Camp Lejeune FAQ: When Will Camp Lejeune Compensation Be Determined?

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Overview

From the early 1950s to the late 1980s, Camp Lejeune residents and workers were exposed to high levels of volatile organic compounds and other toxic substances in the Camp Lejeune water supply, which caused many to develop cancer and other life-threatening health conditions.

The Camp Lejeune water supply — specifically from the Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point treatment plant — was contaminated for decades from multiple sources.

One of the primary causes of the water contamination was a privately-owned dry cleaning service outside the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp.

Toxic chemicals, such as Tetrachloroethylene (PCE), Trichloroethylene (TCE), Vinyl Chloride, Benzene, and up to 70 other contaminants leaked into the Camp Lejeune water supply at unregulated levels.

You can learn more about the dangerous chemicals present, and what caused the contaminated water supply at Camp Lejeune, here.

Attempts at Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Pre-2022

Despite the breadth of people impacted by the toxic water at Camp Lejeune, little legislative action was undertaken to care for them.

In 2012, over 30 years after the water contamination ceased, the Janey Ensminger Act was implemented.

Named after the daughter of a Marine Corps veteran who passed due to illnesses contracted from the contaminated water, the Janey Ensminger Act sought to allow victims to recover medical assistance for their conditions.

Unfortunately, this act did not have the widespread impact that was needed.

Victims used to rely on the Federal Tort Claims Act of 1946 to hold the government accountable for what happened, but this didn’t always end in their favor.

According to the Navy JAG, claims filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act were dismissed in 2016 by the MDL court because:

“…the conditions required for a waiver of sovereign immunity had not been met. In other words, the claims could not be considered; therefore, there is no legal basis to pay them.”

It wasn’t until August 2022 that Camp Lejeune veterans, family members, civilian workers, and others who were at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 could get the justice they deserve.

With the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, victims can now file a formal complaint specific to their situation with greater chances of success.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act: How Military Veterans and other Camp Lejeune Residents Can Get Compensated

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was signed into law by President Biden in August 2022 as part of the Honoring Our PACT Act.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows military personnel, military veterans, their family members, civilian workers, and any person who was at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between 1953 and 1987 to file an administrative claim with the Navy JAG.

Camp Lejeune Justice Act claims include:

• Information on illnesses linked to Camp Lejeune water contamination
• Personal information
• Settlement demands

The submission of a Camp Lejeune Justice Act claim can be done with the help of a law firm or legal representative, or by individuals and family representatives.

The Navy JAG has six (6) months to adjudicate or settle a Camp Lejeune Justice Act claim.

If a solution is not found within those 180 days, Camp Lejeune victims have the right to file a lawsuit in the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

What Injuries and Medical Conditions Are Eligible for Camp Lejeune Compensation?

Because of the catastrophic effects of Camp Lejeune’s toxic water supply, victims developed potentially life-threatening and life-long diseases.

With the enactment of laws protecting Camp Lejeune victims, they are now covered for the most common conditions affecting them.

Some of the injuries and illnesses that qualify victims for financial assistance include:

• Organ-related cancers, such as liver, bladder, and kidney cancer
• Blood cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma
• Diseases affecting vital organs, such as the liver, kidney, heart, and brain
• Respiratory diseases
• Infertility and congenital diseases
• Neurological conditions like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis

The amount determined for Camp Lejeune settlements depends on the severity of the condition and facts about one’s case.

An experienced attorney can help you accurately estimate the amount you should be compensated and determine eligibility for additional benefits.

What Are the Steps of the Administrative Claims Process?

Camp Lejeune lawsuits involve various steps, and the claims process may be confusing for those who don’t have the necessary legal knowledge.

If you’re looking to file a claim with your attorney, here are the steps you can expect with your case.

Proof of Residence at Camp Lejeune

One of the most critical pieces of proof Camp Lejeune victims must present is that they resided there from August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987.

Some forms of proof you can use are military records, discharge papers and orders, affidavits, and work documentation.

Medical Documentation and Treatment History

Victims must present medical records and documentation that is pertinent to their diagnosis and treatment history.

This may include diagnostic records, lab reports, doctor’s notes, hospital bills, evidence of disability rating, etc.

Filing the Claim

The proof of residence and medical evidence is the foundation of Camp Lejeune cases.

Once you have all these at your disposal, you and your attorney can accurately file a Camp Lejeune claim.

You can do it online, or you can submit a claim by visiting your area’s nearest VA Regional Office.

Gathering More Evidence

As mentioned, it could take up to six months until the VA approves or declines your claim.

In the meantime, your party can gather more evidence to support your case further.

This includes further medical evidence, military service information, and anything that can build further credibility for your claim.

Filing a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit if Your Claim is Denied

If the Navy JAG declined your claim or offered a much lower amount, your attorney may recommend filing a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit.

Here, your attorney will advocate for you that your Camp Lejeune claim is valid and will negotiate a settlement on your behalf.

What Is the Congressional Budget Office's Allocation for Camp Lejeune Victims?

According to published material by the Congressional Budget Office, the agency set a budget of $6.1 billion for Camp Lejeune settlement amounts.

This budget includes reimbursements of medical costs, compensation, and other mandatory benefits.

The agency is expecting that fewer veterans may receive their Camp Lejeune settlement payouts because of the current version of the law.

However, the agency is also expecting a budget increase in the future as the law continues to evolve and accommodate more victims.

What are the Average Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement Amounts?

At this time, it is difficult to put an exact number to the average Camp Lejeune settlement amount.

Many Camp Lejeune settlement payouts will be determined in the administrative claims period.

Other Camp Lejeune settlements will be distributed after court proceedings in the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

The settlement amount for each individual case will differ based upon the injuries suffered, conditions diagnosed, time spent at the base, and more.

Camp Lejeune settlements would also contain damages incurred, which can include medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional damages, and more.

Depending on injuries suffered, conditions diagnosed, and evidence available, individual settlement amounts for exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune could be significant.

Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement amounts could be between $10,000 and $500,000 depending on the strength of your case.

These estimates for Camp Lejeune settlement amounts are only estimations based on the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) budget for Camp Lejeune claims.

These estimates are not a guarantee by any means of certain compensation for Camp Lejeune settlements.

Visit this page for more updates on Camp Lejeune settlement amounts as the information becomes more widely available.

How Can a Lawyer Help You With Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?

Hiring a Camp Lejeune lawyer from an established law firm to handle your case is highly recommended.

The experience and expertise our Camp Lejeune attorneys possess can help you build a solid case to get the maximum possible compensation for the damages you incurred.

Updated Knowledge of the Issue and Related Laws

Lawyers have extensive knowledge of the laws related to the Camp Lejeune water contamination incident.

They’re also constantly updated on all news surrounding Camp Lejeune water contamination claims.

Expert Negotiators

Experienced lawyers are also expert negotiators.

They will negotiate with the government agency handling your claim, ensuring that you get the Camp Lejeune settlement you deserve for the damages you’ve suffered.

Acts With Your Best Interest in Mind

Lawyers are bound to their duty to protect and advocate the rights of their clients.

With a dedicated lawyer by your side, you can be sure that your best interests are always put first and that they will never settle for anything less than what you deserve.

TorHoerman Law: Your Camp Lejeune Lawyers

Our Camp Lejeune lawyers are passionate about fighting for victims’ rights and can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Our mission is to help victims who have suffered too long without a proper avenue for legal recourse.

We aim to make the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit process more manageable and accessible to victims of all ages and backgrounds.

If you or a loved one lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for more than 30 days between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible for a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation and discuss your legal options today.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit instantly.

Don’t hesitate. Our law firm is here to help you secure the financial compensation you are rightfully owed.

Contact us today.