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Seeking Justice for Our Marines and Their Families
Thousands of people who worked or served at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 may have been exposed to dangerous, carcinogenic toxins found in contaminated water on the base. The consequences of this exposure can be severe, leading to deadly cancers and other expensive illnesses. If this toxic water contamination harmed you, keep reading to learn more about bringing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit to request compensation for your losses.
It is estimated that as many as 1 million service members, families, and workers may be affected by the toxic water at Camp Lejeune, and many have already brought personal injury claims against the government as a result. In recognition of the seriousness of this situation, the United States government has allocated $2 billion to compensate those who have been harmed.
Latest Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Updates
Our mission at Lawsuit Legal News is to provide the latest, most accurate information about pending lawsuits to help injured people and other readers stay informed about their legal rights. If you have specific questions about your unique situation, reach out to our dedicated LLN team today. In the meantime, bookmark this page to learn more about the Camp Lejeune lawsuit updates as they emerge.
April 2, 2024 - Update on Settlement Payments to Date
The government is extending settlement offers from two different groups. The Torts Branch has categorized 51 cases in the Elective Option settlement group, while the DOJ has approved 59 claimants for settlement. Combined, all settlement payments made to date total $5,950,000. These payments are meant to cover conditions including many types of cancer, non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Parkinson's disease, and more. Settlement amounts range from $100,000 to $450,000.
While this might sound like a lot of money and claim resolutions, they are a small drop in the bucket, considering there are 1,662 pending lawsuits and almost 177,000 administrative claims that are waiting for settlement or trial.
March 13, 2024 - Medical Exam Discovery Rules Set, Lawsuit and Claim Counts Continue to Increase
The lawyers for the plaintiffs and the government have agreed to certain disclosures dealing with medical exams and testifying medical witnesses to keep these cases moving toward trial. The goal is to reduce multiple medical exams and how many medical experts must testify. However, now the government wants to hold off on Track 2 discovery procedures until the Track 1 bellwether trials (test trials) are selected.
As of mid-March, there are 1,633 pending lawsuits and 174,891 administrative claims filed with the DOJ, and settlement procedures are moving slowly.
February 28, 2024 - Court Defines Track 2 Diseases, Settlements Progressing
The court has now designated which diseases will be categorized as Track 2 conditions. The following five Track 2 conditions account for approximately one-quarter of all Camp Lejeune claims:
- Liver cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Kidney disease
These conditions were chosen because if they are addressed early in the litigation process, it could lead to settlements more quickly. The current case count is 1,530 filed lawsuits and 170,502 administrative Camp Lejeune claims.
The latest Camp Lejeune lawsuit settlement figures include:
- 17 accepted settlements ranging from $150,000 to $450,000
- 7 rejected settlement offers
- 8 expired settlement offers
- 16 offers remain pending
The DOJ has approved 58 settlement offers for pending claims. Of those offers, 24 were accepted, two were rejected, 25 expired without action, and seven are still open. Payments have been made for eight Navy settlements and seven DOJ settlements, all totaling $3,600,000. At this point, 170,000 claims are still pending.
February 15, 2024 - Plaintiffs Appeal Court's Ruling About No Jury Trials
Lawyers for two injured Camp Lejeune plaintiffs are challenging the court's decision regarding whether they are entitled to a jury trial to resolve their claims. The remaining plaintiffs retain the right to appeal this decision until after receiving a final judgment. So the vast majority of these cases can stay on track.
February 6, 2024 - Jury Trials Not Allowed in Camp Lejeune Cases
The court has ruled that injured plaintiffs are not entitled to jury trials under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 (CLJA). In general, Congress has not permitted cases against the U.S. government to go to a jury for consideration. By upholding that precedent, all Camp Lejeune cases will be heard by a judge instead of a jury.
The LLN team disagrees with the court's ruling, specifically because subsection 804(d) of the CLJA specifically states that "nothing shall impair the right to a jury trial." The court explained this statement away by claiming there is no new right to a jury trial, and this right is not distinguished in any outside actions.
While plaintiffs could appeal this decision, that will only slow the litigation process and the chance of favorable verdicts and/or settlements. In fact, disallowing jury trials might actually move these claims along more quickly and allow judges to award substantial verdicts if warranted.
February 2, 2024 - ATSDR Study Finally Released Showing Camp Lejeune Military Personnel More Likely to Develop Cancers
A study performed by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) compared military personnel at Camp Lejeune with service members at Camp Pendleton who all served from 1975 to 1985. The overall results showed Camp Lejeune personnel were more likely to develop some cancers compared to people stationed at Camp Pendleton, where they were not exposed to contaminated water.
Considering the study's results, these are the top five types of cancer that may now become the basis for a Camp Lejeune toxic water lawsuit:
- Thyroid cancer
- Colon cancer
- Lung cancer
- Laryngeal cancer
- Pharyngeal cancer
January 31, 2024 - Attorneys Suggest a Consolidated Trial Schedule Based on Disease Type
The plaintiffs' lawyers proposed that 16 cases be consolidated according to the type of disease the plaintiffs are suffering. This schedule would allow the court to address Track 1 cases through only five trials. The proposed consolidation looks like this:
- Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma - includes 5 plaintiffs
- Bladder cancer - includes 6 plaintiffs
- Kidney cancer - includes 8 plaintiffs
- Parkinson's Disease - includes 5 plaintiffs
- Leukemia - includes 5 plaintiffs
We don't expect the government to accept this proposal because consolidated trials could draw media attention and result in higher verdicts. As of the end of January, 1,492 Camp Lejeune lawsuits have been filed, while there are still 164,136 administrative claims watching and waiting.
January 17, 2024 - 13 Camp Lejeune Settlements Reached
Between the DOJ and the Navy, 89 settlement offers were extended to plaintiffs suffering from various medical conditions. So far, 13 plaintiffs have settled their cases as follows:
- 4 Bladder cancer sufferers received a combined settlement of $750,000 (average settlement is $197,500)
- 4 Leukemia patients received a combined settlement of $1,050,000 (average settlement is $262,500)
- 2 Parkinson's Disease sufferers received $650,000 ($325,000 each)
- 1 Kidney cancer patient received $300,000
- 1 Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma patient received $300,000
- 1 Kidney disease patient received $100,000
More than 158,200 toxic water contamination claims remain unsettled.
December 26, 2023 - Enforcing the Camp Lejeune Justice Act
Our legal team is actively assisting individuals in filing Camp Lejeune claims, and we're monitoring developments in Camp Lejeune Lawsuits in North Carolina federal court.
The attorneys representing Camp Lejeune plaintiffs are firmly asserting their right to a jury trial under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. They argue that the Act's language and congressional intent unmistakably support this right and that the government's interpretation would render it meaningless. All parties, including the court and the Department of Justice, originally acknowledged this right as provided in the CLJA. Plaintiffs' attorneys are urging the court to uphold the toxic water victims' statutory and moral right to a jury trial.
If you or a loved one lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between 1953 and 1987, you may qualify to file a Camp Lejeune claim. Reach out to LLN to explore your options to protect your rights in this matter.
Don't wait any longer, call 866-535-9515 or submit your case for review today!
Why You Should Consult With Lawsuit Legal News For Your Claim
Filing an injury claim or lawsuit is a complex, detailed process. If you have questions about a Camp Lejeune claim, start by consulting with an experienced mass tort lawyer affiliated with Lawsuit Legal News (LLN). The LLN legal team can:
- Guide you through the entire legal process,
- Help you file a claim with the correct governmental department,
- File a civil lawsuit and/or join the multi-district litigation (MDL) now pending in North Carolina and
- Ensure that you receive the benefits and compensation you deserve.
Our team of legal professionals is actively investigating hundreds of Camp Lejeune water contamination injury claims. The LLN Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyers are dedicated to examining each case thoroughly and assisting you in exploring your legal options. We understand the impact this contamination has had on the lives of countless individuals and families, and we are prepared to fight for your legal rights.
We also remain on the cutting edge of these cases, so we understand all of your options and can explain what you can expect going forward with your Camp Lejeune claim or lawsuit. In fact, the Camp Lejeune litigation has recently taken an interesting turn. Keep reading to learn more...
Under the Government's "Elective Option" Program, You May Be Eligible For a Settlement Now
On September 6, 2023, the U.S. Government finally announced a system to start settling the thousands of Camp Lejeune claims and lawsuits. In general, our legal team at Lawsuit Legal News considers the offered settlement amounts insufficient to adequately compensate most Camp Lejeune claimants. However, we are sharing this information to ensure everyone affected by Camp Lejeune's toxic water understands their legal options.
Basically, if you or a loved one were diagnosed with one or more of the specific medical conditions listed in the Elective Option guidelines, you could receive a settlement payment ranging from $100,000 to $550,000. The settlement amounts break down as follows:
Tier 1 medical conditions qualify for settlement payments ranging from $150,000 to $450,000:
- Kidney cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Liver cancer
- Leukemia
Tier 2 medical conditions qualify for settlement payments ranging from $100,000 to $400,000:
- Parkinson's disease
- Multiple myeloma
- Systemic scleroderma and systemic sclerosis
- Kidney disease and end-stage renal disease
The settlement amounts also depend on how long the claimant was exposed to the toxic water. For exposure of 30 days or fewer, the lowest amount applies for each tier. Claimants who were exposed for more than five years are eligible for the highest amount in each tier. Those exposed to the Camp's water contamination for at least 30 days up to five years fall in the middle category of settlement amounts.
Finally, the families of claimants who died as a result of a Tier 1 or 2 condition related to the toxic water would receive a $100,000 wrongful death payment.
Before you make any decisions about settling your pending claim or lawsuit, or if you are considering filing a claim, it's imperative that you speak with a dedicated Camp Lejeune lawyer. Our team is ready and willing to answer your questions during a free consultation. Reach out now.
Partner With LLN to Recover Compensation For Your Losses
The best way to protect your rights is to work with an experienced mass tort injury lawyer. They can help you build and file a successful Camp Lejeune claim to request the financial compensation you deserve to help pay your medical expenses, cover lost income, and move on in your life. Without the assistance of a skilled water contamination attorney, you may struggle with financial worries and ongoing stress while you try to treat your medical condition.
The pending Camp Lejeune lawsuits are brought against the federal government, which has done little more than stall the process and delay paying any compensation to deserving injured service members and their families. Our dedicated and tenacious Camp Lejuene lawyers can dramatically increase your odds of receiving fair compensation for your losses by advocating for you throughout the long legal process.
LLN's Award-Winning Legal Team Has Secured Millions of Dollars for Our Injured Clients
The personal injury lawyers behind LLN are proud of their successful record of helping injury victims recover the financial damages they deserve. While fighting for more than 40,000 clients, they have recovered more than $400 million through trial verdicts or negotiated settlements in the past two decades. Award-winning lead attorney Matthew A. Dolman is a highly respected litigator and a lifetime member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an elite group reserved for attorneys who have resolved a claim for more than $2 million.
The legal professionals at LLN offer more than 120 years of combined legal experience and substantial resources for each mass tort claim they accept. They are not afraid to challenge big corporate giants or even the US government to protect their clients' rights. When you need exceptional legal advocates in your corner, turn to the team at Lawsuit Legal News.
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Basics
Between 1953 and 1987, the water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune was contaminated with industrial solvents, benzene, and other harmful chemicals. Servicemembers, civilian workers, and families used this contaminated water for drinking, cooking, bathing, and other everyday activities.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized these hazardous chemicals as known carcinogens, meaning they have the potential to cause cancer.
As a result of their exposure, Marines and their families have suffered from various health problems, including cancer, liver disease, kidney disease, and reproductive disorders. Those who have suffered birth defects, cancer diagnoses, and other illnesses related to the Camp Lejeune water contamination deserve healthcare benefits and compensation.
Which Treatment Facilities Were Involved?
The Tarawa Terrace Facility and the Hadnot Point Treatment Plant Facility, located near Camp Lejeune, were primarily responsible for supplying the contaminated water to residents and workers. Tarawa, which began operations in 1952, provided water contaminated with an industrial solvent known as PCE. By the 1980s, the levels of PCE in the water reached 215 parts per billion, far exceeding the EPA's safety threshold of five parts per billion.
The Hadnot Point Treatment Plant Facility supplied water contaminated with trichloroethylene (TCE). This contamination likely originated from waste disposal sites and underground storage containers. In 1979, a fuel farm in close proximity to the base dumped tens of thousands of gallons of oil into the ground, further polluting the groundwater. The release of these toxic carcinogens into the base's water supply and surrounding communities was a direct consequence of this fuel dump.
The Illnesses and Health Conditions Linked to Camp Lejeune Water Our LLN Team Can Handle
Studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have revealed that PCE and TCE are the two most prevalent contaminants found in Camp Lejeune's water. Exposure to these substances through ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption can result in severe health conditions and illnesses, including internal organ damage and central nervous system problems.
The LLN mass tort lawyers accept cases involving PCE, which is causally linked to bladder cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and end-stage renal disease, as well as TCE that has been associated with birth defects, leukemia, liver cancer, Parkinson's disease, and more.
Environmental testing has also detected vinyl chloride in the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. We handle cases involving this industrial gas, which is causally linked to liver cancer, brain cancer, lung cancer, and liver cirrhosis. Furthermore, we deal with benzene, another harmful chemical that entered the water supply through the Hadnot Point system, which can cause leukemia and other blood-related health issues.
Camp Legeune Water Contamination FAQs
Did the U.S. Military Know the Camp Lejeune Water Was Contaminated?
The Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits already on file assert that the Navy was aware of the health risks associated with the water contamination. These lawsuits also claim that the Navy failed to prevent the entry of these contaminants into the water supply and failed to warn Marines and their families once the toxins were discovered.
Disturbingly, evidence has shown the Navy had knowledge of toxic chemicals in the water supply as early as the 1940s. Although multiple wells in the area were shut down after the discovery, the wells and water supply at Camp Lejeune remained operational, posing a significant threat to the health and well-being of the people stationed and working there.
Many Camp Lejeune lawsuits argue that the base leaders were aware of the water contamination but failed in their duty to take appropriate action. The failure to warn individuals about the dangers they were exposed to every day forms the basis for liability in these claims.
What is the PACT Act and Camp Lejeune Justice Act?
In August 2022, President Joe Biden signed the PACT Act into law to provide healthcare benefits to military veterans, civil servants, contractors, and their families who were exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) was incorporated into the PACT Act by Congress. The CLJA enabled service members and their families to seek damages for harm and losses resulting from exposure to contaminated water and toxins at Camp Lejeune.
To determine if you qualify for these benefits and compensation, you should discuss your case with an attorney who is familiar with Camp Lejeune claims. A mass tort lawyer at our affiliated law firm can evaluate your eligibility and guide you through the process of filing a claim.
Do You Qualify For a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?
Many individuals, including military service members, civilian workers, contractors, former residents, and their families, have been affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination and are likely to file personal injury or wrongful death claims.
To qualify for a Camp Lejeune claim, you must demonstrate that you spent at least 30 cumulative days at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina between August 31, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and subsequently developed a qualifying disease or condition. It is not necessary to prove that the water contamination directly caused your underlying condition because the qualified diseases are considered presumptive conditions.
When Was the First Camp Lejeune Claim Filed?
Shortly after the passage of the PACT Act and the Camp Lejeune Justice Act in 2022, the first Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This lawsuit named the United States of America as the defendant and was brought by a plaintiff who had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2012 after serving at Camp Lejeune from 1984 to 1986.
Filing any type of legal claim can be a complex process, but mass tort actions are particularly complicated. The LLN legal team has the resources needed to help you navigate the Camp Lejeune claim process.
The first step is to reach out to our law firm. If we determine you have a viable case, our mass tort lawyers will file an administrative claim with the Judge Advocate General for the Department of the Navy on your behalf. The administrative claim step is crucial and must be completed before a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit can be filed in the pending multidistrict litigation. Once your administrative claim is filed, the Department of the Navy has six months to approve or deny it.
Who Can Bring a Camp Lejeune Claim?
To pursue compensation for losses related to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, you must meet certain criteria. Specifically, you must have:
- Lived, worked, or spent time at Camp Lejeune between August 31, 1953, and December 31, 1987.
- Lived, worked, or served at Camp Lejeune for a minimum of 30 cumulative days during that time.
- Developed one of the diseases or conditions specified in the CLJA.
If you are uncertain whether you meet these conditions, we encourage you to contact us. Our mass tort lawyers can review your unique circumstances to help you navigate this new system and work towards securing the benefits and compensation you deserve.
It is essential to recognize that fighting against the U.S. government will not be easy. It requires extensive research, investigation, and discovery. A skilled mass tort attorney will need to examine medical records and consult with military and medical experts to build a strong case. We know it is an uphill battle to demonstrate how your Camp Lejeune-related injuries and illnesses have impacted your health and overall well-being. However, we are prepared for that battle.
What Damages Can You Recover Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?
To recover compensation for your damages, it is crucial to understand the extent of the harm you have suffered. Your damages can range from short-term medical expenses to long-term disabilities that significantly affect your quality of life.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows plaintiffs to seek the following types of damages:
- Economic damages: These damages are measurable and straightforward to quantify. They include:
- medical bills,
- ambulance rides,
- surgeries,
- in-home care,
- prescriptions,
- prosthetic devices,
- therapies,
- rehabilitation services,
- lost income,
- loss of future earnings and earning potential, and
- permanent disability.
- Non-economic damages: These damages are more challenging to prove because they are subjective in nature. They include:
- pain and suffering,
- emotional distress,
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),
- loss of enjoyment in life,
- loss of consortium,
- physical disfigurement,
- scarring, and
- emotional damages.
Can You Also Receive VA Disability Benefits for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Cancers and Illnesses?
Military members and veterans who were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune can also seek disability benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Filing a VA disability benefits claim can help offset the costs associated with your injuries and disabilities and provide up to $3,000 a month in financial assistance.
A presumptive service connection exists between certain health conditions and exposure to Camp Lejeune contaminated water. This means you do not need to prove that the chemical exposure directly caused your illness. Instead, you only need to establish that you worked, served, or lived on the base during the specified period. This significantly expedites the claims process and allows more veterans to access the benefits they need more quickly.
To qualify for presumptive service connection, work with a mass tort lawyer who can establish the following:
- Proof of your presence at Camp Lejeune or MCAS for at least 30 days between August 1, 1952, and December 31, 1987.
- You were not dishonorably discharged from the military.
- You suffered from one or more of the following cancers or conditions:
- breast cancer,
- female infertility,
- miscarriage,
- bladder cancer,
- kidney cancer,
- renal toxicity,
- hepatic steatosis,
- esophageal cancer,
- lung cancer,
- leukemia,
- multiple myeloma,
- scleroderma,
- myelodysplastic syndromes,
- non-Hodgkin's lymphoma,
- neurobehavioral effects, or
- Parkinson's disease.
Even if you do not believe you qualify for presumptive service connection, you may still be eligible for VA disability benefits.
Your attorney will need to gather evidence to build a strong case to help you secure the benefits you deserve. This may involve collecting your medical records, documentation of your time at Camp Lejeune or in the vicinity of the base, as well as proof of your exposure to the contaminated water, such as utility bills or on-base housing records.
How Much Is Your Water Contamination Claim Worth?
Placing a value on any personal injury case is complicated. Each person who was exposed to the toxic water might suffer different medical conditions. Even with the same diagnosis, cancers and other serious issues will affect people differently. The best way to determine what you might expect from filing a Camp Lejeune claim is to meet with a dedicated injury lawyer to explain your unique circumstances.
**Breaking News** The government has recently created a program called Elective Option to help settle Camp Lejeune claims quickly and cheaply. Although we don't believe the offered settlement amounts are sufficient for most claims, the settlement structure gives us some insight into what the government is willing to pay victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination. Read all the details about the Elective Option program in our blog post.
Why You Can Afford to Work With LLN
At Lawsuit Legal News. our mission is to help those who have been injured by the harmful acts of others. Often, these victims do not have the financial resources to pay their monthly expenses, let alone legal fees. This is why we never charge for our legal consultations and case reviews, and we don't get paid until you receive compensation for your losses.
Since you have no upfront costs, you have nothing to lose by contacting us. Reach out today!
Don't wait any longer, call 866-535-9515 or submit your case for review today!
Don’t Miss Your Opportunity, Contact Our Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Attorneys Today
If you or someone you love served at Camp Lejeune or worked near the base between 1953 and 1987, you may be entitled to compensation from the United States government. Our affiliated law firm is nationally recognized for its aggressive and successful litigation against large corporations, companies, and manufacturers, advocating for injured consumers and citizens.
You can rely on our mass tort lawyers to stand up against the federal government without backing down. We possess the financial resources necessary to handle cases of any size, ensuring that justice is served.
However, it is crucial to act swiftly because there is a short window of opportunity for filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit. Follow the pending multidistrict litigation on our Camp Lejeune lawsuit update page to ensure you don't miss out on any potential compensation. We encourage you to take advantage of a free consultation with our legal team to explore your legal options as soon as possible.
If your claim is approved, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses related to your exposure, reimbursement for out-of-pocket medical costs, disability benefits, or survivor benefits if you have lost a loved one due to their exposure.
Our law firm operates on a contingency basis, which means that you only pay us if we are successful in collecting compensation on your behalf. This ensures that justice is accessible to all military members and families affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination.
Let Us Help You Receive the Compensation You Deserve
Suffering the effects of Camp Lejeune water contamination is a serious issue that has impacted the lives of more than a million individuals and families. If you believe you qualify for a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit to seek compensation for the harm you have suffered, it is essential to consult with an experienced mass tort lawyer as soon as possible.
Our law firm is committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive the benefits and compensation you deserve. Don't hesitate to take the first step towards justice by contacting our Camp Lejeune lawsuit attorneys today. Time is of the essence in mass tort litigation cases, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Our dedicated Camp Lejeune lawyers can help you through this difficult time. We are prepared to challenge the US government and win. Call us today at 866-535-9515 or reach out online for your free evaluation!