Camp Lejeune Settlement Timeline

When Will the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Be Settled?

The Camp Lejeune settlement timeline will vary depending on the specifics of each victim’s case.

However, some Camp Lejeune water contamination victims have already received settlement compensation. These victims opted to accept voluntary Elective Option (EO) payouts offered by the U.S. government.

These expedited payouts range from $100,000 to $550,000, depending on the person’s illness and how much time they spent on the military base.

Victims who choose the EO may receive compensation in a few months, while those who pursue settlement compensation through a Camp Lejeune lawsuit may have to wait longer but could get a larger payout. Only those with certain health conditions will qualify for EO payouts.

Don’t wait to take action: The deadline to file a Camp Lejeune claim and seek a settlement is August 10, 2024.

Factors Impacting the Camp Lejeune Payout Timeline

The Camp Lejeune settlement timeline will vary from case to case. However, by understanding the different factors at play, you’ll know what to expect and when you may start to get compensation from a Camp Lejeune claim.

Learn more about these factors below.

Elective Option vs Lawsuit Settlement

The EO is meant to expedite payouts to Camp Lejeune veterans and their families. These payouts — ranging from $100,000 to $550,000 — offer a fixed amount of compensation based on the amount of time the victim spent on base and the health condition they suffered.

Victims who qualify for the Elective Option may get compensation in a few months.

On the other hand, those who decide to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit and pursue a settlement may have to wait longer for a payout due to the fact that litigation is new and complex. However, those who take this route may be rewarded in the end with more compensation.

A Camp Lejeune lawyer can examine your individual case and help you figure out the option that’s best for you and your family.

Qualifying Health Condition

The health condition involved may also affect the Camp Lejeune payout timeline. Only certain health conditions qualify for the expedited EO.

In addition, cases will be tried in different tracks for each health issue, with those involving Camp Lejeune presumptive illnesses being heard first.

These Track 1 trials will deal with:

• Bladder cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Leukemia
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Parkinson’s disease

These trials include personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. Even if your loved one died decades ago from a health condition caused by Camp Lejeune drinking water, you may still be able to file a claim for compensation and get justice on their behalf.

When Your Claim Is Filed and Reviewed

Camp Lejeune claims are first filed with the U.S. Department of the Navy (DON). The sooner these administrative claims are filed, the shorter the Camp Lejeune payout timeline in your case.

If you meet the eligibility requirements for the EO and choose this payment option, you may receive compensation a few months after your claim has been filed.

If you don’t qualify for the EO payout or decide not to accept it, your claim will move forward as a Camp Lejeune lawsuit.

Lawsuit Settlement vs Trial

If you choose to push forward with a lawsuit, your suit may be resolved through a Camp Lejeune settlement. If this happens, you will be awarded a predetermined amount of money, in most cases, without ever having to step foot inside a courtroom.

However, if you don’t get an acceptable settlement offer, your Camp Lejeune lawyer will argue your case in court and fight for maximum compensation.

Expect a Camp Lejeune verdict to take longer than a settlement, as it may take a year or more for a case to be heard.

The Camp Lejeune Payout Process

The Camp Lejeune lawyers that LawFirm.com works with can handle all aspects of a Camp Lejeune claim. That means your claim will be filed correctly and on time, and you won’t be bogged down with confusing paperwork.

While every Camp Lejeune case is unique, the claims process follows these basic steps.

1. Get a Free Case Review

You may be able to file a Camp Lejeune claim if you or a loved one lived or worked on the military base for at least 30 days from August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987, and have a health condition related to the contaminated water.

2. Evidence Collection

Your legal team will gather evidence to confirm your illness and the time you spent on base. This may include your medical records, military service documents (if any), and work history.

3. Filing Your Claim With the Navy

Next, your lawyer will file an administrative claim with the U.S. Navy before the August 10, 2024, deadline. Filing an administrative claim is required by the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA), which made it possible for those harmed by the contaminated water to sue for damages.

They will ensure your claim is filled out correctly and includes evidence linking your health condition to the water at Camp Lejeune.

Once your claim has been filed, the Navy has 180 days to make their decision. They could deny your claim, say you don’t qualify for the Elective Option, or offer you an EO payout.

If you accept the expedited payment, your Camp Lejeune settlement timeline will most likely be shorter than those who opt to fight for a lawsuit settlement.

4. Negotiating a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Settlement

If you decide not to accept an EO payout (if offered) or the Navy does not respond to your claim within 180 days, you can file a civil lawsuit in the Eastern District of North Carolina to pursue financial compensation.

Your attorney will handle all of the paperwork and then use their negotiation skills to try to get you the largest settlement amount possible as quickly as they can. They will fight for sufficient compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

If your case doesn’t settle, your legal team will be ready to present your case in court.

Legal Deadline for Camp Lejeune Claims

In August 2022, Congress passed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (part of the PACT Act), which included a 2-year statute of limitations. This means that victims of the contaminated water have 2 years to file a claim for damages.

As a result, you only have until August 10, 2024, to file a personal injury claim for a health condition connected to the toxic water or on behalf of a loved one who has since passed away.

Will All Camp Lejeune Claims Result in Settlements?

As of June 2024, almost over 230,000 administrative claims and more than 1,800 lawsuits have been filed over volatile organic compounds and other toxic chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune.

It’s estimated that 1 million Americans were exposed to benzene, vinyl chloride, and other toxic chemicals at Camp Lejeune, so thousands of additional claims are expected before the August 2024 deadline.

While every claim won’t result in a settlement, many victims will have options to secure compensation.

Camp Lejeune victims may qualify for compensation from:

• Elective Option payouts resolving administrative claims
• Camp Lejeune lawsuit settlements
• Camp Lejeune trial verdicts

Additionally, affected veterans may be entitled to health care and other benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Filing a Camp Lejeune claim will not impact your VA benefits.

Get Help With a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement

Camp Lejeune claims can be complicated, so working with an attorney experienced in handling these cases is crucial.

A skilled Camp Lejeune lawyer can ensure that your claim is filed correctly, as soon as possible, and before the August 10, 2024, deadline. This may result in a shorter Camp Lejeune settlement timeline.

LawFirm.com works with Camp Lejeune lawyers who have already helped over 30,000 families with claims related to the toxic water.

Our legal partners:

• Can file Camp Lejeune claims regardless of where you live
• Don’t charge any upfront or hourly fees
• Have secured over $9.1 billion for clients injured through no fault of their own

Working with a Camp Lejeune attorney is the best way to get the compensation you may deserve.