For many years, veterans and civilians suffered illnesses due to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. It looks like help is finally on its way. After years of litigation and advocacy work, a settlement has been reached for those exposed to the dangerous chemicals in the tap water.
While no money can compensate for their suffering, the Camp Lejeune settlement payouts represent long-awaited justice and compensation. Many are now wondering – when will the funds start flowing? This article seeks to answer that urgent question for those impacted by the marine base’s toxic taps.
The History and Impact of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
The water treatment facilities that provided Camp Lejeune in North Carolina with water were found to be contaminated by the US government in the early 1980s.
Specifically, the water plants at Hadnot Point, Tarawa Terrace, and Holcomb Boulevard contained harmful chemicals. These water systems provided drinking, cooking, and bathing water to Marines, families, and civilian workers on the base since the 1950s.
It is believed that the water was contaminated for over 30 years, putting millions at risk of health issues. The main chemicals of concern identified were trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride. All of these are known to be toxic and carcinogenic to humans with long-term exposure.
TCE and PCE are degreasing solvents, while benzene is used in fuel and plastics production. Vinyl chloride is created when TCE and PCE break down over time. Wells supplying the contaminated water were shut down in 1985.
However, people living or serving at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period from 1953 to 1987 may have ingested the toxic chemicals.
Researchers have linked exposures to these chemicals to various cancers, neurological conditions, organ damage, birth defects, and other diseases. Pregnant women were found to have higher rates of miscarriages. The health impacts of people exposed to tainted Camp Lejeune water are still being investigated by federal agencies.
Those who spent a month or more on the base during the contamination period may qualify. Additionally, children exposed before birth may also be eligible to file lawsuits seeking compensation for resulting illnesses.
A wide range of cancers and other serious diseases are recognized in these cases. As scientific research progresses, the known health risks are also continuing to expand. The full scope of the Camp Lejeune water crisis is still emerging many years after the contamination began.
The Rise of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act
On August 10, 2022, President Joe Biden signed the Honoring Our PACT Act, a comprehensive bipartisan bill that will assist veterans who have been exposed to dangerous substances.
A key component of this new law is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. This section provides a pathway for legal recourse to those harmed by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.
For decades, the residents of Camp Lejeune—which included Marines, families, and civilian workers—were exposed to dangerously high levels of chemicals in their water supply. Despite health issues linked to this exposure, they had been denied the ability to file lawsuits due to legal immunity protections.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act removes this immunity, allowing those impacted to now bring claims in federal court seeking compensation and relief. This offers long-overdue justice for veterans and others who suffer illnesses from their exposure during service.
In addition to providing this new legal avenue, the Honoring Our PACT Act also expands healthcare and benefits administered by the VA. This aims to better support the over 3.5 million veterans exposed to toxic substances like burn pits during deployments abroad.
President Biden has upheld the country’s promise to care for those who become ill from serving their nation. This includes victims of the Camp Lejeune water contamination crisis.
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement Amounts
The first settlement for a Camp Lejeune claim was reached in October 2023 under the voluntary Elective Option program.
TorHoerman Law states that determining a precise average settlement amount for cases related to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune is challenging. This is because each claim undergoes individual evaluation based on specific details.
Settlement payouts consider multiple factors, such as the nature of illnesses and injuries suffered, as well as the duration of exposure. Associated medical costs, lost wages, and the pain and suffering experienced are also taken into account.
Generally speaking, experts estimate that the Camp Lejeune payout could range broadly from $10,000 to over $1,000,000, depending on the strength of evidence supporting a claim. These estimations are based on the Congressional budget allocated to compensate eligible claims from the contamination.
The core claim form gathers details about a claimant’s period of exposure at Camp Lejeune and any resulting medical conditions diagnosed. Settlement amounts are greatly influenced by the severity and documentation of health impacts directly linked to toxic water intake.
Claimants should enlist the services of an experienced Camp Lejeune water contamination attorney who is well-versed in effectively investigating, developing, and negotiating claims. Doing so can help maximize the potential settlement value, considering all potential damages. If a submitted claim is denied, federal law allows six months to file a lawsuit seeking further compensation.
While specific payouts will differ in each unique case, these general parameters aim to outline reasonable expectations for settlement ranges. However, there are no assurances, as final outcomes rely on individual circumstances and legal processes.
FAQs
1. What are the eligibility criteria for the Camp Lejeune settlement?
A: Those who resided or worked at the USMC Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, are eligible for participation. They must have been diagnosed later with diseases such as leukemia, kidney cancer, breast cancer, and more.
2. How many cases related to Camp Lejeune have been filed?
A: As of March 2024, litigation concerning Camp Lejeune continues to grow, with the initial families beginning to receive compensation for their claims. Even though more than 174,000 administrative claims and more than 1,600 lawsuits have been filed, there isn’t much longer for victims to take legal action.
3. Have any individuals received compensation for the Camp Lejeune lawsuit?
A: Yes. The Department of Justice has extended multiple offers to Camp Lejeune families through the Elective Option. As of March 2024, fifteen payouts have been issued, amounting to $3.6 million thus far.
While the settlement cannot undo the harm caused by toxic water exposure, it offers hope that victims’ suffering will finally be acknowledged and alleviated through just compensation. More importantly, this outcome demonstrates that through perseverance and the rule of law, justice can prevail against even the greatest obstacles.
