The Marine Corps base at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina is notorious for its prolonged issue with water contamination. Over many years, numerous military members and their families encountered harmful substances like VOCs and industrial chemicals in their environment. As a result, many people have developed serious health concerns, including birth defects, cancer, and neurological malfunctioning.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) and subsequent settlements have provided $850,000 in compensation so far. However, many claimants continue to face denials for a variety of reasons. If your Camp Lejeune claim is denied, here’s what you should do next:
Appeal the Denial
The Honoring Our PACT Act recognizes the sacrifices made by those who were exposed to toxic Camp Lejeune water. Do not give up if your claim is denied. After six months of initial filing, you have the right to appeal further in Federal court.
Begin by thoroughly reviewing the denial letter. It will provide particular causes for the rejection. Common reasons include a lack of evidence, missed deadlines, or incomplete documentation.
Gather Additional Evidence
Once you have determined why claims are denied, collect additional evidence. This may include witness statements, medical records, and pertinent documents. The process involves submitting claims through CLJA, introduced by the 2022 PACT Act, for those exposed at Camp Lejeune. The law permits filings against the Navy for those affected by Camp Lejeune’s water from 1953 to 1987.
Consult your healthcare providers for comprehensive details linking your health problems to Camp Lejeune’s polluted water. Moreover, the claims are managed by the Office of the Judge Advocate General of the Navy’s Tort Claims Unit (TCU). While individuals can file claims themselves, engaging a law firm is often recommended for the best chance of compensation.
Know the Settlement Amounts
While each case is unique, knowing the average payout for Camp Lejeune settlements can help manage expectations. Also, remember that the payout per person in a Camp Lejeune lawsuit varies significantly. Consult with legal experts to determine reasonable compensation based on your specific circumstances.
TorHoerman Law states that settlement amounts vary by several factors. The key parameters are the severity of health issues, the number of family members affected, and the duration of exposure. Accurate knowledge in this regard can prepare you to navigate the process. You should also look into the available VA benefits for Camp Lejeune victims.
Look for Legal Representation
Hire an attorney who has experience handling Camp Lejeune claims. A lawyer can help you through the appeals process, advocate for you, and gather relevant evidence. They know the intricacies of military law and can take you through the legal proceedings.
Moreover, the legal framework around these claims adopts an “equipoise” standard. It implies that claimants must prove that Camp Lejeune’s water is as probable a cause for their diagnosis as any other.
For Camp Lejeune claims settled without proceeding to court, lawyers take 20 percent of the settlement. When a lawsuit is filed and then settled, the lawyer’s share increases to 25 percent of the recovery amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Has anyone been compensated for the Camp Lejeune legal case?
Indeed, according to a recent report on November 10, 2023, the US government has begun disbursing settlements. Up until March 2024, 17 individuals have agreed to settlement terms totaling $4.1 million. The highest compensations for the Camp Lejeune case were awarded for bladder cancer ($450,000) and Parkinson’s disease ($400,000).
2. How long does it take for the Camp Lejeune lawsuit settlement?
Camp Lejeune water cases are expected to settle in 1–2 years. However, the duration may differ based on the nature of the case. Eligible Camp Lejeune health issue sufferers may get swift government payouts within months.
3. What is the Camp Lejeune payout per person?
A Camp Lejeune lawsuit can result in a payout of more than $1.5 million per person or as little as $25,000. The DOJ’s ‘Elective Option’ offers claimants $100,000 to $550,000, depending on their illness and how long they were exposed to Camp Lejeune’s toxic chemicals.
4. What is the settlement for wrongful death at Camp Lejeune?
Camp Lejeune’s wrongful death payouts are expected to exceed $1 million in many cases. You can file a wrongful death claim for a loved one who died long ago due to Camp Lejeune’s water. Uncertainty about the water’s impact doesn’t bar you from claiming.
Remember that you are not alone. The victims of Camp Lejeune deserve compensation and justice for their suffering. Continue fighting for your rights by appealing denials, gathering evidence, seeking legal advice, and learning from others’ experiences.