Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Payout Per Person Amount, Eligibility, How to claim?

The Camp Lejeune lawsuit payout per person varies depending on the type and severity of the illness. Recent estimates suggest that the average settlement amount for illnesses such as cancer, leukaemia, and Parkinson’s disease could range from $242,000 to over $600,000.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Payout Per Person

If you were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible for compensation. Payouts depend on several factors, including the type and severity of your health condition, your duration of exposure, and the legal pathway you choose.

Through the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA), certain qualifying conditions have set payout tiers: $450,000 for over 5 years of exposure, $300,000 for 1-5 years, and $150,000 for 30 days-1 year.

Individual lawsuits offer wider payout ranges, potentially reaching $10,000 to over $1 million, but involve complex litigation and may take longer to resolve.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Payout Per Person Eligibility

You may be eligible for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit payout if you meet both of these criteria:

• Exposure: Lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. This includes civilians, dependents, and veterans stationed there.
• Health condition: Have a health condition linked to the contaminated water. Several presumptive conditions are recognized by the VA, meaning you don’t need to prove a direct connection (e.g., leukaemia, bladder cancer, Parkinson’s). Other conditions may also be eligible if the evidence supports causation.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Payout Options & Amounts

The options and amounts you might receive through a Camp Lejeune lawsuit depend on the legal pathway you choose:

Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA):

• Payout Structure: Tiered system based on the severity of your condition and length of exposure:
  • Tier 1: (e.g., bladder cancer, leukaemia) – $450,000 (>5 years), $300,000 (1-5 years), $150,000 (30 days-1 year)
  • Tier 2: (e.g., aplastic anaemia) – Variable payouts based on individual circumstances.
• Pros: Faster processing, no need to prove service connection for presumptive conditions.
• Cons: Limited to specific conditions, payouts might not reflect the full extent of damages.

Individual Lawsuits:

• Payout Structure: Wide range of possibilities, potentially from $10,000 to over $1 million. Determined by:
  • Type and severity of illness
  • Medical expenses incurred
  • Lost wages due to illness
  • Pain and suffering
  • Jury verdicts can result in even larger awards.
• Pros: Potential for higher payouts, ability to claim non-presumptive conditions.
• Cons: Complex litigation process, can take much longer than CLJA claims, no guarantee of success.

How to Apply for Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Payout Per Person?

There are actually two distinct pathways to receive compensation for Camp Lejeune water contamination, each with its own application process:

Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA):

• Application: File an administrative claim directly with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Steps:

• Gather documentation: proof of service, residence at Camp Lejeune, medical diagnosis.
• Use the VA Camp Lejeune website to access the claim form and instructions.
• Submit the claim and supporting documents to the VA.
• The VA will process your claim and notify you of their decision within 180 days.

Individual Lawsuit:

• Application: Contact a lawyer specialising in Camp Lejeune cases for legal representation.

Steps:

• Consult with a lawyer to assess your individual case and discuss your options.
• If you move forward with a lawsuit, your lawyer will handle filing the paperwork and guiding you through the legal process.
• Individual lawsuits involve court proceedings and settlements, which can take years to resolve.

Payout Factors in Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Claims

It’s important to understand that there is no set “average” payout for either the CLJA or individual lawsuits. Each case is unique and evaluated based on several critical factors:

• Type and severity of health condition(s): Conditions with strong scientific links to water contamination, like certain cancers and birth defects, typically receive higher compensation.
• Duration of exposure: The longer the exposure, the more significant the potential payout.
• Documentation and evidence: Having documented proof of service, residence at Camp Lejeune, and medical diagnoses strengthens your claim.
• Legal representation: Consulting with an experienced lawyer specialising in Camp Lejeune cases can significantly increase your chances of maximising your compensation.