First Camp Lejeune Settlements Have Been Reached As Time Is Running Out To File A Claim
CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA (December 14, 2023) – More than one year after the enactment of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, some of the first settlements are being reached.
From 1953 to 1987, the water at Camp Lejeune contained dozens of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are known to cause cancers. The level of contamination in the water was nearly 280 times higher for certain chemicals over what would be considered safe.
Some of the chemicals found in the water included trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), vinyl chloride (VC), and benzene. Residents of the Marine Corps base who drank the water would often become ill.
As of November 13, 2023, government officials have said that there have been 23 settlement offers for people and families harmed by the contaminated water. Some legal experts have speculated that the cost of the administrative claims could exceed 3.3 trillion.
Don’t Wait: If you or a loved one has been exposed to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune, call us today for a risk free consultation at (516) 908-9792. You must file a claim before August, 2024.
The Department of Justice has not indicated what the amount of the settlements was thus far. In addition to the lawsuits, the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Department of Justice have created an “elective option.” The value of elective option claims will vary.
Tier 1 Diagnoses: A Tier 1 diagnoses includes all diseases and illnesses with substantiated evidence of causation as determined by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). The value of the claim depends on the length of the exposure.
- Tier 1 Qualifying Injury 30 days – 364 days: $150,000
- Tier 1 Qualifying Injury 1 year – 5 years: $300,000
- Tier 1 Qualifying Injury 5 years or more: $450,000
Tier 2 Diagnoses: A Tier 2 diagnoses includes all diseases and illnesses with linked possible evidence of causation as determined by the (ATSDR). As with Tier 1 claims, the value will depend on the length of the exposure.
- Tier 2 Qualifying Injury 30 days – 364 days: $100,000
- Tier 2 Qualifying Injury 1 year – 5 years: $250,000
- Tier 2 Qualifying Injury 5 years or more: $400,000
Some legal experts have suggested that the elective option is only the right choice for a very specific group of people. This may include those who are in dire financial straights, who have a short time to live or who otherwise have weak cases. It is important to consult with a legal expert to see which option might be right for you.
Getting Legal Help After Staying At Camp Lejeune
Have you or someone that you care about been harmed after staying at the Camp Lejeune Marine Corps base in North Carolina. You may have legal recourse. The passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act has allowed victims of this awful water contamination to finally have their day in court. But this opportunity will not last forever.
Our team of experienced Camp Lejeune attorneys at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. are here to help in any way that we can. Whether you just have legal questions or are thinking about hiring an attorney we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
