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September 17th, 2023Camp Lejeune has been at the center of a long-standing health crisis. For years, the water at this Marine Corps Base was contaminated with harmful chemicals, leading to serious health problems for many who served, lived, or worked there. The landmark PACT Act established a process for individuals to seek compensation through Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits. But the number of administrative Camp Lejeune claims and lawsuits has piled up at a rapid rate. The U.S. Navy and the U.S. Department of Justice rolled out a Camp Lejeune payout system for qualifying claimants. The tiered Camp Lejeune Elective Option, ranging from $100,000 to $550,000, is tailored to specific illnesses and lengths of exposure to the contaminated water. This approach aims to provide a faster resolution for thousands of victims.
From 1953 to 1987, this military base faced a severe problem with toxic pollutants in its drinking water supply. These contaminants, such as volatile organic compounds, had a lasting impact on the health of those exposed. Sadly, these chemicals were not ordinary pollutants. These chemicals are linked to severe health problems like cancer, autoimmune disorders, reproductive issues, neurological disorders, and more.
Veterans who served at the base, their families, and even individuals who worked at Camp Lejeune have fallen gravely ill or, in some cases, even died. Thanks to the PACT Act, those injured at Camp Lejeune, family members, and those affected in utero can file lawsuits for their suffering.
As of September 2023, over 1,100 federal Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits and more than 93,000 administrative claims had been filed in North Carolina.
Over a year into the Camp Lejeune litigation, the Navy and DOJ have not resolved a single claim or lawsuit.
The new tiered Camp Lejeune payout system helps those who suffered specific illnesses due to exposure to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water. To be eligible, you need to have been present at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days during the period when the water was known to be tainted. This system categorizes diseases based on their severity and the suffering they cause. Camp Lejeune payouts will only be available to those with certain diseases, including:
Additionally, those injured must have been diagnosed between 2 and 35 years since their last exposure. Compensation amounts under this system vary depending on the illness and how long you were exposed. Payments can range from $100,000 to $550,000.
Claimants can choose this system instead of pursuing a lawsuit against the government, potentially speeding up the process.
You must submit a claim form to the U.S. Navy to start the Camp Lejeune Elective Option. The form typically requires information about your time spent at Camp Lejeune, the specific illnesses you or your loved ones have experienced, and other relevant details. It is important to note that individuals can only file administrative claims until August 2024 under the PACT Act.
Currently, the U.S. Navy is processing around 18,000 claims, so there might be some waiting involved. However, once the Camp Lejeune payout is sent, you’ll have 60 days to consider it. If you accept the offer, you can typically anticipate receiving your compensation within 60 days after that. But remember, you can decline the offer and pursue a Camp Lejeune lawsuit or administrative claim if it doesn’t meet your needs.
If you or a loved one have been affected by Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water, you don’t have to navigate this challenging journey alone. The Lake Law Firm is here to offer our support in filing Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits. Whether you choose to pursue a lawsuit or explore the new tiered Camp Lejeune payout system, we are here to answer your questions. Call (888) 525-3529 to speak with one of our dedicated team members today.
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