Many victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination are wondering, “When will the Camp Lejeune lawsuit be settled?” Right now, it’s hard to say when the Camp Lejeune lawsuits will be settled, but victims may begin receiving settlement offers within a few months of filing their initial claim for compensation. If a victim’s claim is denied, or they refuse to accept a settlement offer, they may file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit. However, this may prevent them from receiving compensation for a year or more after filing their initial claim.
As a result of the Camp Lejeune water contamination, former Marines and their family members have suffered from serious, debilitating illnesses, making it important for them to seek justice for their losses. The Houston Camp Lejeune injury attorneys at Reich & Binstock are here to help ensure victims can seek compensation for the harm they’ve suffered as a result of the government’s negligence.
At Reich & Binstock, we understand the urgency and importance of resolving the Camp Lejeune lawsuit for those affected by this tragedy. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to advocating for the rights of our clients and pursuing the compensation and accountability they deserve.
If you or a loved one has been impacted by the Camp Lejeune water contamination, call us at (713) 622-7271 to schedule a free consultation with an attorney on our team.
Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Update February 2024
As of the end of February 2024, victims have filed over 170,000 administrative claims and over 1,500 individual lawsuits regarding the Camp Lejeune water contamination. So far, no Camp Lejeune cases have made it to court, but several claims have been settled outside of court through the government’s Elective Option program.
Camp Lejeune Settlement Timeline
1941: Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune was established near Jacksonville, North Carolina.
1953: The Camp Lejeune water supply began being contaminated with harmful chemicals.
1987: The water at Camp Lejeune was deemed safe for consumption and use.
1999: The U.S. Marine Corps began to notify individuals who lived on base during the 35-year period that they may have been exposed to harmful contaminants.
2009: The first Camp Lejeune contaminated water claim was filed.
2012: President Barack Obama signed the Camp Lejeune Families Act, which allowed victims and their families to receive healthcare benefits from Veterans Affairs.
2022: President Joe Biden signed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act into law, which allowed affected individuals to file claims for compensation regarding the water contamination for up to two years.
Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, the federal government has allowed victims and their families to file claims for compensation up until August 10, 2024.
Has Anyone Received Payment from Camp Lejeune Lawsuits?
No. As of February 2024, no one has received payment from a Camp Lejeune lawsuit since no Camp Lejeune lawsuits have made it to court yet. However, ten families have received compensation from the U.S. government for the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits through the government’s voluntary Elective Option.
This allows injured individuals or their families to receive a set amount of financial compensation based on how long they lived on base at Camp Lejeune and the severity of the illness or illnesses they suffered from as a result. So far, the families who have accepted Elective Option settlement offers have received a total of $2.5 million.
When Will the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Be Settled?
Right now, it’s hard to tell when the pending Camp Lejeune lawsuits will be settled. Once it’s decided how the Camp Lejeune trials will be handled, or once these lawsuits are finally brought to court, it’ll be easier to predict just how long victims will have to wait for justice.
When Will My Camp Lejeune Settlement Be Paid?
It depends on the specifics of your case. In general, victims can expect a Camp Lejeune payout offer within 1-2 years of filing their claim. However, those with more severe losses may want to wait until they’ve gone to trial to accept a settlement. The Elective Option settlement amounts may not cover all expenses and losses suffered by victims who suffered from more severe illnesses.
How Much Is the Camp Lejeune Settlement Per Person?
It’s estimated that victims can expect between $25,000 and $1 million in compensation, but the amount of an individual Camp Lejeune settlement will vary from person to person. Factors like the severity of their illness, the length of time they spent on base, and whether or not the victim decides to take a voluntary Elective Option offer can affect how much someone may recover in a Camp Lejeune settlement.
What Factors Affect the Camp Lejeune Settlement Timeline?
There are many different factors that can affect a Camp Lejeune victim’s settlement timeline. These can include the extent of their losses, their ability to receive a swift response from the Department of the Navy, and the decisions they make regarding their case. At Reich & Binstock, our Camp Lejeune lawyers can evaluate the specifics of your case to help determine how long you may have to wait before you see compensation for your losses.
Elective Options vs Pursuing Settlements
The way in which victims decide to pursue compensation can affect how long it will take them to actually receive that compensation. One way former Camp Lejeune residents can pursue compensation is through the federal government’s voluntary Elective Option. This allows victims to receive a set amount of compensation based on the length of their exposure and the resulting medical conditions that they suffered from.
While the Elective Option may offer victims a more streamlined and expedited path toward compensation, some victims may be able to recover greater compensation through a settlement. A skilled mass tort attorney can help determine how much your Camp Lejeune claim may be worth and recommend the best course of action for you.
Specific Health Issues You Have
Another factor that can affect a victim’s Camp Lejeune settlement timeline is the specific health condition or conditions they suffered from as a result of the water contamination. Former Camp Lejeune residents who suffered from multiple health conditions may require more time in the discovery process.
These kinds of claims will require more evidence to link these conditions to the contaminated water exposure, which will take time to gather and evaluate. Additionally, their attorneys will have to calculate the extent of the damages caused by these conditions, which can take more time and effort, lengthening the process.
How Quickly Your Claim Is Filed Then Reviewed
The speed at which a victim’s claim is filed and reviewed can also affect their settlement timeline. In order for Camp Lejeune victims to be eligible for a settlement, they must file an administrative claim through the Department of the Navy. The Navy has 180 days to respond to these claims and either deny them or approve them.
If your claim is filed, reviewed, and approved or denied within this time frame, you can continue on the path toward compensation. However, not all claimants receive an answer within that window of time, and may have to wait for 6 months before they can take further legal action.
Whether You Reach a Settlement or Go to Court
Another major factor in the Camp Lejeune settlement process is whether a victim decides to settle or go to court. Many Camp Lejeune claims can be settled outside of court, which can take less time than going through a trial.
However, while many of these water contamination settlement amounts are predicted to be large, they may not be large enough to provide certain victims with the justice they deserve. Whether your case ends in a settlement or results in a trial plays a large role in how long you’ll have to wait before you see compensation.
How Are Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Settlement Amounts Determined?
As of February 2024, no Camp Lejeune lawsuits have made it to court; all settlements that have been made so far were negotiated outside of court. Because of this, it’s hard to say just how the Camp Lejeune lawsuit settlements will be determined. Most likely, a victim’s Camp Lejeune lawsuit payout will be determined based on the factors of their unique case, like the severity of their injuries and the extent of their losses.
What Is the Average Settlement for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claims?
On average, Camp Lejeune settlement amounts are predicted to be in the range of $25,000 to $1 million. Victims on the higher end of that range are likely to be those who have suffered from debilitating health conditions like serious forms of cancer, or families recovering compensation through wrongful death claims. Working with a Houston wrongful death lawyer is crucial in these cases.
Due to the severity of the injuries victims have suffered, the U.S. Government expects these settlements to be massive and has reserved $21 billion for Camp Lejeune settlement payouts. As more and more Camp Lejeune settlements are reached, it will be easier for victims to predict how much their claims may be worth.
Steps to Pursuing Camp Lejeune Settlements
If you are looking to pursue legal action against the U.S. Government under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, there are a number of steps you must take to do so. Below are the steps you need to take in order to pursue a Camp Lejeune settlement.
Determine Eligibility
The first step in pursuing Camp Lejeune settlements is determining if you are eligible to file a claim. Eligibility criteria include living or working at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987. It also includes suffering from a qualifying illness like cancer or birth defects as a result of exposure to the contaminated water.
If you have not been diagnosed with any qualifying conditions, certain signs and symptoms of Camp Lejeune water contamination may indicate that you’ve developed a condition as a result of the water contamination. An experienced Camp Lejeune lawyer at Reich & Binstock can help clarify your eligibility status and guide you through the initial steps of the legal process.
Gather Evidence
Once eligibility is established, the next crucial step is gathering evidence to support your claim. Camp Lejeune victims will need to be able to prove that they lived or worked on base during the time the water was contaminated and prove that they suffered from a medical condition linked to the contamination.
This may involve obtaining medical records, military service records, witness statements, and any other documentation relevant to your case. Thorough documentation can strengthen your case and enhance your chances of securing a favorable settlement or judgment.
Submit a Claim
After gathering evidence, the next step is to submit a claim for compensation. Camp Lejeune claims can be complicated and difficult to file, especially without the necessary knowledge and experience. Working with experienced attorneys familiar with the Camp Lejeune litigation process, like those at Reich & Binstock, can ensure that your claim is properly prepared and submitted. We’ll review your circumstances and file your claim in accordance with the requirements set forth by the Camp Lejeune Justice Act and other relevant legal guidelines.
File a Lawsuit
If your administrative claim is denied, or you choose not to accept an offer through the Elective Option program, you may be able to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit. Filing a lawsuit may be necessary to pursue full and fair compensation for damages resulting from Camp Lejeune water contamination. Camp Lejeune lawyers can guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit in the appropriate jurisdiction and represent your interests throughout the litigation process.
Negotiate a Settlement
Even after filing a lawsuit, you may be able to negotiate a settlement to secure financial compensation without the need to go to court. The skilled negotiators at Reich & Binstock can advocate on your behalf to reach a fair and just settlement that compensates you for your losses and ensures accountability for the harm caused by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune.
Go to Trial if Necessary
If negotiations fail to produce a satisfactory settlement, your case may proceed to trial. It’s hard to know how these trials will proceed, so it’s important to have an experienced lawyer on your side to keep you updated on developments in the Camp Lejeune litigation. Additionally, experienced trial attorneys like those at Reich & Binstock can represent your interests in court, presenting compelling evidence and arguments to seek the compensation you deserve.
Who Is Eligible for a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement?
You can be eligible for a Camp Lejeune settlement if you or your immediate family member:
- Lived on or worked at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between the years 1953 and 1987;
- Suffered from a qualifying illness like breast cancer, leukemia, or multiple sclerosis; and
- Filed a Camp Lejeune claim with the Department of the Navy.
Anyone seeking compensation in connection with the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune must file a Camp Lejeune administrative claim with the Department of the Navy. Regardless of whether or not their claim is accepted, they can still pursue legal action over their illness.
Why Choose Reich & Binstock for Your Case?
When it comes to navigating complex cases like the Camp Lejeune lawsuits, choosing the right legal representation is crucial. At Reich & Binstock, we understand the profound impact that the Camp Lejeune water contamination has had on the lives of countless individuals and families.
With decades of experience in personal injury and mass tort law, our team at Reich & Binstock has a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for our clients. We approach each case with diligence, compassion, and relentless dedication, helping injury victims achieve the best possible results.
When you choose Reich & Binstock, you can trust that your case is in the hands of dedicated Camp Lejeune lawyers who will stand by your side throughout the legal process. We understand the challenges that you may be facing, and we are here to provide you with the support and guidance you need to navigate this difficult time. With Reich & Binstock on your side, you can rest assured that your case is in capable hands.
Contact the Camp Lejeune Attorneys at Reich & Binstock Today
If you or a loved one has been impacted by the devastating effects of the Camp Lejeune water contamination, don’t wait to seek the legal assistance you deserve. A skilled Camp Lejeune lawyer at Reich & Binstock can help you navigate the complex legal system and pursue the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Our dedicated team understands the challenges you may be facing as a result of the Camp Lejeune water contamination. That’s why we’re committed to providing you with the compassionate support and aggressive advocacy you need during this difficult time.
Additionally, with a proven track record of success in handling mass tort cases and other toxic exposure cases, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands. Whether you’re looking to file a claim, negotiate a settlement, or pursue litigation, the attorneys at Reich & Binstock are here to guide you every step of the way.
Don’t wait to seek compensation–victims must file a Camp Lejeune claim by August 10, 2024, to be eligible for compensation. Take the first step towards securing the compensation and closure you deserve. Call us at (713) 622-7271 or contact us via our website to schedule a free consultation and get started.
