For approximately 35 years (1953 to 1987), military members, their families, and civilian workers were exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Many of these individuals suffered illness and injury as a result. But, until now, procedural laws have effectively denied victims and their families a path to justice and compensation. Things have finally changed. Recently, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was passed into law.
This raises an important question: How much financial compensation can be recovered in a Camp LeJeune lawsuit? As these cases are still new, there has yet to be a definitive answer. However, key details provide a guideline. Here, our Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyer explains the key things to know about the amount of compensation that can be recovered through a lawsuit.
What We Know About Total Expected Compensation: CBO Estimate
Lawyers from the Department of the Navy are responsible for handling Camp Lejeune’s toxic water claims. The law recently passed by congress and signed by the President created a fund to compensate victims and their families. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the total amount of water contamination compensation issued under the Camp LeJeune Justice Act is expected to be between $6 billion and $7 billion.
For reference, as many as one million people may have been exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987—which means approximately $6,000 to $7,000 per exposed person has been set aside in a fund to handle these claims. However, a large number of people exposed to toxic water do not actually have a claim. Thankfully, not all people at the facility between 1953 and 1987 developed a serious medical condition. Only those made ill because of the toxic water are entitled to compensation through a Camp Lejeune lawsuit.
Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Compensation Will Vary from Case to Case
President Joe Biden signed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act into law in August of 2022. As the law is still so new, there need to be more cases to provide comprehensive data on settlement amounts or jury verdict amounts. However, some basic assessments can be made based on the history of similar government programs. It is widely expected that Camp Lejeune’s toxic water compensation will be in the five, six, and even seven figures. Still, the amount that will be available for contaminated water medical complications suffered by you or your family member will vary based on the case’s specific circumstances.
An Overview of the Key Factors that Will Impact Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Settlements
Camp Lejeune toxic water compensation is granted on a case-specific basis. When an applicant (or their surviving family member) establishes eligibility for Camp Lejeune compensation, their claim will move forward to the matter of determining how much they are entitled to receive. Several factors are likely to influence the amount of their Camp Lejeune settlement/verdict, including:
- The length of time of exposure to toxic water.
- The particular medical diagnosis.
- Financial costs endured, including medical bills and lost wages.
- Any additional/future costs, including for medical care.
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of life enjoyment.
- Wrongful death due to toxic water exposure.
As part of bringing a Camp Lejeune water contamination case, you must be able to prove both your eligibility for compensation and the extent of your damages. You do not have to navigate the new and complex legal claims process on your own. A North Carolina Camp Lejeune attorney will help you and your family seek the maximum financial compensation.
Will Camp Lejeune Compensation Undermine VA Benefits?
No. If you or your loved one is currently receiving any VA benefits—including VA disability benefits—you can confidently file a Camp Lejeune toxic water claim without any worry about losing out on those benefits. Camp Lejeune lawsuit compensation and VA disability benefits are wholly separate. Any person who qualifies for compensation because of a medical condition caused by toxic water at Camp Lejeune will not see any reduction in their VA disability compensation.
Contact Our North Carolina Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawyer Today
At Paynter Law, our experienced North Carolina Camp Lejeune water contamination attorneys are skilled and knowledgeable advocates for people and families. If you have any specific questions or concerns about the total amount of compensation that can be recovered through a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, we can help. Contact us for a free, no-commitment initial consultation with an experienced attorney. We handle Camp Lejeune’s toxic water claims throughout North Carolina and are prepared to help you with yours too.