The guidelines for Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement amounts can provide veterans with an idea of what their claim may be worth.
Summary
- Camp Lejeune settlement amounts vary based on the medical condition, length of exposure, and individual circumstances, making tailored legal representation crucial.
- The Department of the Navy offers two settlement tiers based on health conditions and exposure duration, with Camp Lejeune plaintiffs having 60 days to accept, reject, or negotiate.
- Tier One compensates for severe cancers like bladder and liver cancer in Camp Lejeune cases.
- Tier Two addresses chronic conditions like Parkinson’s and kidney disease, with amounts increasing for longer exposure periods.
- Even within the same tier, Camp Lejeune water contamination settlements differ based on factors like medical bills, treatment complexity, age at illness onset, and income loss amounts.
- VetLaw assists Camp Lejeune plaintiffs in maximizing settlements or pursuing litigation, leveraging our legal expertise to guide veterans and families through the claims process under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.
There are many factors that contribute to the final value of a Camp Lejeune settlement, therefore plaintiffs do not automatically receive the same amounts of compensation for their injuries or illnesses due to water contamination.
Given the range of possible Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement amounts, it is essential for veterans and their families to present the strongest claim possible with the backing of a veteran Camp Lejeune claim denial attorney to maximize their compensation.
VetLaw has been actively and unapologetically pressing for Camp Lejeune veterans to receive the financial compensation they deserve. We are here to explain the Camp Lejeune claims process and help you explore your legal options.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (855) 964-1925 or fill out a contact form to schedule a free consultation.
Camp Lejeune Settlement Options for Veterans and Their Families
There are hundreds of thousands of potential plaintiffs in the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits. Therefore, the government has designed a system to settle some of the Camp Lejeune claims quickly. Plaintiffs who filed administrative claims with the Department of the Navy may be eligible for an Elective Option settlement.
The Stages of the Elective Option Process for Camp Lejeune Claims
Basically, the Department of the Navy evaluates a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim, consults Camp Lejeune settlement guide, and then offers the claimant compensation according to which tier they fall under.
Plaintiffs with an administrative claim can then decide whether to reject or accept this settlement offer, push for additional compensation, or proceed with a Camp Lejeune lawsuit. After the Department of the Navy makes an Elective Option settlement offer, the Camp Lejeune plaintiff has 60 days to decide what they want to do.
A VetLaw Camp Lejeune attorney can lend their legal expertise to your veteran water contamination claim. We can also negotiate for a higher settlement or build a compelling case to present in court.
Tiers Classify Camp Lejeune Claims by Health Condition and Length of Exposure
One of the most influential factors in the Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement amounts will be the severity of the illness or injury. Therefore, the settlement tiers are generally based on the type of health issue and the length of time the injured party spent at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period.
Structure of the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlements:
Tier One encompasses several types of cancer likely caused by exposure to toxic chemicals in Camp Lejeune’s water supply.
Tier One Camp Lejeune Settlements:
For bladder cancer, kidney cancer, leukemia, liver cancer, or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
- On base for >5 years $450,000
- 1 to 5 years on base $300,000
- <1 year but at least 30 days on base $150,000
Tier Two covers chronic nerve and autoimmune conditions, as well as a type of cancer, linked to Camp Lejeune.
Tier Two Camp Lejeune Settlements:
For kidney disease, multiple myeloma, Parkinson’s disease, scleroderma, or systemic sclerosis.
- On base for >5 years $400,000
- 1 to 5 years on base $250,000
- <1 year but at least 30 days on base $100,000
Keep in mind that these tiers apply to the Elective Option for Camp Lejeune payouts. Some Camp Lejeune plaintiffs have decided to reject the Elective Option settlement offers from the Department of the Navy.
Instead, they are taking their claims to North Carolina federal court. Camp Lejeune toxic water lawyers can help plaintiffs seek fair compensation in these cases.
Why Settlements May Vary Among Camp Lejeune Victims Within a Tier
No two Camp Lejeune toxic water lawsuits are identical, even if the plaintiffs both report the same injury or illness. For instance, two Camp Lejeune veterans may both develop kidney cancer from toxic exposure on base.
One may overcome it with minimal chemo and few complications, while the other undergoes treatment for years, endures dialysis, and ultimately needs a kidney transplant.
Even though they fall under the same tier for Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement amounts, the veteran who needed more medical care would likely be eligible for a higher settlement.
Camp Lejeune victims who were very young when they became ill may also see larger Camp Lejeune settlement amounts. Additionally, those who lost income because they were too sick to work may recover more compensation.
Discuss Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement Amounts With VetLaw
Toxic water at Camp Lejeune caused catastrophic damage for Camp Lejeune families. We want to help them negotiate the compensation they deserve. By reviewing this reference guide for Camp Lejeune settlements, our team hopes that you can gain some clarity on what level of compensation you may qualify for.
At VetLaw, we are committed to rectifying the lack of compensation for Camp Lejeune veterans, military families, and civilian contractors who were harmed by the hazardous chemicals in the base’s water supply.
You can trust our veteran disability attorneys to support you at every step during the Camp Lejeune settlement process. When you speak with our Camp Lejeune lawyers, we can also provide insight on the average settlement for a Camp Lejeune claim like yours.
Give us a call at (855) 964-1925 or fill out a contact form. We’ll help you estimate what your Camp Lejeune claim is worth. Then, we can offer guidance on how to move forward in a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 and how did it help veterans get Camp Lejeune settlements?
As a part of the PACT Act’s mission to address toxic exposure among military personnel, the law included a section called the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. The CLJA allocated federal funds to compensate veterans, military families, and civilian contractors harmed by Camp Lejeune’s toxic water.
Additionally, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act set aside the existing deadline for Camp Lejeune victims to file contaminated drinking water claims. Before this, military veterans impacted by Camp Lejeune water were largely limited to VA benefits.
Consequently, too often they were insufficient to cover the harm done by toxic Camp Lejeune water. At VetLaw, our Camp Lejeune lawyers are working closely with victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination and their family members to secure fair settlements.
Is it too late to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim?
The deadline to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was August 2024. If you have further questions about your Camp Lejeune claim, you should speak to one of our Camp Lejeune lawyers.
What is the average Camp Lejeune settlement?
Right now, there haven’t been enough Camp Lejeune settlements reached to calculate a reliable average Camp Lejeune settlement. Additionally, the Camp Lejeune claims are diverse. Therefore, a simple average would not necessarily be a good indicator of the typical Camp Lejeune lawsuit payout.
Some Camp Lejeune lawyers believe Camp Lejeune water settlements will start at $10,000 and reach over $1 million in compensation. Our Camp Lejeune lawyers believe that we will also need to see the outcomes of the Camp Lejeune claims being heard in federal court in the Eastern district of North Carolina.
Will Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement amounts affect VA disability benefits for military veterans?
No, the Camp Lejeune settlements and VA disability benefits are separate from one another. The Department of Veterans Affairs can’t reduce the VA benefits it offers for your veterans disability claim because you received a Camp Lejeune settlement.
The Camp Lejeune water settlements are an acknowledgement that federal government negligence led to devastating illnesses and injuries for Camp Lejeune victims, including military veterans and their family members.
Can I recover a Camp Lejeune settlement if I lost a loved one due to toxic exposure?
Yes, if you are pursuing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit settlement on behalf of a deceased loved one, you can recover compensation for medical bills and other damages.
Through the voluntary Elective Option under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, the Department of the Navy is offering an additional $100,000 to plaintiffs if their family member died as a result of the injury or illness from their contaminated drinking water claim.
The illness or injury in question must be one of the conditions the federal government has acknowledged as a consequence of exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. For example, a Camp Lejeune lawsuit for bladder cancer would qualify.
