In this article, you will learn about the latest updates on the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit for 2024, including settlement payment dates and eligibility news. This lawsuit, which stems from the Justice Act of 2022, allows veterans and civilians to seek compensation for health issues caused by water contamination at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987.
For 2024, settlements have started, and payments have been made to eight families under the Elective Option. Read on for more detailed information about the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Update 2024, eligibility, and more.
Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Update 2024
The Federal Government is set to pay over $21 billion to Camp Lejeune victims and their families over the next decade. As of October 2023, the camp has settled an Elective Option payout, with more than 1,500 lawsuits filed seeking compensation for health conditions linked to toxic water.
The Government has objected to planning a consolidated lawsuit, which would involve using Rule 16 to manage the claims. Plaintiffs argue that specific causation should be addressed in the multi-plaintiff trials at this litigation stage. Authorities have also raised concerns about the fairness of certain requests for factual directives on causation.
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In the past two years, there have been significant changes in the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit. The PLG filed a motion for partial summary judgment to establish a minimum requirement for a 30-day connection between water contamination and disease. This motion aims to simplify the legal process for victims and potentially shorten the lengthy trials related to substance exposure and health issues.
On January 23, 2024, the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit asked the court to consolidate sixteen toxic water lawsuits. This approach aims to expedite the litigation process and resolve all Track 1 cases within the first five trials. The plaintiffs have also provided estimates for different types of cases, including NHL (5 plaintiffs), bladder cancer (6), kidney cancer (8), leukemia (5), and Parkinson’s disease (5).
Settlement Payment Dates
The Camp Lejeune Lawsuit was initially filed with the US Department of the Navy. Once the administrative claims were processed, the timeline for lawsuit claims became more structured. Eligible recipients who choose their payment option can receive compensation within a few months after filing their claims.
The payment dates for Camp Lejeune vary based on the individual payment option selected. Recipients must wait at least 60 days to decide whether to accept expedited payment offers. Those who opt for the offer have about two weeks to complete the required paperwork. After submitting the paperwork, the Federal Government will disburse payments within a 60-day period.
Eligibility News
To qualify for Camp Lejeune Lawsuit compensation, recipients must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Lived at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1953 and December 1987.
- Were not dishonorably discharged from the military.
- Developed a life-altering condition due to water contamination.
Eligible groups include US Marine Corps and Navy veterans, civilians, guardsmen, and reservists. The lawsuit aims to provide federal benefits to those affected by water contamination, although fewer than 14% of claimants have qualified, according to Bloomberg.
Timeline for Payments
- Initial Filing: The lawsuit is first filed with the US Department of the Navy.
- Administrative Processing: The administrative process is completed based on the case timeline.
- Payment Decision: If eligible, recipients choose their payment option and receive compensation within a few months after filing claims.
Payment dates vary depending on the payment option chosen. Recipients must wait at least 60 days to accept expedited payment offers, with a 2-week period to complete necessary paperwork. Afterward, federal payments are disbursed within 60 days.
Recent Payouts
In December 2023, payouts included:
- $250K for Parkinson’s disease
- $300K for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- $300K and $150K for leukemia claims
More than $2 million has been allocated to eight families, with additional offers pending.