Raeford, North Carolina – The U.S. government has introduced an expedited elective option settlement program for veterans and their families affected by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. Eligible claimants may receive compensation of up to $550,000, depending on the duration of their stay on base and the severity of their illness.
This initiative aims to provide financial relief significantly sooner than the traditional settlement payments, which are expected after the settlement claim deadline of August 10, 2024.
Key Information and Support Available:
- Free Case Review: A no-cost evaluation of your case is available to determine eligibility.
- Cash Advances on Settlements: Eligible claimants can receive a cash advance on their settlement. More details can be found here.
- Addressing Delays: Options are available to expedite the payout process for those facing delays with current legal representation.
- Widespread Impact: Over a million Marines, Sailors, civilian workers, and their families were exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987. Those stationed at the base for more than 30 days during this period may qualify for financial compensation under the PACT Act.
- Eligibility and Compensation: Even individuals previously denied disability benefits may now qualify for compensation or pension benefits. The PACT Act provides opportunities for back pay, settlement monies, and future compensation or pension payments.
- Settlement Program Details: Eligible claimants can receive up to $550,000 through the elective option program before the August 24 settlement deadline. The settlement process involves the Torts Branch, the DOJ, and the Navy.
To date, more than $14.4 million has been paid out through the Elective Option, with the government estimating over $21 billion in total compensation for Camp Lejeune claims. However, only around 6% of claims have received an offer under the Elective Option so far.
The Elective Option categorizes illnesses into two tiers, with Tier-1 encompassing more serious health conditions like cancer, which may warrant higher compensation than Tier-2 illnesses.
For more information on the Camp Lejeune Elective Option and to see if you or your loved ones qualify for compensation, please visit our website or contact our support team.
Get Help with Your Camp Lejeune Elective Option Payout
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.
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
Get Help with Your Camp Lejeune Elective Option Payout
