FAQs About the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

Normally, the Marine Corps takes care of its own. But in this situation, this service branch didn’t just drop the ball. It hid the ball. For years, government officials claimed there was nothing wrong with Camp Lejeune’s water, despite clear evidence to the contrary. When victims filed Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuits, government lawyers quickly killed these actions, so the trust wouldn’t come out.

Eventually, the evidence grew to a point that even a government coverup couldn’t keep a lid on it. Lawmakers added a provision to the 2022 PACT Act, which waives some procedural hurdles and gives victims a one-time opportunity to get their day in court.

Although victims have an opportunity, the same government lawyers that blocked claims all those years are still at work. Lawmakers took away their best weapons, but lawmakers didn’t change attitudes about Camp Lejeune water contamination. Even today, many government lawyers don’t believe tainted water caused large-scale illnesses and off-base entities, such as nearby dry cleaners, polluted the water.

The battle lines are drawn, and many people have many questions about their rights and obligations. Our experienced Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Attorneys not only stand up for victims in court, but they also counsel victims and inform them about their legal rights. It’s in that spirit that we present this blog.

What is the Average Payout for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?

We can address this question in general terms, even though the lawsuit hasn’t settled yet and, given the slow pace of litigation, might not settle for quite some time.

The slow litigation pace isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The delay gives more victims a chance to become Class 1 or 2 members. Usually, Class 1 plaintiffs, who showed initiative, partnered with Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawyers early on, and were determined to hold the government accountable for its negligence, receive the largest share of the settlement money. Class 2 members, or victims who came forward after the lawsuit was in motion, receive almost as much.

The line between Class 1 and Class 2 plaintiffs vary. The settlement terms usually include a cutoff date as well as relevant financial provisions.

Class 3 members aren’t plaintiffs. These victims are usually eligible for compensation if they meet the eligibility requirements, which are outlined below. However, in terms of settlement money, Class 3 members get the leftovers because they did nothing.

Back to the average payout question. Given the size of similar class action settlements and the number of potential claimants, most observers believe the average Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement Amount will be between $10,000 and $500,000. The victim’s classification, as outlined above, and the victim’s injuries are the two biggest factors that determine the exact settlement amount.

Is the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Still Going On?

Yes, as of September 2023, the Camp Lejeune lawsuit is still going on and victims may file legal actions. Technically, victims may file legal actions after the 2024 deadline passes, but government lawyers can use procedural motion to derail these lawsuits.

A parallel action, VA disability claims for Camp Lejeune water contamination injuries, is still going on as well. A “disability” is a medical condition that prevents the victim from working. Economic factors come into play as well. Older, poorly-educated veterans are more likely to be disabled than younger, well-educated veterans.

The VA uses a percentage system (10 percent disabled, 20 percent disabled, and so on) to determine the amount of cash benefits. All disabled veterans usually receive free medical care at VA facilities.

Who Qualifies for the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Claims?

Victims who resided at Camp Lejeune for more than thirty days, be they service members, military contractors, civilian employees, or the loved one of any of these individuals, between 1953 and 1987 are eligible for a share of the Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement. Additionally, the victim must not have been dishonorably discharged and have one of the following health conditions:

Parkinson’s disease,

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma,

Multiple myeloma,

Liver cancer,

Kidney cancer,

Bladder cancer,

Aplastic anemia,

Adult leukemia,

Renal toxicity,

Scleroderma,

Neurobehavioral disorders, 

Female infertility and miscarriage, 

Hepatic steatosis, or

Esophageal cancer.

Usually the illness must be disabling, as outlined above. Victims with other toxic water-related illnesses may be eligible to join the lawsuit as well, but these cases are much more complex.

Contact Our Experienced Lawyers for Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Claims

Camp Lejeune water contamination victims now have legal options. For a free consultation with experienced Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Lawyers, contact the Law Offices of Eslamboly Hakim & Sharona Hakim, Attorneys. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we start working for you.