We have news for all Camp Lejeune survivors. The recent revelations linking serious illnesses to the base’s water contamination have paved the way for justice through the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. You can read this article to learn how to seek fair compensation for the harm caused by the toxic water between 1953 and 1987.
Let us help you fight for your rights, increase your knowledge, and take the first step toward healing and closure. Let’s get started:
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
Let us first explore what happened at Camp Lejeune before delving into the details of the lawsuit. So let’s get started peeling off. It was assumed that the water at Camp Lejeune was tainted from 1953 to 1987. Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps base, was the source of the contaminated water. It was also reported that the contaminants included 48,000 pounds of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Consequently, this contamination led to serious health issues, such as cancer and Parkinson’s disease, for many people who lived or worked there.
Although many victims filed compensation claims, few were initially successful. The government of the U.S. passed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act as part of the PACT Act in August 2022. This act allows affected individuals to seek compensation. It stated that claims from victims have to be submitted by August 10th. if they spent at least 30 days during the polluted period residing or working at the base. Furthermore, investigations by the EPA and other agencies confirmed that the illnesses were linked to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
Process and Requirements for Pursuing Claims Related to Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
Various steps are involved in the administrative claims process for Camp Lejeune settlements. Each claimant’s situation may result in variations in the process. However, the typical procedure for Camp Lejeune settlement claims consists of the following:
- Claimants inform relevant authorities about their settlement claim through a notification of claim.
- Authorities gather relevant information about the claim during the research phase.
- Moreover, the validity and the extent of compensation owed are determined through the evaluation of the claim.
- However, if the claim is approved, compensation is provided to the claimant as part of the settlement for the compensation payout.
- Unresolved claims may (under some circumstances) progress to court proceedings for additional resolution during the court case.
We have mentioned earlier that under the recently enacted Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA), individuals are entitled to pursue lawsuits against the government. This applies to individuals who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 consecutive days between the specified time frame. The Eastern District of North Carolina is the designated court for filing claims related to injuries. The CLJA mandates that potential plaintiffs undergo a 6-month administrative claim process, which covers:
- Claimants must comply with Section 2675 of Title 28, United States Code, before initiating any legal action. In addition, this requirement is imposed by the federal agency.
- Prospective claimants must first submit a claim to the appropriate federal agency. For instance, the Judge Advocate General (JAG) at the Department of the Navy is an appropriate agency.
- The agency has a six-month window to accept or deny the claim. Until the administrative claim process is completed or the 6-month deadline lapses, plaintiffs cannot file their lawsuit in federal court.
- Claims undergo initial screening. During this process, reasonable settlement offers may be extended before the six-month period expires. Many Camp Lejeune claims can be resolved through this method. This method can help avoid the need for civil lawsuits for these claims.
Factors That Determine The Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Payout Per Person
Now, let us discuss various factors that determine the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Payout Per Person. Initially, individuals fill out a Camp Lejeune claim form. Later, they provide details about their time at the base, medical history, and settlement demands on the form. Subsequently, the specific details of each person’s claim influence the amount they receive as a settlement.
It is possible to submit a claim without legal assistance. However, seeking guidance from an experienced law firm is highly recommended for maximum compensation. Moreover, Camp Lejeune lawyers can represent you in federal court if your claim is denied. Here are some critical factors that can help determine Camp Lejeune settlement amounts:
- Exposure to the Water Supply from Camp Lejeune Contaminated
- The Injuries Caused by Drinking Water Contamination and Their Severity
- Losses of Money or Economic Harm
- Unlawful Expenses
- Evidence of Damages, Injuries, and Exposure to Contaminated Camp Lejeune Water
Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Payout Per Person
Settlement amounts vary for each person’s case, depending on their injuries, duration at the base, and other factors. Lawsuit settlements cover damages such as medical bills, lost income, and emotional suffering. Settlements for Camp Lejeune water contamination cases could be substantial, depending on the injuries and evidence.
The settlement amount may range from $10,000 to over $1,000,000, depending on the strength of the case. These estimates are based on the Congressional Budget Office’s budget for Camp Lejeune claims.
Projected settlement amounts are conservative estimates, with some exceeding $1 million and others less than half of the average.
Here are the basic settlement amounts for Camp Lejeune:
- Bladder Cancer – $182,500
- Brain Cancer – $800,000
- Breast Cancer – $250,000
- Cervical Cancer – $202,500
- Colon Cancer – $150,000
- Kidney Cancer – $250,000
- Liver Cancer – $370,000
- Lung Cancer – $325,000 (non-smoker projection)
- Lymphoma – $225,000
- Parkinson’s Disease – $775,000 (this amount is low)
- Esophageal Cancer – $300,000 (non-smoker projection)
- Ovarian Cancer – $287,500
- Leukemia – $250,000
- MDS $142,500
- Scleroderma $125,000
- Anemia $157,500
- Wrongful Death Settlement: $625,000
- Infertility costs $175,000
- Birth Defects (Major) – $1,125,000
Hiring A Lawyer For The Claims And Lawsuit
It is noteworthy that hiring a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyer can help your case in many ways. Apart from that, a lawyer can help your case in many ways. Here are some of the ways you can benefit from hiring Camp Lejeune water contamination attorneys.
- Lawyers bring expertise and experience to effectively handle your case.
- They can save you time and money by streamlining the legal process.
- In addition, you can maximize your Camp Lejeune settlement.
- Your lawyer will guide you on legal matters so you won’t have to make educated guesses.
- Moreover, your lawyer will advocate for your unique case and ensure it is filed promptly.
Conclusion
Therefore, we must conclude that the Camp Lejeune water contamination has caused serious health issues for many workers. However, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act offers hope for justice and compensation. In addition, legal support is necessary when navigating the administrative claims process. Adherence to the CLJA is also required.
We have also learned that settlement amounts depend on various factors. Furthermore, hiring a specialized lawyer can improve the chances of receiving fair compensation. Ultimately, recognizing the importance of legal representation is crucial.