At Anapol Weiss, we stand with veterans and their families affected by the contamination at Camp Lejeune. For decades, countless individuals were unknowingly exposed to toxic water, resulting in severe and life-altering illnesses. Many of these brave individuals are now seeking justice, while others continue the fight on behalf of loved ones who have passed away. We are committed to holding the government accountable and securing fair compensation for the victims.
In this article, we’ll address key questions about the current legal proceedings and offer essential information for claimants navigating the Camp Lejeune litigation.
What Are Track 1 and Track 2 Diagnoses in Camp Lejeune Litigation?
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina has categorized illnesses related to Camp Lejeune into "Track 1" and "Track 2" groups to streamline the litigation process.
- Track 1 Diagnoses: Parkinson’s Disease, Kidney Cancer, Bladder Cancer, Leukemia, and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
- Track 2 Diagnoses: Prostate Cancer, Kidney Disease, Lung Cancer, Liver Cancer, and Breast Cancer.
If your diagnosis is not included in these lists, don’t worry. The Court is expected to announce Track 3 diagnoses soon. Even if your illness is not yet on a track, it could still be considered for compensation.
What Are Bellwether Cases?
In the litigation process, the Court selects bellwether cases to represent a larger group of similar cases. These initial trials are critical because they help guide future settlements or verdicts for other claimants. For Track 1 diagnoses, bellwether trials are scheduled to begin in Fall 2024. We expect the Track 2 cases to follow shortly thereafter.
Bellwether cases are selected to represent the larger group of claimants. The outcomes of these cases can influence settlement negotiations and court decisions for similar claims, aiming to help expedite the legal process for others.
What’s the Difference Between Filing a Complaint in North Carolina and Submitting an Administrative Claim?
Camp Lejeune claimants can pursue compensation through two primary channels: filing a lawsuit in the Eastern District of North Carolina or submitting an Administrative Claim to the Judge Advocate General (JAG). Both approaches protect your claim under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.
- Administrative Claims: So far, around 177,000 claims have been submitted to the JAG. Once submitted, your statute of limitations—the legal time limit you have to file your claim—is preserved, meaning your case is protected while the claim is being processed. If your Administrative Claim is denied, you have 180 days to file a lawsuit in North Carolina.
- Filed Cases: Roughly 1,700 cases have been filed directly in North Carolina. While filing a lawsuit may seem like a faster option, it may not necessarily lead to a quicker resolution. In fact, both filed cases and administrative claims follow similar timelines.
All personal injury claims (whether filed or administrative) must be submitted by August 10, 2024, under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. This deadline is critical, so ensure your claim is filed before then to keep your options open.
What Is the Elective Option, and Am I Eligible?
The Elective Option is a settlement offer from the Department of Navy, designed to resolve a limited number of Camp Lejeune claims. To qualify, claimants must have:
- Filed an Administrative Claim before August 10, 2022.
- Been diagnosed with a qualifying illness at least two years after their first exposure, but no more than 35 years after their last exposure to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water (from August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987).
Eligible illnesses include:
- Kidney Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Leukemia
- Bladder Cancer
- Multiple Myeloma
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Kidney Disease/End Stage Renal Disease
- Systemic Sclerosis/Systemic Scleroderma
Settlement amounts range from $100,000 to $550,000, depending on the illness and the duration of exposure.
Note: Only one diagnosis will be compensated, even if multiple conditions are present.
What Is the Estimated Timeframe for Resolution?
Understandably, you may be wondering when your case will be resolved. Unfortunately, there is no set timeline for final settlements. However, the first bellwether trials are expected to begin in Fall 2024. These trials will likely help push the government toward a global resolution for the remaining claims.
While the legal process may be long and complex, rest assured that we are committed to seeing your case through to the end. We will keep you updated every step of the way and continue to advocate for the justice you deserve.
What Steps Should I Take If I Have Been Affected?
If you or a loved one were exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune and diagnosed with an illness related to the contamination, here are a few steps you should take right away:
- Gather Medical Records: Collect documents that show when you were diagnosed with a related illness and how it may be linked to your exposure of environmental toxins at Camp Lejeune.
- Document Your Time at Camp Lejeune: Make sure you have accurate records of the time you or your loved one spent at the base, including dates of service or residence.
- Contact a Lawyer: Reach out to an experienced legal team to help navigate the claims process and ensure your rights are protected. It’s important to act promptly to meet the August 10, 2024 filing deadline.
Why Choose Anapol Weiss?
At Anapol Weiss, we are more than just your legal counsel—we are your advocates. We understand how overwhelming this situation may feel, and we are here to guide you through the legal process every step of the way. Our dedicated team has extensive experience handling complex mass tort litigation, and we are committed to securing justice for you and your family.
We take pride in helping veterans and their loved ones navigate this difficult time, and we’ll work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Seeking Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims: Contact Anapol Weiss Today
The Camp Lejeune water contamination litigation is a battle for justice, transparency, and accountability. At Anapol Weiss, we continue to fight for veterans, their families, and all those affected by this tragic event. We understand that the legal process may be long, but you don’t have to face it alone.
If you have any questions or need help with your claim, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your health and well-being.
