Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement Amounts: What to Expect

September 21, 2023 | Attorney, Matthew Dolman
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement Amounts: What to Expect

If you suffer from a health condition caused by your exposure to contaminated water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, keep reading for some important information. A recent piece of legislation, the Honoring Our Pact Act of 2022, may entitle you to receive a portion of the Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement amounts to help cover your losses.

The bill provides approximately $6.7 billion in funding for veterans who suffered exposure to various chemicals in the toxic water at Camp Lejeune and now live with severe related health problems or lost their lives as a result. Marine Corps veterans deserve this opportunity for compensation related to their service.

*Please note that this article was updated on 11th March 2024, and contains the most up-to-date information regarding the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit.

**BREAKING NEWS: September 6, 2023 - Government Creates Settlement Offer Guidelines**

The U.S. Navy and Department of Justice announced the "Elective Option" system intended to quickly settle thousands of Camp Lejeune claims. While some claimants may decide to accept payment under the Elective Option, the team of Camp Lejeune lawyers at Dolman Law Group believes the amounts offered are not enough to compensate claimants for the losses they suffered as a result of the water contamination at Camp Lejeune.

Settlement amounts range from $100,000 to $550,000 depending on two main factors: the medical condition the claimant has been diagnosed with and the amount of time the claimant was exposed to the toxic water. At this point, only diseases included in Tier 1 or Tier 2 are eligible for the Elective Option. Specifically, the diseases in each tier are as follows:

Tier 1 medical conditions qualify for settlements between $150,000 and $450,000:

  • Kidney cancer
  • Liver cancer
  • Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
  • Leukemia
  • Bladder cancer

Tier 2 medical conditions qualify for settlements between $100,000 and $400,000:

  • Multiple myeloma
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Kidney disease, end-stage renal disease
  • Systemic sclerosis and systemic scleroderma

The amount offered by the government will also depend on how long the claimant was exposed to the water. For example, if you were stationed at Camp Lejeune for fewer than 30 days, you would be eligible for the lowest amount available in the Tier that contains your disease. For those who were exposed between 30 days and five years, a median amount is possible. For claimants who were exposed to the toxic water for more than five years, the highest amount would apply.

Also, if the claimant died as a result of one of these medical conditions, the Elective Option provides an additional $100,000 as wrongful death compensation.

At this stage, it is crucial to consult with an experienced Camp Lejeune lawyer to understand your options, how to apply for compensation, and whether to accept the government's settlement offer. Reach out to Dolman Law Group today before making any decisions.

Camp Lejeune Water Supply

The water contamination at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune (located in Jacksonville, North Carolina) existed for at least three decades. In fact, Camp Lejeune's water contamination can be attributed to the presence of a dry cleaning business located just off base. The dry cleaning operation improperly disposed of industrial solvents into the drains and the Camp Lejeune water system. In turn, these chemicals contaminated the water within the Tarawa Terrace water treatment facility and the Hadnot Point treatment plant. Toxic substances can be traced and sourced to the above-referenced water treatment plants located at the North Carolina Marine Corps Air Station and Marine Corps Base.

Water At Camp Lejeune - Contaminated With Toxic Chemicals

The industrial solvents contained the chemical PCE (perchloroethylene), a known carcinogen. Residents were routinely exposed to alarming rates of grossly contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune. Later studies indicate that contaminated drinking water was already present in 1953. However, we can be certain that the drinking water was contaminated from at least November 1957 through February 1987 (346 months). During that time period, the drinking water measured more than the allowable five parts per billion of PCE, which has been deemed the maximum limit by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). Marine Corps veterans were routinely exposed to cancer-causing chemicals.

A February 1985 study demonstrated 215 parts per billion of PCE (43 times the allowable amount) in the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune. This is considered grossly dramatic water contamination. We know for a fact the Marine Corps and the Federal government were aware of said water contamination in 1983. However, we believe the Federal government was made aware of water contamination much earlier. Camp Lejeune victims could number in the millions. PCE has been scientifically linked to various types of cancer.

Several other dangerous chemicals were found in Camp Lejeune's contaminated drinking water. Another notable toxic substance is TCE (trichloroethylene), an organic chemical in a liquid form. TCE is often used as a degreasing solvent, leading to significant water contamination. Further, TCE is linked to non-Hodgkin lymphoma, kidney cancer, liver cancer, Parkinson's disease, end-stage renal disease, scleroderma, multiple myeloma, and cardiac defects, along with birth defects and possibly bladder cancer. TCE is among the most volatile organic compounds.

Other dangerous chemicals and volatile organic compounds found within the toxic water at Camp Lejeune include benzene and vinyl chloride exposure. Benzene has been causally linked to all types of leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Vinyl chloride was also discovered within the water contamination was found at alarming levels. Exposure to vinyl chloride is linked to liver cancer, brain cancer, lung cancer, and birth defects. Exposure to such chemicals includes merely drinking contaminated water.

Update on the PACT Act Passed on August 2, 2022.

The Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins Act (PACT Act) became Federal law when President Biden signed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act a few months ago. Camp Lejeune lawsuits are flooding in as thousands of claims are being filed by personal injury lawyers throughout the United States on behalf of those exposed to contaminated water at the Camp Lejeune military base.

Each Camp Lejeune lawsuit demands compensation for the individuals exposed to toxic substances in the drinking water, including future healthcare benefits for those left dealing with a myriad of health issues that require ongoing medical treatment. Before the passage of the PACT Act, Camp Lejeune victims were banned from bringing legal action under the Federal Tort Claims Act. Those affected can now seek a Camp Lejeune settlement from the government due to toxic water contamination.

Camp Lejeune Justice Act - Legislation Addresses Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

This past summer, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was packaged into the PACT Act after it failed to pick up the necessary traction by itself. The Justice Act allows service members, contractors, civil servants, and marine defendants to seek civil recourse to achieve justice. The Act essentially allows victims to file Camp Lejeune lawsuits and have their day in court. The purpose of this legislation is to provide compensation for the medical issues associated with Camp Lejeune water contamination. This is far and away the most exhaustive legislation aimed at toxic water compensation.

An extensive list of medical issues is described below related to the toxic chemicals found at the base site. Our Camp Lejeune lawyers are now pursuing claims and lawsuits on behalf of service people and their family members under the PACT Act. We have also reviewed scientific and medical evidence linking the known carcinogens contained within the toxic substances found in the drinking water to several different cancers, birth defects, and a wide array of other health problems.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act and the overall PACT Act clears the way for individuals to pursue legal recourse against the Federal government for harms and damages caused by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

Learn if you deserve compensation for Camp Lejeune's contaminated water exposure.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement Amounts and How Much You Can Expect

The Honoring Our Pact Act (which encompasses the Camp Lejeune Justice Act) entitles veterans who suffered severe health consequences from exposure to toxic chemicals in the Camp Lejeune water supply during their service to receive compensation. A toxic water compensation fund was designed to compensate former Camp Lejeune residents who suffered from a long list of cancers and other serious health issues.

A second federal statute, the Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 (CCLFA), entitles qualifying veterans who served at Camp Lejeune during periods of high water contamination and their family members to VA medical care. This can include compensation for care directly related to conditions caused by the contaminated Camp Lejeune water filled with toxic substances and other medical care needs.

The medical care and toxic water compensation a Marine Corps veteran receives under those laws can vary depending on certain factors including:

Scope of Medical Care

Qualified individuals covered under the CCLFA include those who:

  • Served on active duty at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1953 and December 1987; or
  • Lived at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days during that period while a family member served.

For conditions related to potential chemical exposure at Camp Lejeune (a qualifying condition), the VA will generally pay for all care related to the condition. Care for other health conditions related to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune may require a copayment.

Disability Benefits For Camp Lejeune Service Members

To qualify for disability benefits, the veteran must not have been dishonorably discharged from the military. The following illnesses are eligible for disability benefits: Bladder and kidney cancers, aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes, liver cancer, multiple myeloma, Parkinson's disease, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Linked to Cancer and Other Serious Medical Issues

Qualifying conditions include certain severe diseases associated with toxic chemical exposure to Camp Lejeune water within the contaminated water supply including:

  • Adult leukemia occurs when an adult patient's body may begin to make abnormal blood cells. Adult leukemia can cause fever, exhaustion, and easy bruising or bleeding. Symptoms of adult leukemia can worsen quickly if the patient does not receive prompt treatment.
  • Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes occur because the bone marrow cannot produce new cells fast enough to maintain normal body functions. Aplastic anemia may cause fatigue and difficulty fighting off infection in many patients.
  • Bladder cancer may cause frequent or painful urination or back pain. While bladder cancer can prove mild if treated early, it can cause substantial complications if the patient does not receive treatment promptly. This type of cancer has been causally related to multiple dangerous chemicals found in contaminated drinking water.
  • Esophageal cancer, which may cause pain or difficulty swallowing.
  • Breast cancer may require the removal of breast tissue. Both male and female patients can develop breast cancer.
  • Kidney cancer can cause pain, fever, tiredness, and unexplained weight loss. Like many types of cancer, kidney cancer proves highly treatable when identified in its early stages. We have already spoken with countless veterans who were previously diagnosed with kidney cancer and exposed to the contamination of Camp Lejeune water.
  • Lung cancer starts in the lungs and may result in difficulty breathing.
  • Liver cancer can take several forms but may lead to abdominal pain, weakness, swelling, and other devastating symptoms.
  • Multiple myeloma, in which cancerous cells crowd out healthy blood cells, producing proteins that may lead to complications throughout the body. Multiple myeloma may cause mental fogginess and confusion, weakness or numbness in the limbs, nausea, or fatigue.
  • Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma causes the abnormal growth of white blood cells and may lead to tumors throughout the body.
  • Parkinson's disease can cause shakiness, stiffness, and uncontrolled weakness or movements in the body. Parkinson's disease can also interfere with balance and coordination.

Patients who suffered exposure to dangerous chemicals present in the water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune may also face various other health challenges, including potential infertility. Exposure to many of the chemicals found in the Camp Lejeune water can also cause serious neurological impairments, including difficulty concentrating and behavioral changes, for which patients can also receive treatment through the VA. Many estimate that millions have developed cancer due to toxic water contamination at Camp Lejeune.

The list of qualifying conditions and other challenges described above may not fully capture all health complications caused by toxic exposure to contaminated Camp Lejeune water.

If you lived or worked on the base during the qualifying periods and struggled with any severe health problem (including cancers not named above), you may still receive healthcare under the CCLFA if you can establish through clear evidence that your diagnosis and difficulties likely result from toxic exposure to Camp Lejeune water.

Individuals might also develop secondary health complications tied to illnesses and injuries sustained from toxic exposures at Camp Lejeune, even if those primary conditions have been resolved or effectively treated. For example, liver cancer tied to toxic exposure can lead to diminished liver function. To receive care through the VA for such a secondary condition alone, a patient may need to prove its relationship to a chemical exposure-related condition.

va benefits for camp lejeune water contamination - dolman law group

In addition, if you received treatment outside the VA for a qualifying condition, you may have the right to pursue Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement amounts for your medical costs. A qualified lawyer can apply online to reimburse you. Dedicated Camp Lejeune attorneys can answer all of your questions about your specific rights.

Updates about Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement Amounts

Update 4/20/23 - Department of Justice Granted More Time to Respond to Hundreds of Camp Lejeune Lawsuits

The Department of Justice requested an extension of time to respond to the hundreds of lawsuits and thousands of administrative claims currently pending in North Carolina. Both sides of the Camp Lejeune litigation requested a consolidation of all cases in front of one judge to coordinate pre-trial procedures and ensure consistency among cases. If the cases are consolidated, we hope the government will finally begin extending settlement offers to the deserving plaintiffs.

Update 2/27/23 - When Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Settlements May Occur 

We are of the opinion it is highly likely the Judge Advocate General (JAG) of the Navy's Tort Claim Unit will wait until after August 2024 to provide a concise plan on how Camp Lejeune claims will be settled. There was some hope among both the plaintiff bar and military veterans that early settlements were a distinct possibility. However, we believe this is no longer a likelihood because the statute of limitations on Lejeune claims will expire in August 2024. There has already been pushback concerning attorney fees based on the sheer number of claims and the vast amount of dollars spent by the plaintiff bar saturating both television and radio with commercials discussing potential Camp Lejeune settlements. 

Why wouldn't the government wait until the expiration of the two-year statute of limitations to determine the actual number of compensable claims before determining what the average payout will be for cancer or other diseases? In fact, we foresee the JAG creating a grid system based on the presumptive conditions or a tier 1 Camp Lejeune cancer (which greatly overlap). 

New claims have slowed down greatly. This is consistent with a much lower volume of advertising for Camp Lejeune claims. As of date, there are now over 21,000 Camp Lejeune toxic water claims that have been filed with the JAG. Over 130 lawsuits have been filed in U.S. Federal Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. The biggest issue we foresee is the lack of a system for administering a heavy volume of claims and lawsuits. 

Update 1/30/23 - Bloomberg Expose on Camp Lejeune Advertising

Bloomberg Law published a scathing expose on the involvement of private equity funding a disproportionate portion of the $145 million in advertising money spent on commercials targeting victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination. Litigation finance companies have backed lead generation entities who are in turn advertising for and then selling their claims to law firms. 

In many cases, hedge funds and litigation finance companies are partnering with law firms in their pursuit of victims seeking to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit. Arizona allows attorneys to partner up with non-lawyers. In fact, non-lawyers can serve as equity partners in a law firm. Utah is now pursuing something similar to the Arizona ABS (Alternative Business Structure) system. In turn, many large law firms have opened up in Arizona and have teamed up with private equity folks or advertising companies backed by hedge funds. Camp Lejeune marked the first major lawsuit/mass tort project wherein outside money (non-lawyers) have been openly involved in marketing for legal claims. In fact, the Bloomberg article cites a well-known legal marketing company CAMG filed paperwork with the Arizona Bar to open a law firm to be co-owned by a partner at the Lanier Law Firm in Texas.

What makes the whole issue all the more complicated is a recent push by several legislators to curb the attorney fees recouped on a Camp Lejeune lawsuit or claim. Many law firms are seeking a 40% fee and legislators have responded with one prominent congressman advocating for a 10% fee. We believe a 25% fee is the likely compromise as that mimics the Federal Tort Claims Act. However, the private equity folks and hedge funds who have invested millions in advertising for such cases will likely get squeezed by any reduction in attorney fees. Their profit margins can literally be eviscerated by how this all plays out over the coming months. 

Update 1/15/23 - Several Camp Lejeune Lawsuits Dismissed

A number of Camp Lejeune lawsuits (known as legacy cases for they predate the Camp Lejeune Justice Act and PACT Act) were recently dismissed by Judge Louise Flanagan in the Eastern District of North Carolina due to the plaintiff's failure to file a claim with the JAG following the passage of the Justice Act. Filing an administrative claim is a condition precedent to a Camp Lejeune lawsuit. Plaintiff's counsel contended that they satisfied any condition precedents some time ago by exhausting the administrative process to which their claim was denied, rejected or they received an unreasonable settlement offer. Judge Flanagan ruled that such condition precedent must be satisfied after the CLJA became law.

Update 9/10/22 - Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Settlement Amounts Classified Into Tiers

As previously discussed in a prior update (see 9/10/22 update), we believe the Camp Lejeune toxic water compensation payouts will be based on a grid system. We are still very early in the process, but at this point, we can organize the various types of Camp Lejeune cancer, diseases, and symptoms into different tiers. The tiers are based on the strength of scientific evidence relating cancers or diseases to the Camp Lejeune water contamination.

Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement amounts are directly tied to a growing body of scientific and medical evidence concerning each type of cancer or disease. The Department of Navy will likely value claims based on the following tiers in a grid-like system.

However, a claimant does not need to accept a Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement offer. If a claimant opts to reject the offer (hopefully on the advice of experienced counsel), they can file a lawsuit in the United States Federal Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. The lawsuits were dismissed without prejudice, and the plaintiffs must file a claim with JAG prior to commencing a Camp Lejeune water lawsuit.

Sadly, this slows down the process for victims of the contaminated water supply and seems to defy congressional intent. 

Camp Lejeune Cancer Types - Tier 1
  • Bladder Cancer
  • Multiple Myeloma
  • Liver Cancer
  • Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
  • Breast Cancer
  • Leukemia
  • Kidney Cancer
  • Esophageal Cancer
Camp Lejeune Cancers and Diseases - Tier 2
  • Lung Cancer
  • Cervical Cancer
  • Prostate Cancer
  • Brain Cancer
  • Aplastic Anemia
  • Colon Cancer
  • Ovarian Cancer

Update 9/10/22 – How Camp Lejune Water Contamination Lawsuit Settlement Amounts Will be Determined

We strongly believe the biggest case resolutions will be obtained by law firms with the financial resources and wherewithal to take Camp Lejeune cases to trial. It is difficult to foresee a global settlement down the road due to thirteen different cancers listed under the Statute as presumptive conditions.

In fact, we also believe there will be some type of grid developed based on the type of injury and age of a claimant that will drive the average settlement value. However, many of these cases will not fall within the settlement value of a grid. In other words, there will be certain cases, such as birth defects, among others, wherein the amount of damages makes it suitable to be tried before a jury in a Federal Court. The government will have a difficult time proving a specific cancer is not related to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has estimated the amount of Camp Lejeune settlements and legal expenses associated with handling such claims will reach $6.7 billion.

A serious diagnosis can lead to substantial financial losses, not just because of medical bills but also because of other expenses and financial strain tied to your diagnosis. For example, a medical condition can keep you out of work, severely reducing your income. You may also incur considerable transportation expenses in traveling to and from medical appointments.

The VA provides disability compensation for individuals diagnosed with qualifying conditions and other conditions proven to be related to chemical exposure to Camp Lejeune water. If you suffered a serious diagnosis tied to toxic exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, an experienced lawyer can help with obtaining VA benefits. Applying for medical benefits and disability compensation from the VA can be complex and tedious without the help of legal counsel.

Individuals injured by toxic exposures at Camp Lejeune may also have the right to take legal action demanding compensation over and above medical care and disability benefits. A skilled attorney can explore and pursue those options in appropriate cases.

Video Transcript: Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement Amounts

Matt Dolman:
So in this video, this is a shot in the dark, we're going to discuss the Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement amounts or what they may be projected to be. It's early in the claims process. It's early in terms of Camp Lejeune losses being filed. And we're still learning a lot about this, and no one lawyer can give you a definitive answer. But Stan, what are we looking at in terms of ranges based on prior mass tort products we've been involved in, with many of the very same diseases? Clearly not based on the same incidents, this is different. But what are the typical settlement ranges that we're looking at for Camp Lejeune?

Stan Gipe:
Okay. Now this is really a shot in the dark, like you said earlier, and everyone's reaching out and making their estimates, but we do know some of the conditions. We do know the fund that's been established. We're estimating $6.7 billion available to distribution, to injured veterans or families and contractors. The question is, how does it get split up? How much is each person going to get? And how does that play out? Well, there's some unknowns. We don't know how many people are going to make claims yet. We estimate about 200,000 out of a potential pool of two million potential claimants. And then we don't know how many of each one of these diseases are out there. So what we're doing is we're making estimates based on logical guesses. Now, the amount you get paid is going to be directly related to the condition you suffer from. The more serious the condition, the higher the amount of payment. And it goes to medical care, suffering, all of these different things.

Matt Dolman:
And also the more advanced stage that you're in of these different, various types of cancers. They're not all related to cancer, but most of them are cancers, will also carry a lot of weight as to what the settlement amount will ultimately be.

Stan Gipe:
Right. So what we're looking, simple things like... I don't want to say simple, but a kidney cancer, something like that, we're estimating those settlement ranges somewhere between 150, 225. These are absolutely loose estimates. But if you were to just ask me to guess a range for a kidney cancer case, that's where I'd put it at this stage.

Matt Dolman:
150,000 to 225,000. Okay.

Stan Gipe:
To 225,000. When we start moving on to some different things, like Parkinson's, Parkinson's tends to compensate a little higher than a lot of the cancers. I'd look at a Parkinson's ballpark somewhere between 175,000 and 400,000. Then you get up to some of the different things because we're not just talking about veterans and their families. A lot of these chemicals cause birth defects. And birth defects are massive. And these claims tend to be very valuable because they impact a child from the moment they're born, require a lot of medical care, impact their development, their life, their ability to be employed, everything. It's all for the rest of their lives. These cases, the birth defect cases, and there's some neural tube defects, cleft lip, cleft palate, a lot of different things that can cause significant problems. These birth defect cases, we're putting in a ballpark of about 750,000 to 1.5 million at this point in time. But these are all guesses.

Matt Dolman:
750 to 1.5 million for a Camp Lejeune payout.

Stan Gipe:
Yeah. And these are all guesses. No one can rely on it. You can't count on it and say, "Hey, Stan Gipe told me I was getting this much for my claim." But if you ask me to put a guess on these numbers for some of these different claims, that's where my educated guess would be.

Matt Dolman:
So there's no typical Camp Lejeune payout. We simply don't know at this point.

Stan Gipe:
Well, no. There isn't one because we don't know the numbers yet. We can guess. And as the people we get more claims in, we know what the total claim pool is looking like, and we know the percentages of people that fall into each one of these groups, these ranges will become more definitive.

Matt Dolman:
Understood. Well, I appreciate it, Stan. Thank you for filling me in on that because literally, I was guessing and grasping at straws of this. And I know you're a little bit more experienced in this area. So again, if you have any questions, any concerns, feel free to reach out to us. Stan, what's the number?

Stan Gipe:
Well, they can always reach out to us. Really, the best way to catch us on the internet. We got a robust internet presence. But if you want to call us on the phone, call us at 1-855-332-7274.

Matt Dolman:
And again, the website is dolmanlaw.com, www.D, like in David, O-L-M-A-N Law, dolmanlaw.com. I really appreciate your time. Thank you so much, Stan. And this is a tough topic. And I know we don't know a whole lot yet, but at least we can make an estimated guess based on past products that we've handled.

Stan Gipe:
Exactly.

Matt Dolman:
Thank you.

Projected Camp Lejeune Cancer Lawsuit Payout Per Person

The cancers listed in tier 1 have much stronger scientific data linking each individual cancer to the contaminated toxic water at Camp Lejeune. We strongly believe (with some exceptions) a tier 1 Camp Lejeune cancer claim will command the largest settlements or potential jury verdicts based on the various studies performed on toxic Camp Lejeune water, the effects on Camp Lejeune victims, and peer-reviewed medical literature studying the effects of TCE, PCE, benzene, vinyl chloride exposure on humans along with a host of other toxic substances.

We believe the average Camp Lejeune lawsuit payout per person for a tier 1 cancer will exceed $500,000.00. Many of the tier 1 cancer claims could warrant jury verdicts well in excess of $1,000,000.00. 

In any event, the average Camp Lejeune payout for tier 1 cancers will greatly exceed all other diseases.

A tier 2 Camp Lejeune cancer will face greater scrutiny based on less definitive medical literature and studies that have been performed on the contaminated water. We believe more of these claims will inevitably be tried before a jury due to anticipated unreasonable settlement offers. Further, we project tier 2 cancers as having settlement values between $250,000.00 to $500,000.00, but many tier 2 cancers will eventually be resolved by a trial.

We have less confidence in our projections for the average settlement on tier 2 cases due to the lack of causation evidence via published epidemiological studies. 

Camp Lejeune veterans and family members with a tier-2 cancer diagnosis should contact us right away. There are many exceptions to our projections. The age of Camp Lejeune victims, their anticipated costs of future medical care, and medical evidence will all play a large role in the value of an individual case.

How to Determine the Value of a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Payout Per Person

So far, the VA has not made Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement amounts public record.

But an experienced attorney can often calculate the amount of compensation you might seek by weighing:

  • Your specific toxic exposure-related (contaminated water) medical condition.
  • The duration and nature of your exposure to contaminated Camp Lejeune water, including whether you lived or worked on base, and the frequency with which you consumed, bathed in, or otherwise used potentially contaminated water. This will be easy to establish for Camp Lejeune residents.
  • The degree of provable financial losses you have suffered because of your diagnosis.
  • Whether you have previously had a claim for disability benefits related to your Camp Lejeune service denied by the VA.

We believe the value of such water contamination settlement amounts could potentially exceed $500,000.00 per claimant, if not more. In fact, the government was aware of the extent of water contamination at Camp Lejeune for years. Having determined the amount you deserve to receive, a skilled Camp Lejeune lawyer can also take the steps necessary to secure financial compensation on your behalf. We expect Camp Lejeune settlement payouts will remain a fluid situation over the next few years.

Camp Lejeune Settlement FAQs

Although each claim will vary because each person's experience is different, here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit.

Can I File a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit if I Previously Received VA Benefits For The Same Injuries?

Yes! Claims brought in accordance with The Pact Act and Camp Lejeune Justice Act are separate and apart from any disability claim. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act creates a separate cause of action.

Do I Have the Right to Pursue a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement Amount?

Talk to a lawyer to determine whether you may have the right to file a claim or Camp Lejeune lawsuit and what the law might entitle you to receive. Your rights may depend on how you answer the questions below.

Did you serve or live at Camp Lejeune between August 1953 and December 1987?

If you served or lived for at least 30 days at Camp Lejeune during the period associated with toxic water contamination, you may file a Camp Lejeune water lawsuit seeking compensation for your losses. You must have lived or worked on the base. The time you spent on deployment with a unit based at Camp Lejeune generally does not count toward the 30 days of exposure time.

Did you suffer a medical diagnosis tied to your potential toxic water exposure at Camp Lejeune base?

To pursue a claim, an attorney must gather and present sufficient evidence to prove that your medical diagnosis arose from your exposure to toxic chemicals in the Camp Lejeune water supply. Proving your exposure can also demonstrate that you face a significantly elevated risk of severe illness, including several types of potentially fatal cancer.

If you have questions about your right to file a claim for compensation arising from toxic exposure at Camp Lejeune, talk to an experienced Camp Lejeune claims attorney. An attorney can review your health conditions, determine your potential eligibility for benefits and compensation, and assess the losses you have suffered or likely will suffer in the future.

For a free legal consultation, call 866-481-5486.

How Can I File a Toxic Water Lawsuit If I Served at Camp Lejeune?

If you served at Camp Lejeune and received a diagnosis related to chemical exposure through water contamination, you may need to file a claim soon to recover compensation. Follow these three steps:

1. Contact a knowledgeable Camp Lejeune lawsuit lawyer as soon as possible.

Start by getting in touch with a lawyer to discuss your time at Camp Lejeune, your medical diagnosis, and your potential right to benefits and compensation. Working with the right lawyer saves you a great deal of time and effort by providing insight into what compensation you may deserve, preparing a claim on your behalf, monitoring the processing of your claim, and getting you compensation as efficiently as possible. We have extensively studied the history of water contamination at Camp Lejeune. This is perhaps the biggest water contamination matter in military history.

Many veterans have suffered for years after serious diagnoses related to toxic exposures and water contamination. In some cases, they may have been unable to work and may have found it very difficult to get the help they needed. A lawyer works on your behalf to get you the much-deserved compensation you deserve for your diagnosis.

2. Obtain a copy of your service record (or your loved one's service record).

To establish your entitlement to compensation for a devastating toxic exposure-related diagnosis, you will need to show that you served or lived at Camp Lejeune during the period of high chemical water contamination and exposure. You may need a copy of your service record or your loved one's service record to show the assignment to Camp Lejeune. The service record will also show if you lived on base during that time, making it easier to establish the likely cause of your diagnosis.

In some cases, your medical records may date back many years, especially if you have struggled with toxic exposure-related health complications for a long time. Obtain copies of those medical records from your provider(s), including copies of any bills that you may have had to pay out of pocket.

The VA will not reimburse you for medical costs paid by other compensation funds but may pay for your financial losses, even if you received your diagnosis and treatment before the government acknowledged the toll of toxic exposures in the water at Camp Lejeune.

Do You Need to File a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claim?

Matthew A. Dolman, Attorney
Matthew Dolman, Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawyer

If you face a devastating medical diagnosis due to chemical exposure at Camp Lejeune, you likely deserve compensation for your losses. Working with a Camp Lejeune lawyer can maximize your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. A skilled attorney can go over the conditions you suffered, find evidence of their likely cause, prepare your claim, and advocate on your behalf. We are prepared to handle or assist in any Camp Lejeune lawsuit. Our Camp Lejeune lawyers are available for a free consultation to discuss your medical issues, the need for money to cover future medical expenses, or the loss of a loved one due to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune.

If the water contamination impacted you, your family members, or a loved one at Camp Lejeune, we want to speak with you immediately. Camp Lejeune settlement amounts will range in value based on the severity of the medical issues, need for future medical treatment, or loss of a loved one. Time is of the essence to file a Camp Lejeune claim and obtain the compensation along with the health care benefits you require. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act empowers all victims to seek justice for their very serious losses. Call us immediately.

Why Choose Dolman Law Group For Your Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Lawsuit

If you sustained harm and losses due to volatile organic compounds in contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you must choose an experienced attorney or law firm with the financial resources and experience to handle any sized claim. Military personnel, private contractors, and their family members were exposed to cancer-causing chemicals as a result of Camp Lejeune water contamination.

The Dolman Law Group is a nationally recognized personal injury, product liability, and mass torts law firm. Our lawyers have over 130 plus years of combined experience and have recovered over $250 million in financial compensation for injury victims.

We've held some of the biggest corporations in the country accountable, handled sensitive and complicated cases like birth injuries, and helped thousands of people to get the justice they so badly needed. We have the experience, and we have the passion.

Dolman Law Group Handles Water Contamination Lawsuits

The Dolman Law Group is often entrusted by other personal injury lawyers to handle or assist on some of their biggest and most complicated cases. We have the financial resources and experience to level the playing field against the biggest of adversaries and seek compensation for exposure to Camp Lejeune water contamination.

Stanley Gipe is a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer as designated by the Florida Bar. This certifies that he is an expert in the discipline of litigation and trial practice. He is considered one of the finest injury lawyers in Florida, specifically the Tampa Bay Area.

Matthew Dolman is a nationally recognized personal injury lawyer who has been selected by his colleagues (voted by fellow Florida Bar members) as a Florida Legal Elite on multiple occasions, including in 2022. Matt is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum for resolving cases in excess of $1,000.000.00 and $2,000,000.00.

To Learn More About Your Potential Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement Amounts, Reach Out Today

If you or a loved one was a victim of the water contamination at Camp Lejeune or Marine Corps Air Station New River, we want to hear from you immediately. Our Camp Lejeune lawyers offer a free consultation and case evaluation. Our team has extensively researched medical studies and research relating to Camp Lejeune water contamination exposure, and we look forward to hearing from you or a family member.

The Dolman Law Group works with local counsel in any jurisdiction outside Florida for the purpose of filing lawsuits in jurisdictions wherein we are not licensed.  Thus, we will follow each State's ethical rules to ensure a local attorney is involved.

 

Matthew Dolman

Personal Injury Lawyer

This article was written and reviewed by Matthew Dolman. Matt has been a practicing civil trial, personal injury, products liability, and mass tort lawyer since 2004. He has successfully fought for more than 11,000 injured clients and acted as lead counsel in more than 1,000 lawsuits. Always on the cutting edge of personal injury law, Matt is actively engaged in complex legal matters, including Suboxone, AFFF, and Ozempic lawsuits.  Matt is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum for resolving individual cases in excess of $1 million and $2 million, respectively. He has also been selected by his colleagues as a Florida Superlawyer and as a member of Florida’s Legal Elite on multiple occasions. Further, Matt has been quoted in the media numerous times and is a sought-after speaker on a variety of legal issues and topics.

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