Camp Lejeune Litigation Update 2024

Camp Lejeune Updates on Litigation, Settlements, and Contamination

To date, over 1,800 Camp Lejeune lawsuits and more than 232,000 administrative claims have been filed nationwide.

At Sokolove Law, our team has been closely monitoring the latest news and developments related to Camp Lejeune lawsuits. We’ve already helped over 30,000 families with their claims.

You only have until August 2024 to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit. Reach out to our team now to get started.

Latest News: Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Update 2023-2024

A lot has changed since the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was signed into law last year. As this case builds momentum, our team will continue to provide up-to-date information in order to best serve our clients.

We will continue to provide an update on Camp Lejeune lawsuit claims as additional information becomes available.

1. New Legislation Aims to Improve Camp Lejeune Justice Act

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Latest Update | June 1, 2024

Two representatives from North Carolina have introduced the Camp Lejeune Justice Corrections Act, which aims to address issues in the original Camp Lejeune Justice Act and clarify the rights of veterans and their families.

If approved, this bill would:

• Ensure the right to a jury trial
• Expand jurisdiction, so more courts can assist with the backlog of cases

This bipartisan legislation seeks to break down barriers that prohibit those impacted by the water at Camp Lejeune from securing benefits they may be entitled to.

2. Settlement Master Recommendations Submitted

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Update | May 1, 2024

Last week, attorneys representing the government and Camp Lejeune families both submitted recommendations for a Settlement Master.

The role of a Settlement Master is to act as a neutral third party who can help both sides reach a settlement agreement outside of the formal litigation process.

Courts usually appoint a retired judge or an attorney to this position who can offer suggestions and guidance geared toward resolving claims in a timely manner.

3. First Track 3 Illness Announced

Camp Lejeune Update | April 17, 2024

A status report from the Plaintiffs' Leadership Group announced that Camp Lejeune neurobehavioral effects would be the first confirmed illness for Track 3 trials.

This category may include:

• Concentration and memory issues
• Fatigue
• Hearing loss
• Muscle weakness
• Seizures
• Sensory disturbance
• Visual impairment

Proposals for the remaining Track 3 illnesses must be submitted to the court by April 26.

4. Plaintiffs Voice Concerns Over Excessive Deposition Requests

Camp Lejeune Update | March 12, 2024

The government has requested to speak with multiple health care providers for some Camp Lejeune victims. However, lawyers representing the victims argue the depositions — which are formal interviews that take place under oath to prepare for a trial — are unnecessary and excessive.

Authenticated medical records have already been provided to the government to prove each victim's illness. By seeking interviews with multiple doctors, there's concern this request may slow down the process of gathering evidence for trial.

5. Track 2 Illnesses Announced

Camp Lejeune Claims Update | February 26, 2024

The court has officially announced the Camp Lejeune Track 2 illnesses for court trials. This decision comes three months after the list of illnesses was originally set to be determined.

Track 2 illnesses for Camp Lejeune trials include:

• Breast cancer
• Kidney disease
• Liver cancer
• Lung cancer
• Kidney cancer

By creating these tracks, the court hopes to promote an early resolution to serious yet common illnesses linked to the water at Camp Lejeune.

6. Camp Lejeune Trials Won’t Have Juries

Camp Lejeune Litigation Update | February 8, 2024

On Tuesday, a group of federal judges in North Carolina ruled that families affected by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune won’t have the option of a jury trial. The judges sided with the government's argument that the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 did not guarantee victims the right to a trial by jury.

Instead, upcoming trials will be heard by a judge, who will determine the outcome of each case. While many families are disappointed by this ruling, some are hopeful it may expedite the resolution of their claims.

7. ATSDR Report Shows Link Between Cancer and Toxic Water

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Update | February 1, 2024

Those who worked or lived at Camp Lejeune between 1975 and 1985 may have a 20% higher risk of developing certain cancers, according to a newly released study conducted by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).

The agency compared health records for Camp Lejeune veterans and veterans who were stationed at Camp Pendleton in California during the same time period.

Additional illnesses were also linked to the contaminated water through the findings in this report, including:

• Breast cancer
• Esophageal and laryngeal cancer
• Marginal B-cell lymphoma
• Myeloid cancers, including polycythemia vera
• Myelodysplastic and myeloproliferative syndromes
• Soft tissue cancer
• Squamous cell lung cancer
• Thyroid cancer

8. Plaintiffs File Motion for Partial Summary Judgment

Camp Lejeune Claims Update | January 15, 2024

The Plaintiffs' Leadership Group (PLG) has filed a motion for partial summary judgment on the issue of causation.

This motion asks the court to determine if the Camp Lejeune Justice Act only requires a minimum of 30 days on base and a likely connection between the water and the disease in question, or if extensive additional evidence will be required to link the contaminated water to each illness.

If granted, this motion would simplify the legal process for many Camp Lejeune victims and potentially cut down on the lengthy trial that's typically required to prove a connection between toxic substances and certain health issues.

9. Plaintiffs Push Back Against Proposal for No Jury Trials

Camp Lejeune Claims Update | December 8, 2023

A few weeks ago, the U.S. government filed a motion to strike the demand for jury trials in Camp Lejeune water litigation. If their request is granted by the court, trials would be heard by a federal judge, instead of a jury.

Attorneys representing Camp Lejeune families have pushed back against this idea, claiming that the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 allows for the right to a jury trial.

10. Announcement of Track 2 Illnesses Delayed

Camp Lejeune Litigation Update | December 1, 2023

Track 2 illnesses for the Camp Lejeune lawsuit trials were supposed to be determined by November 26, 2023. However, there has been no final ruling on a list of conditions at this time.

For track 2 illnesses, lawyers representing Camp Lejeune victims have proposed:

• Aplastic anemia
• Kidney disease
• Liver cancer
• Multiple myeloma
• Scleroderma

Track 3 conditions were scheduled to be announced on December 26, but with the delayed announcement of track 2, it remains uncertain if the final list of illnesses will also experience a delay.

11. First Three Camp Lejeune Payouts Total $850,000

Camp Lejeune Update | November 13, 2023

The U.S. Department of Justice has revealed that the first three Elective Option payouts total $850,000. At the time of this announcement, two of the three payments have been disbursed.

A representative from the Department of the Navy has also noted that additional information about the initial Elective Option payments and offers will not be disclosed until after January 1, 2024.

12. Elective Option Continues to Build Momentum

Camp Lejeune Claims Update | November 3, 2023

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has now offered 23 Elective Option payouts to Camp Lejeune families, with only three having been accepted at this time.

Veterans and their loved ones have up to 60 days to decide if they’ll accept an offer or pursue a settlement instead. Camp Lejeune settlements may award higher amounts than the Elective Option payouts.

13. First Elective Option Payout Received

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Update | October 10, 2023

Just one month after the Department of Justice and the Department of the Navy first announced the voluntary Elective Option, compensation has been paid out to a victim of the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

This payout is confidential, so the amount of money received has not been announced. However, the quick turnaround time highlights the Elective Option’s ability to provide qualifying families with the compensation they deserve.

14. Master Complaint Filed

Camp Lejeune Claims Update | October 6, 2023

A Camp Lejeune Master Complaint has been filed, which consolidates claims made by victims and facts surrounding the contamination of the water on base. The court must receive an answer to this complaint from the defense within 45 calendar days.

The Master Complaint, filed on October 6, also notes that discovery for trials concerning track 1 illnesses should be completed within 120 days. As a result, we anticipate these trials will begin around March 2024.

15. Camp Lejeune Trials Set to Begin in 2024

Camp Lejeune Update | September 27, 2023

The first trials for Camp Lejeune will begin in 2024, according to a case management order from the four judges assigned to these lawsuits.

Cases involving these track 1 illnesses will be heard first:

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

Lawyers representing Camp Lejeune victims remain committed to standing up for their clients and resolving their claims as quickly as possible, providing a path toward justice.

16. Voluntary Elective Options Announced

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Update | September 6, 2023

On September 6, the DOJ and the DON announced a voluntary Elective Option for victims of the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

If families meet the necessary criteria, this two-tiered payout system will provide them between $100,000 and $550,000. Tiered Elective Option payouts are based on:

• The victim’s diagnosis
• The amount of time they spent on base
• Whether or not the victim is still alive

While the Camp Lejeune elective option may allow victims to receive compensation quicker, payments are likely less than what would be secured from a lawsuit.

At Sokolove Law, our Camp Lejeune attorneys will fight for the highest possible payout on your behalf, which is why it’s highly recommended to have experienced legal help on your side.

17. Over 93,000 Claims and 1,100 Lawsuits Filed

Camp Lejeune Litigation Update | August 13, 2023

As the deadline to take legal action for toxic water injuries quickly approaches, thousands of victims and their families have taken the first step toward justice by filing a Camp Lejeune claim.

So far, more than 93,000 administrative claims are under review by the Department of the Navy, and over 1,1000 lawsuits have been filed against the federal government.

18. First Anniversary of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act

Camp Lejeune Claims Update | August 10, 2023

One year ago, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was officially signed into law. This historic piece of legislation provided victims of the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and their families the opportunity to finally hold those responsible for their illnesses accountable.

While many are disappointed there haven’t been any Camp Lejeune settlements announced at the time of this milestone, we continue to hold out hope that the DOJ and the DON will begin resolving claims soon.

However, this anniversary also marks an important countdown for veterans and their families to keep in mind: Only 1 year remains to file a lawsuit under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.

You only have until August 2024 to file your claim, so don’t delay — get started today.

19. Lead Attorneys Appointed in Camp Lejeune Litigation

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Update | July 2023

After months of promising to address the slow progress of Camp Lejeune claims, judges in the Eastern District of North Carolina have appointed a team of lawyers to lead the litigation process.

Lead Counsel Ed Bell, who is joined by six co-leads, will be in charge of expediting the Camp Lejeune lawsuit process by helping with discovery, public communication, and more.

Sokolove Law is proud to work with Bell, the champion of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, in the fight for justice and compensation on behalf of victims.

20. Government Presents Vague Defense in Camp Lejeune Cases

Camp Lejeune Updates | June 26, 2023

More than 100 plaintiffs filed complaints over vague arguments presented by attorneys representing the government in the ongoing Camp Lejeune litigation.

However, today Judge Terrence Boyle — one of the four judges hearing Camp Lejeune cases in North Carolina — dismissed these complaints, allowing the defendants to move forward with their arguments.

Federal lawyers stated that their vague defenses were required in order to respond to the ambiguous nature of the claims filed by Camp Lejeune victims and their families

21. Department of Justice Urges Consolidation

Camp Lejeune Updates | June 2023

With nearly 1,000 lawsuits filed and over 70,000 administrative claims still under review, the Department of Justice is beginning to feel the weight of Camp Lejeune claims.

The four judges overseeing Camp Lejeune cases pledged to manage the growing number of lawsuits by consolidating claims, but they have not yet appointed a leadership team to spearhead these cases.

Until these claims are consolidated, Camp Lejeune cases may be slow to progress as each must be evaluated and heard individually.

22. U.S. Navy Pressured to Resolve Claims

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Update | May 17, 2023

A group of lawmakers sent a letter to the U.S. Secretary of the Navy and Attorney General Merrick Garland, expressing their concerns about unresolved Camp Lejeune claims.

The letter detailed a list of questions for the DOJ and the DON regarding the:

• Camp Lejeune claims process
• Plans to resolve claims in a timely manner
• How many claims have been filed to date

Bipartisan leadership continues to advocate on behalf of veterans while overseeing the implementation of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.

23. Study Links Camp Lejeune Water to Parkinson’s Disease

Camp Lejeune Litigation Update | May 15, 2023

A strong link between Parkinson’s disease and the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune has been identified, according to a study published in the JAMA Neurology journal.

Researchers found that the risk of Parkinson’s is 70% higher in veterans who served at Camp Lejeune as opposed to those who did not.

Additional medical conditions linked to Camp Lejeune include:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Aplastic anemia
• Birth defects
• Bladder cancer
• Brain cancer
• Breast cancer
• Cardiac defects
• Cervical cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Crohn’s disease
• Esophageal cancer
• Fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis)
• Female infertility
• Kidney cancer
• Liver cancer
• Lung cancer
• Lymphomas
• Miscarriage
• Multiple myeloma
• Myelodysplastic cancer
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Pancreatic cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Rectal cancer
• Renal toxicity
• Sarcoma
• Scleroderma

If you’ve been diagnosed with Parkinson’s or another Camp Lejeune medical condition, you may be able to secure compensation that can help pay for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

24. Federal Judge Grants DOJ Extension to Respond to Claims

Camp Lejeune Updates | April 19, 2023

The Department of Justice (DOJ) was given until May 31, 2023 to respond to individual claims made by victims of the Camp Lejeune water contamination.

The DOJ’s request for this extension came after a status conference on April 5, during which the consolidation of Camp Lejeune lawsuits was discussed as a potential means to speed up the litigation process.

As of April 2023, approximately 900 Camp Lejeune lawsuits have been filed, with thousands more potentially still to be filed.

25. Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Count Rises to 260

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Updates | March 10, 2023

There have now been 260 lawsuits for Camp Lejeune filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina.

This comes seven months after the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was signed into law, and just one month after the waiting period established by the Department of the Navy (DON) expired for the first set of Camp Lejeune claims.

Many more Camp Lejeune lawsuits are expected to be filed in the coming months.

26. VA Calls for Veterans to Apply for Disability Benefits

Camp Lejeune Claims Updates | February 13, 2023

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has assured veterans that filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit will not impact their ability to get disability benefits through the VA. Victims are able to pursue compensation from both a Camp Lejeune lawsuit and the VA.

In the past 10 years, the VA has received over 102,000 disability claims for illnesses linked to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. However, more than 75% of veterans had their Camp Lejeune VA claims denied as of 2022.

Now, veterans who faced unfair claim denials may be able to take action and pursue much-needed compensation through Camp Lejeune lawsuits.

27. Lawmakers Push to Limit Lawyer Fees

Camp Lejeune Litigation Updates | January 1, 2023

Members of Congress, in partnership with the legislative directors for both the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion, have called for a limit on attorneys fees in Camp Lejeune cases. This comes after reports of some law firms attempting to charge veterans excessively high legal fees.

Over 15,000 Camp Lejeune claims have been filed in the Department of the Navy as of January 2023.

Camp Lejeune Settlement Updates

Unfortunately, there is still no exact update on Camp Lejeune settlement amounts, as none of the cases have been settled yet. However, the money is there.

Recent Camp Lejeune settlement updates include:

• June 2024: A total of 57 Camp Lejeune Elective Option offers have been approved and accepted, with payouts to families reaching $14.4 Million.
• May 2024: Over $9.5 Million has been awarded to 40 Camp Lejeune families. Recommendations for a Settlement Master have been submitted, who could help additional families get compensation once they are appointed.
• April 2024: Camp Lejeune settlements through the Elective Option have reached $5.95 Million, with 26 families receiving compensation for injuries linked to the contaminated water on base.
• March 2024: There have been 56 Camp Lejeune Elective Option offers. Of the 24 offers accepted so far, 15 families have received compensation worth $3.6 Million.
• February 2024: Ten families have now received compensation for their Camp Lejeune claims, totaling $2.5 Million.
• January 2024: More than $2 Million has been distributed to eight Camp Lejeune families through Elective Option payouts, and an additional 33 payment offers are currently pending.
• December 2023: Camp Lejeune payouts now total $1 Million. Of the four accepted Elective Option offers so far, there has been a $250,000 Parkinson's disease claim, a $300,000 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma claim, and two leukemia claims paid $300,000 and $150,000.
• November 2023: Additional Elective Option payout offers have been accepted by Camp Lejeune families. As the number of Camp Lejeune claims reaches over 117,000, many veterans and their loved ones are looking toward the Camp Lejeune trials scheduled to begin in March 2024.
• October 2023: The first Camp Lejeune Elective Option payout was awarded. While the details of the payment were confidential, it highlights just how quickly the Elective Option can provide compensation to Camp Lejeune victims.
• September 2023: A voluntary Elective Option has been announced to pay out Camp Lejeune claims. This option would provide qualifying victims with a set amount for specific conditions, faster than if they went to court. Victims have up to 60 days to accept an Elective Option payout, and once the paperwork is complete, they will begin receiving compensation within 60 days.
• August 2023: Payouts for Camp Lejeune lawsuits and settlements are estimated to be over $21 Billion.
• July 2023: A leadership council was created by the Camp Lejeune judges in part to speed up the settlement process. Ed Bell, who works with Sokolove Law, has been named as lead counsel.
• June 2023: The judges assigned to Camp Lejeune lawsuits in North Carolina have been urged by the Department of Justice to consolidate claims in order to reach settlements more quickly.
• May 2023: Members of Congress have requested additional information from the U.S. Navy and the Department of Justice in hopes of identifying a more efficient way to process and pay out claims.

However, the money is there. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that payouts to victims and families will likely reach over $6.7 Billion by 2031, with an additional $15 Billion paid out after 2031.

The Elective Option for Camp Lejeune offers victims and their families up to $550,000 if they qualify — but those who pursue a lawsuit may potentially be awarded more.

At Sokolove Law, we’ll fight hard to get you the Camp Lejeune settlements you deserve.

Latest News on Camp Lejeune Water Contamination 2022

Every Camp Lejeune Justice Act 2022 update highlights the twists and turns of the journey toward justice that so many victims have found themselves on.

Even before the Camp Lejeune Justice Act passed, the government began analyzing the impact of the on-base contamination and determining the costs. The CBO estimated over $21 Billion may be paid toward Camp Lejeune claims from 2022 to after 2031.

With the passage of the CLJA in August 2022, we saw Camp Lejeune veterans and their families receive new legal rights and options for the injuries they suffered for the first time.

By the end of 2022, over 15,000 Camp Lejeune claims had already been filed with the Department of the Navy, which struggled to handle the high volume of claims without a defined resolution process in place.

Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 Updates

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows civilians, veterans, and their families to file Camp Lejeune lawsuits for health issues from the water contamination on base — for the first time ever. For decades, Camp Lejeune veterans and their families had been denied justice, but the CLJA changed this.

Learn about the timeline leading up to the passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act:

• March 26, 2021: The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is first introduced by the U.S. House of Representatives.
• January 25, 2022: Updates and revisions are added to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, and it’s reintroduced to the House. Elected representatives from both the Democratic and Republican parties co-sponsor the bill.
• February 2022: The CLJA is combined with the larger Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT Act), which was created to improve health care and benefits for veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during their service.
• March 3, 2022: The House of Representatives votes to approve the PACT Act
• June 16, 2022: The Senate approves the PACT Act in a vote of 84-14. However, a technical issue is identified in the bill.
• July 13, 2022: The PACT Act is amended, and the bill is approved in the House of Representatives with a vote of 342 to 88.
• July 27, 2022: An unexpected vote of 55 to 42 in the Senate results in the bill failing, as the Senate requires a three-fifths majority.
• August 2, 2022: The Senate votes on the PACT Act again, this time approving the bill with a vote of 86 to 11.
• August 10, 2022: President Joe Biden officially signs the bill into law, allowing veterans and their families to file contaminated water lawsuits for the first time ever.
• August 10, 2024: This date, as noted in the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, is the last day for Camp Lejeune claims to be filed. After this deadline, victims will not be able to take legal action for their injuries.

In the early months of Camp Lejeune litigation, the VA made it clear that your current and future VA benefits for Camp Lejeune will not be impacted by filing a lawsuit.

Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Update

While Camp Lejeune water updates were eventually provided to the public, there was a period of over 30 years when those living and working on base were put at risk through daily tasks like showering, drinking, and cleaning.

The Camp Lejeune water contamination timeline spans decades:

• 1953: The water at Hadnot Point is first contaminated with dangerous chemicals.
• 1957: Dry-cleaning solvent leaks into the groundwater from a nearby business, causing the Tarawa Terrace water system to become contaminated with dangerous chemicals.
• 1979: More than 20,000 gallons of oil leak into the ground at Hadnot Point Fuel Farm.
• 1980-1982: Samples taken of the water at Camp Lejeune show the presence of toxic chemicals, including trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE).
• 1984: News of the water crisis becomes public, and the military begins to shut down contaminated wells across the base.
• 1985: The majority of wells containing toxic chemicals are removed from use to prevent additional exposures to these chemicals.
• 1987: Tarawa Terrace is officially shut down.
• December 31, 1987: The risk of exposure to chemicals from the water supply at Camp Lejeune ends.
• 1989: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designates Camp Lejeune as a Superfund Site.
• 1990: The Hadnot Fuel Farm is replaced.

The contaminated water at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune likely impacted nearly 1 Million civilian workers, veterans, and family members on base, leading to multiple types of cancer, birth defects, and other serious illnesses.

If you or a loved one got sick after being exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you still have time to take action.

Sokolove Law: Providing Regular Camp Lejeune Water Lawsuit Updates

At Sokolove Law, we are committed to keeping up with the latest Camp Lejeune news. We’ve been involved in Camp Lejeune litigation from the beginning, and our team is here to fight for families affected by the water contamination.

For over 45 years, we’ve pursued justice on behalf of those who have served our country — and our compassionate team may be able to help you too.

To date, we’ve secured over $9.8 Billion total for thousands of families nationwide.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Update 2023-24 FAQs