Navy & Justice Department Offer Camp Lejeune Settlement Option
“Elective Option” Provides a Potentially Faster Route for Compensation for Victims of Camp Lejeune Toxic Water
The Navy and the Justice Department have unveiled a new settlement process for individuals who allege they developed severe illnesses due to exposure to polluted water at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, spanning from the mid-1950s to 1987. This announcement comes in the wake of over 93,000 claims filed under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which provides a platform for victims to seek compensation for health issues arising from the toxic water exposure at the Marine Corps Base. However, the Navy has been overwhelmed with the sheer volume of claims, leaving most of them unresolved.
What is the Camp Lejeune “Elective Option”?
To address the backlog of Camp Lejeune claims, the government has introduced the “Elective Option.” The Elective Option is designed to expedite the compensation process, allowing eligible claimants to receive a predetermined payout without the prolonged and uncertain legal battle against the government. Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta emphasized that the Elective Option aims to provide swift and early resolution for those affected by the water contamination under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.
How Much Compensation is Available in a Camp Lejeune Elective Option Settlement?
The compensation amounts under the Elective Option vary, ranging from $100,000 to $300,000 (although these amounts are subject to change). Additionally, if the toxic exposure led to a fatality, an extra $100,000 may be provided. The Navy and the Justice Department will proactively contact those among the 93,000 claimants who are eligible for this option, presenting them with a fixed compensation amount. These claimants will then have a 60-day window to decide whether to accept the proposed sum or continue their pursuit for a potentially larger settlement.
IMPORTANT: There are no guarantees when it comes to Camp Lejeune settlements. Each case is individual and potential compensation will be determined based on the unique facts and circumstances of each claim.
Elective Option “Tiers”
The federal government has set up a “tiered” structure to determine settlement amounts for Camp Lejeune claims that qualify for the Elective Option. The tiers are as follows:
- Tier 1 Injuries: Kidney Cancer, Liver Cancer, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Leukemias, and Bladder Cancer.
- Compensation for Tier 1 injuries ranges from $150,000 to $300,000 based on the duration of the victim’s stay at Camp Lejeune. An additional $100,000 will be added for family members in case of the claimant’s passing.
- Tier 2 Injuries: Multiple Myeloma, Parkinson’s Disease, Kidney Disease/End Stage Renal Disease, Systemic Sclerosis/Systemic Scleroderma.
- Compensation for Tier 2 injuries ranges from $100,000 and $250,000, also based on the length of stay at Camp Lejeune. Like Tier 1, an additional $100,000 is added if the claimant has passed away.
Should I Settle My Camp Lejeune Claim?
While the government’s offer of a settlement option for Camp Lejeune claimants is a positive development, it’s important to note that the amount potentially offered may be significantly less than what you may be able to secure through the extended litigation process. However, remember that there are never any guarantees regarding any settlement amounts or timelines, and any potential settlement or verdict will be based on the unique circumstances of the individual case.
If you have questions about a potential settlement in your Camp Lejeune claim or lawsuit, contact our attorneys today for a free case review. We can advise you on your best available legal options and help you determine the path forward. Call 1-800-525-7111 today for a free case review.
When Are Settlements Available in Camp Lejeune Cases?
While senior officials from the Navy and DOJ have not provided a specific timeline for the disbursement of these funds, they assured that payments would commence shortly after the acceptance of the offer. They also anticipate the number of claims to increase in the future.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) approximates that as many as 900,000 service members might have been exposed to the contaminated water at US Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. The health conditions believed to be linked to this exposure encompass kidney, liver, and bladder cancers, leukemia, and Parkinson’s disease, among others. Two polluted wells at Camp Lejeune were shut down in 1985. However, by that time, numerous sailors, Marines, their families, and civilians had been exposed to the contaminants for several decades, as per government research.
Do You Qualify for a Camp Lejeune Settlement Option?
If you’ve been diagnosed with a qualifying condition after exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune while living or working on base between 1953 and 1987, you may qualify for a settlement under the Elective Option. You may also file a lawsuit and proceed through the civil justice system in the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Riddle & Brantley is representing many veterans, family members, and civilian workers who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune and suffered serious health problems. For a FREE, no-obligation case review concerning a potential Camp Lejeune lawsuit or claim, please call 1-800-525-7111 or complete the fast and easy form below.
There are no upfront costs and we don’t get paid unless you do in an Elective Option settlement or verdict.
We have offices in Jacksonville just down the road from Camp Lejeune and our attorneys and staff have close ties to the military. Don’t gamble with potential compensation in a Camp Lejeune claim — call Riddle & Brantley today for a free case review and let’s see how we can help.
Justice Counts.