Veterans and their families may be eligible for $100,000 to $550,000 from the Camp Lejeune Elective Option. The amount you may qualify for depends on how long you or a loved one spent on base and the illness caused by the contaminated water.
At Sokolove Law, we’ve already helped over 30,000 families with their Camp Lejeune claims. Call (800) 995-1212 now for a free case review to get started before it’s too late.
What Is the Elective Option for Camp Lejeune?
The Camp Lejeune Elective Option is a one-time payout that may be offered to qualifying families who’ve already filed a claim against the U.S. government.
In September 2023, the Department of Justice and the Department of the Navy announced the Camp Lejeune Elective Option as a way to speed up payouts for victims affected by certain illnesses from the contaminated water on base.
Camp Lejeune Elective Options at a Glance
- The Elective Option has two tiers that award $100,000 to $550,000.
- Compensation amounts are based on illness, length of time spent on base, and whether or not the injured person has passed away.
- Families can receive compensation in just a few short months, though payouts may be less than compensation from a Camp Lejeune lawsuit.
- More than $3.6 Million has already been paid out through the Elective Option.
- The government estimates spending over $21 Billion in Camp Lejeune compensation.
Only around 6% of Camp Lejeune claims have received an offer under the Elective Option so far.
As a national Camp Lejeune law firm, Sokolove Law has already helped over 30,000 families with their Camp Lejeune claims.
Our team can handle every step of the claims process on your behalf if you have a case. Let us get you the money you deserve.
Get a free case review now to find out if you may qualify for Camp Lejeune compensation.
How the Camp Lejeune Elective Option Works
Camp Lejeune Elective Option payouts may be offered to anyone who was diagnosed with a qualifying illness, spent at least 30 days on base between December 1953 and August 1987, and filed a Camp Lejeune legal claim.
The Elective Option is broken down into two tiers of illnesses. Tier-1 illnesses are generally more serious health conditions like cancer and may be awarded more compensation than claims involving tier-2 illnesses.
Base payout amounts for the Elective Option range from $100,000 to $400,000, depending on the illness involved and the length of time spent at Camp Lejeune. An additional $100,000 is awarded for claims involving a wrongful death.
All illnesses within a particular tier are eligible for the same compensation amount, except in cases where the individual spent more time on base or passed away from their illness.
Accepting an Elective Option payout may allow families to access compensation faster without going to court. It's important to note that if you were diagnosed with multiple Camp Lejeune illnesses, the Elective Option only allows you to receive compensation for one.
Camp Lejeune Elective Option Tier 1
Payouts for tier-1 illnesses start at $150,000 and can go up to $550,000 if additional compensation is added for a wrongful death. This money is intended to provide financial support for medical expenses, lost income, and other related costs.
| Tier-1 Illnesses | Time Spent at Camp Lejeune | Elective Option Payouts | Wrongful Death Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bladder cancer Kidney cancer Leukemia Liver cancer Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma | 30 days to 364 days | $150,000 | $250,000 |
| 1 year to 5 years | $300,000 | $400,000 | |
| More than 5 years | $450,000 | $550,000 |
Camp Lejeune illnesses that fall under tier-1 of the Elective Option are generally considered very serious and closely linked to the contaminated water on base. These illnesses often require extensive treatments and can significantly impact the lives of those affected.
Camp Lejeune Elective Option Tier 2
With tier-2 illnesses, the Camp Lejeune Elective Option awards about $50,000 less than tier-1 illnesses. Payments start at $100,000 and may reach $500,000 in wrongful death cases.
| Tier-2 Illnesses | Time Spent at Camp Lejeune | Elective Option Payouts | Wrongful Death Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kidney disease Multiple myeloma Parkinson's disease Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) | 30 days to 364 days | $100,000 | $200,000 |
| 1 year to 5 years | $250,000 | $350,000 | |
| More than 5 years | $400,000 | $500,000 |
Illnesses that fall under this tier of the Elective Option can also have a significant impact on the lives of those affected. Studies have linked these conditions to the chemicals found in the water at Camp Lejeune.
How to Pursue a Camp Lejeune Elective Option Payout
At Sokolove Law, our Camp Lejeune lawyers can handle every step of the legal process for you, so you can focus on your health and loved ones while we fight for the justice you deserve.
Below are the general steps to secure compensation for an illness caused by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
1. Contact Camp Lejeune Lawyers ASAP
Sokolove Law offers free case reviews to determine if you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune claim for compensation.
You only have until August 2024 to file a claim and pursue a Camp Lejeune Elective Option payout, so it’s important to contact us as soon as possible.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to get started with your claim. It costs nothing to speak with us.
2. We'll Collect Evidence to Build Your Case
Your legal team will collect all of the documents needed to prove your illness was caused by the water at Camp Lejeune. However, it can take weeks for the National Personnel Records Center to process requests, so it’s important to contact us as soon as possible to get started.
We’ll gather evidence like:
- Medical records detailing your diagnosis and treatments
- Military documents showing time at Camp Lejeune
- Testimony from experts linking your illness to the contaminated water
Without this evidence, your case may be rejected and deemed ineligible for an Elective Option payout — but if you’ve already contacted Sokolove Law, you can rest assured we’ll get all of the information needed for your case.
3. We'll File Your Administrative Claim
To pursue a Camp Lejeune Elective Option payout, your legal team must first file an administrative claim. When the Department of the Navy (DON) reviews your claim, they’ll determine if you qualify for compensation under the Elective Option.
Once we submit your administrative claim, your case may proceed in a few different ways:
- You may receive an Elective Option offer, which you can choose to accept or deny within 60 days. If you accept, the government has 60 days to provide you with your Elective Option payout after receiving all of your paperwork.
- The DON may fail to reach out with an Elective Option offer, even if you appear to qualify.
- If you choose to reject an Elective Option offer or your claim is denied or goes unanswered, we’ll file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit on your behalf.
The DON will have 6 months to review your claim and determine eligibility for an Elective Option payout before a lawsuit can be filed.
4. We'll File Your Camp Lejeune Lawsuit
All Camp Lejeune lawsuits must be filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina before the August 2024 deadline.
To file your claim, our Camp Lejeune lawyers will gather all of the necessary evidence and submit it to the court.
Time is of the essence with these cases, and it’s crucial to reach out to us before the August 2024 deadline, so we can build a strong case for you and your family.
5. We'll Negotiate a Settlement on Your Behalf
Even if you aren’t offered an Elective Option payout, our attorneys will continue to fight for the compensation you deserve by negotiating a settlement with the government.
Camp Lejeune settlements may award more compensation than an Elective Option payout, but the payout timeline may be longer.
If a settlement isn’t reached, our team will be prepared to represent you during a court trial and pursue a verdict on your behalf.
Payouts from Camp Lejeune Elective Options 2023-2024
At Sokolove Law, we are committed to providing you with Camp Lejeune Elective Option updates and the latest news on Camp Lejeune litigation.
Between October 2023 and March 2024, $3.6 Million has been awarded to families through the Camp Lejeune Elective Option.
Here are a few of the Camp Lejeune Elective Option payouts awarded so far:
- $400,000 to a Parkinson’s disease patient who spent more than 5 years on base
- $300,000 for a leukemia patient who was on base for 1 to 5 years
- $300,000 to a bladder cancer patient who was on base for 1 to 5 years
- $250,000 for a Parkinson’s patient who was on base for 1 to 5 years
- $150,000 to a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patient with less than 1 year on base
- $100,000 for a patient with kidney disease who was on base for less than 1 year
Other Elective Option offers have been accepted and are currently pending, including one for multiple myeloma.
Contact us now to get started before the August 2024 deadline. Over $21 Billion may be available for Camp Lejeune victims and their families.
Take Action Before It’s Too Late
Don’t miss your chance to pursue compensation for injuries caused by the toxic water at Camp Lejeune. Begin your journey toward justice today.
Get Help with Your Camp Lejeune Elective Option Payout
At Sokolove Law, our Camp Lejeune lawyers can work with veterans and their loved ones to pursue a Camp Lejeune Elective Option payout or lawsuit settlement.
As an established national law firm, we have the resources to support additional families in all 50 states. We’ve already helped more than 30,000 families with their Camp Lejeune claims
Over the last 45+ years, we’ve secured over $9.3 Billion for our clients.
The deadline to file a Camp Lejeune claim is quickly approaching, so it’s important to act now before you miss your chance for justice and compensation.
Call (800) 995-1212 or fill out our contact form to get started with a free, no-obligation case review.
Camp Lejeune Expedited Settlement FAQs
What is the expedited offer at Camp Lejeune?
The Camp Lejeune Elective Option is a payout from the Department of Justice and the Navy that may award less than a lawsuit but provide families with compensation sooner.
Payouts through this expedited offer are worth between $100,000 and $550,000, depending on the facts of each case.
If you’re eligible for the Elective Option, your legal team can help you decide if you should accept the payout or proceed with a lawsuit.
What are the settlement options for Camp Lejeune?
Victims of Camp Lejeune can pursue compensation from the Department of the Navy’s Elective Option payout offers or lawsuit settlements.
Find out more about settlement options for Camp Lejeune:
- Elective Option payouts range from $100,000 to $550,000 and provide families with compensation in just a few months. Only victims with certain illnesses are eligible for these payouts.
- Lawsuit settlements may award victims with more money, but this money may take longer to receive. Lawsuit settlements can occur before or during the trial process.
If you don’t accept one of these offers, our attorneys can present your case in a trial and fight on your behalf for a verdict.
Let us get you the money you deserve. Call (800) 995-1212 now to get started.
Who qualifies for compensation at Camp Lejeune?
You may qualify for Camp Lejeune compensation if you or a loved one:
- Lived or worked on base for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987
- Developed a health issue linked to the toxic water
Our team can determine if you may be eligible to pursue Camp Lejeune compensation and work to get you the money you deserve.
Find out if you qualify now during a free, no-obligation case review.
How long does it take to get compensation from Camp Lejeune?
It depends. Compensation from the Camp Lejeune Elective Option may be received within a few months of filing your claim, while pursuing compensation from a lawsuit settlement or verdict may take longer.
How long it’ll take your family to potentially get compensation will be influenced by when your claim is filed, what options you qualify for, and more.
How much can Camp Lejeune victims receive?
Over $21 Billion may be available for Camp Lejeune victims and their loved ones, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The amount each family may receive depends on the details of their case.
Our attorneys are dedicated to securing the maximum compensation for each Camp Lejeune victim we represent.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to see if we can help your family get a Camp Lejeune payout — for free.
How much is the average Camp Lejeune payout?
Camp Lejeune payouts could range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars for each family. However, it’s difficult to determine an average payout amount at this time because Camp Lejeune lawsuits are currently pending.
Payouts for Camp Lejeune will vary per person, depending on their illness, time spent on base, and other factors related to their case.
Has anyone won a Camp Lejeune settlement?
No Camp Lejeune lawsuit settlements have been awarded at this, though the first 15 Elective Options have paid out over $3.5 Million as of March 2024.
It’s not too late to pursue a Camp Lejeune settlement. Contact us now to get started with your claim before the August 2024 deadline.
How long will it take to settle the Camp Lejeune lawsuit?
The length of time it takes to settle the Camp Lejeune lawsuit will differ for each individual case. Factors like when you first filed your claim and the illness caused by the toxic water will impact when you may receive a settlement.
At Sokolove Law, we understand the significant impact a Camp Lejeune settlement can have on your life, and we’re committed to getting our clients compensationas quickly as possible.
What are Elective Option tier 2 claims at Camp Lejeune?
Camp Lejeune Elective Option tier-2 claims award anywhere from $100,000 to $500,000 to families impacted by:
- Kidney disease
- Multiple myeloma
- Parkinson’s disease
- Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis)
The amount that may be offered depends on whether or not the victim is still alive, and how long they lived or worked at Camp Lejeune.
The Department of Justice or the Department of the Navy may offer you a tier-2 Elective Option payout after you’ve filed your Camp Lejeune claim if you meet all of the necessary qualifications.
How much does a Camp Lejeune lawyer charge?
At Sokolove Law, there are no upfront costs or hourly fees to work with our Camp Lejeune lawyers. We work on a contingency-fee basis, which means we only get paid if we successfully secure compensation for you.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to see if our Camp Lejeune lawyers may be able to fight for your family. It costs nothing to speak with us.
