Background on the Camp Lejeune Lawsuits
For decades, the water at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina was contaminated by dangerous chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Civilian workers, veterans, and their family members regularly used this toxic water for daily activities like drinking, bathing, and household cleaning. Unfortunately, exposure to VOCs has caused many to experience serious health issues, even decades after contact with the water.
Before the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was signed into law in August 2022, those affected by the toxic water weren’t able to take legal action for their injuries. Now, families may be eligible for compensation from Camp Lejeune lawsuits.
However, you only have until August 2024 to pursue justice for the pain and suffering you’ve endured.
Our team provides regular updates on Camp Lejeune litigation, so you can stay informed as these lawsuits continue to progress through the legal system.
Who Is Eligible to File a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?
You may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit if you or a loved one:
- Spent at least 30 days on base between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987
- Developed health issues linked to the contaminated water
Even if your loved one passed away decades ago, you may still be able to file a Camp Lejeune wrongful death lawsuit on their behalf.
Camp Lejeune Health Conditions
The chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune have been linked to many health conditions, like different types of cancer and issues related to pregnancy.
Camp Lejeune health conditions that may qualify for a lawsuit include:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Aplastic anemia
- Birth defects
- Bladder cancer
- Brain cancer
- Breast cancer
- Cardiac defects
- Cervical cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- Esophageal cancer
- Fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis)
- Female infertility
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Lymphomas
- Miscarriage
- Multiple myeloma
- Myelodysplastic cancer
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Parkinson’s disease
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Renal toxicity
- Sarcoma
- Scleroderma
Studies have found that U.S. Marines who served at Camp Lejeune from 1975 to 1985 have a 10% higher risk of dying from cancer compared to U.S. Marines at Camp Pendleton, a military base that didn’t have contaminated water.
Compensation from a Camp Lejeune lawsuit can help you pay for medical expenses, home health care, and more.
Camp Lejeune Compensation Options
The Congressional Budget Office has estimated spending over $21 Billion on Camp Lejeune compensation, with $6.1 Billion potentially being paid before 2031 and $15 Billion after 2031.
The amount of Camp Lejeune compensation you may receive and the timeline to secure compensation varies based on multiple factors, including when you file your claim, the illness you or a loved one developed, and which Camp Lejeune compensation option you choose.
Camp Lejeune Settlement Amounts
Camp Lejeune lawsuit settlements could range from several hundred thousand to millions of dollars, depending on factors like your illness and how long you spent at Camp Lejeune.
Since this litigation is still relatively new, no lawsuits have resulted in compensation yet. However, the first Camp Lejeune trials are scheduled to begin in March 2024.
Elective Option Payouts
The Department of Justice and the Department of the Navy offer a voluntary Elective Option payout, which may allow those who qualify to secure Camp Lejeune compensation quicker.
Elective Option payouts range from $100,000 to $550,000, and some families have received compensation within just a few months.
The Elective Option uses a 2-tier system to determine how much compensation is awarded based on the victim’s diagnosis and the length of time on base.
In October 2023, the first three Elective Option payouts were awarded and totaled $850,000.
VA Benefits for Camp Lejeune
U.S. military veterans with illnesses caused by the contaminated water on base may be eligible for Camp Lejeune VA benefits.
VA benefits for Camp Lejeune illnesses include:
- Disability Compensation
- Survivor Benefits for Family Members
- VA Health Care
VA disability benefits award over $3,700 a month to veterans with a 100% disability rating. This amount may increase if the veteran has a spouse or children.
It’s important to note that filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit will not impact your current or future VA benefits, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
How to File a North Carolina Camp Lejeune Lawsuit
At Sokolove Law, we strive to make filing a North Carolina Camp Lejeune lawsuit as simple and stress-free as possible.
With our experienced North Carolina Camp Lejeune attorneys on your side, you can focus on your health and loved ones — while we handle every step of the legal process for you.
Filing a North Carolina Camp Lejeune lawsuit generally involves:
- Contacting Sokolove Law: We’ll let you know if you may be eligible to file a water contamination lawsuit during a free case review.
- Gathering Evidence: Our team will collect the evidence needed to build a strong case on your behalf, including medical records, military records, expert testimony, and more.
- Filing a North Carolina Camp Lejeune Lawsuit: Your attorneys will first file an administrative claim with the Department of the Navy. If you're not offered a settlement within 6 months or don't take an Elective Option payout (if eligible), we’ll file your Camp Lejeune lawsuit against the federal government.
- Negotiating a Settlement: We'll work to negotiate a Camp Lejeune settlement with the defendants, so you can get compensation for your injuries quicker — without having to accept less than you deserve.
- Presenting Your Case in Court: If a settlement isn’t reached, your legal team is prepared to go to trial and fight for a Camp Lejeune verdict on your behalf on your behalf.
Deadlines on Camp Lejeune Claims
When the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 was signed into law, it established a 2-year period for veterans and civilians impacted by the contaminated water on base to take legal action.
The deadline to file a Camp Lejeune claim is August 10, 2024. Once this deadline passes, you will not be able to file a lawsuit for your injuries ever again.
Before filing a claim, your legal team may need to collect medical documents and proof of your time spent at Camp Lejeune.
Let Our North Carolina Camp Lejeune Attorneys Fight for You
At Sokolove Law, our North Carolina Camp Lejeune attorneys are dedicated to fighting for justice on behalf of U.S. military veterans and their families.
Our firm was founded in 1979, and since then, we’ve amassed decades of experience and secured over $9.6 Billion for thousands of clients nationwide.
We take pride in our commitment to Camp Lejeune veterans, and we’ve already helped over 30,000 Camp Lejeune families with their claims.
Camp Lejeune North Carolina Lawsuit FAQs
How do I know if I qualify for the Camp Lejeune lawsuit?
You may qualify for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit if you or a loved one spent at least 30 days at Camp Lejeune from August 1953 to December 1987 and later developed a health condition linked to the contaminated water.
What is the average settlement for the Camp Lejeune lawsuit?
It’s difficult to determine an average settlement amount for Camp Lejeune lawsuits, as none have settled at this time. The U.S. government has estimated spending over $21 Billion on Camp Lejeune claims.
Multiple Camp Lejeune Elective Option payouts have been made to families, which range from $100,000 to $550,000. That said, lawsuit settlements may be worth more than the Elective Option offers.
Our North Carolina Camp Lejeune attorneys will fight for the maximum compensation possible in your case.
Do Camp Lejeune victims need a lawyer?
North Carolina Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyers may improve your chances of securing compensation and make the legal process easier for you and your family.
At Sokolove Law, our North Carolina Camp Lejeune lawsuit lawyers will handle every step of the legal process for you, including gathering evidence, collecting expert testimony, and filing your claim.
How much does a Camp Lejeune attorney in North Carolina charge?
At Sokolove Law, our North Carolina Camp Lejeune lawyers charge no upfront or hourly fees.
We work on a contingency-fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we successfully secure compensation for you.
How should I choose a law firm for the Camp Lejeune lawsuit?
When choosing a Camp Lejeune law firm, it’s important to consider several factors:
- Experience: At Sokolove Law, we have over 45 years of experience fighting for justice on behalf of injured veterans and their families.
- Familiarity with Camp Lejeune Cases: Our team has already helped over 30,000 families with their Camp Lejeune claims — and we may be able to help you too.
- Successful Results: We’ve secured over $9.6 Billion total for thousands of clients nationwide.
