene or PCE), and vinyl chloride.
Unfortunately, these harmful chemicals may be linked to even more medical issues not listed. If you or a loved one developed a health condition from the Camp Lejeune water supply, you may finally be able to access financial compensation from the government.
Is There a Camp Lejeune Class Action Lawsuit?
As of June 2024, there is no specific Camp Lejeune class action lawsuit. Instead, individual lawsuits are being filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Camp Lejeune lawsuits will most likely continue to be handled on an individual basis. Similar to how personal injury lawsuits work, each claimant pursues Camp Lejeune legal options best suited to their case instead of being part of a single class action group.
However, discussions are underway for a global settlement of all Camp Lejeune claims rather than handling each case individually.
A court-appointed Special Master might assist in managing this comprehensive strategy, ensuring fairness in the settlement process.
Get Started With a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit
If you or a loved one was exposed to Camp Lejeune’s toxic drinking water for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune water lawsuit for your injuries.
For thousands of disabled veterans and families who were harmed by the poisoned water, financial relief can not come soon enough.
- Can help families in all 50 states
- Don’t charge any upfront or hourly fees
- Have already helped over 30,000 families with their claims
- Will handle every step of the lawsuit process for you
Our trained claims advocates are standing by, day and night, ready to help you.
Camp Lejeune Lawsuit FAQs
Who qualifies for the Camp Lejeune lawsuit?
Anyone who lived, worked, or served at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987 may qualify for the Camp Lejeune lawsuit.
Veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their family members may be eligible to seek compensation for health issues linked to Camp Lejeune’s toxic water.
Survivors of veterans who have since passed away — even if it was long ago — may also qualify to file a wrongful death Camp Lejeune lawsuit.
Working with a top Camp Lejeune law firm is the fastest way to find out if you qualify.
What is the average payout for the Camp Lejeune lawsuit?
The average payout for the Camp Lejeune lawsuit varies depending on the case and injury type.
That said, Camp Lejeune payments made under the voluntary Elective Option range from $100,000 to $550,000. And legal experts project Camp Lejeune lawsuit payouts could be even higher.
In total, over $21 billion is set aside for Camp Lejeune water crisis victims. Working with a skilled Camp Lejeune lawyer is the best way to determine what your claim may be worth.
The Camp Lejeune Claims Center partners with the leading Camp Lejeune lawyers in the nation.
Has anyone received money from the Camp Lejeune lawsuit?
Yes, as of June 2024, $14.4 million has been paid out through the federal government’s voluntary Elective Option. This fast-tracked payment option is available to Camp Lejeune victims with specific medical conditions.
There have yet to be any Camp Lejeune lawsuit payments, but trials are set to begin as soon as possible. Once trials get underway, we will likely have a better idea of the Camp Lejeune settlement timeline.
What is the status of the Camp Lejeune lawsuit?
As of June 2024, Camp Lejeune payouts totaling $14.4 million have been made. Over 190,000 administrative claims have been filed with the Department of the Navy.
Additionally, over 1,700 lawsuits have been filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
It is not too late to join the growing number of families who have decided to take legal action. However, it is important to understand that a strict deadline is set for August 2024.
What law firm is handling the Camp Lejeune lawsuit?
Camp Lejeune Claims Center works with some of the top Camp Lejeune law firms in the country.
Our legal partners have excellent reputations and are ready to provide legal support to victims seeking compensation for exposure to the toxic water.
Get a free claim review right now to see if you could be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit with the help of our partner law firms.
