Camp Lejeune Lawsuit & Settlements | February 2025

Camp Lejeune Water Lawsuit Background

The origin of Camp Lejeune's water contamination traces back to the 1950s when toxic chemicals such as trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride seeped into the base's drinking water. These chemicals, likely used for cleaning machinery and other industrial purposes, contaminated the groundwater beneath the base, the residents' primary water source.

Unbeknownst to those stationed at Camp Lejeune, the water they consumed, bathed in, and used for everyday activities was tainted with carcinogens and other harmful substances. For decades, this contamination persisted, resulting in widespread exposure among military personnel, their families, and civilian workers.

The health impacts of the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune have been profound and long-lasting. Marine Corps personnel and their families reported a litany of serious health problems, including various forms of cancer, neurological disorders, reproductive issues, and developmental abnormalities in children born to affected parents.

Studies conducted by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) in 1997 and other organizations, such as the EPA, established strong links between the contaminants found in Camp Lejeune's water and elevated illnesses among those exposed. The toll on human lives is immeasurable, with many families grappling with the loss of loved ones and enduring the physical and emotional burdens of chronic illnesses.

Camp Lejeune Cause of Action

Parties to the litigation allege the government and its agents failed to address the water toxicity, neglecting the health and well-being of those residing at Camp Lejeune. Over the last several decades, these negligence claims involved complex litigation, class-action lawsuits, and settlements.

Congress also responded to this situation. In 2012, the U.S. Senate enacted the Jamey Ensminger Act. The new law provided healthcare to the individuals exposed to contaminated Camp Lejeune water and acknowledged the victims’ suffering.

However, while the Jamey Ensminger Act addressed healthcare needs, it did not necessarily give Marines and their families a cause of action to pursue lawsuits. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act remedied that shortcoming. It allowed affected parties to seek damages for their illnesses from the U.S. government, allowing more settlements.

For the most current news and developments, please visit our Camp Lejeune updates page, where we regularly post the latest information and updates.

Effects of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

Those exposed to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune reported the following health conditions:

• Congenital disabilities and injuries
• Brain damage
• Immune disorders
• Infertility
• Miscarriage (spontaneous pregnancy loss before 20 weeks)
• Myelodysplastic syndromes (blood disorders)
• Neurobehavioral effects
• Renal toxicity (kidney damage)

Many of these health conditions are life-threatening and frequently cause lifelong management and care. Plaintiffs request compensation to manage these conditions better and keep their treatment consistent.

Camp Lejeune water contamination also leads to diseases and health disorders, specifically:

• ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
• Epilepsy
• Fatty Liver Disease (Hepatic Steatosis)
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Aplastic Anemia and Other Bone Marrow Conditions
• Scleroderma (hardening of the skin and connective tissues)

Average Camp Lejeune Settlements

The average Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement amounts typically range between $150,000 to $1 million. However, in certain circumstances, there have been much higher settlements awarded to USMC personnel and their families. The actual Camp Lejeune lawsuit payout, per person, will vary based on each person’s particular case.

How Much Are Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement Amounts?

The actual settlement amount awarded to USMC personnel members and their families will depend on the level of suffering the victim or victims have endured and what medical conditions they have been diagnosed with. Here are some typical ranges we’ve seen in ongoing litigation:

• Colon Cancer - $150,000–$500,000 depending on the severity and duration of illness.
• Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) - $150,000–$450,000 with variations based on individual cases and medical history.
• Scleroderma - $150,000–$450,000 considering the extent of symptoms and impact on quality of life.
• Bladder cancer - $200,000–$700,000 influenced by factors such as treatment requirements and prognosis.
• Infertility - $200,000–$400,000 reflecting the emotional and physical toll of the condition and potential treatment options.
• Breast cancer - $250,000–$700,000 considering treatment complexities and long-term health implications.
• Cervical cancer - $250,000–$500,000 accounting for treatment modalities and prognosis.
• Kidney cancer - $250,000–$450,000 taking into account treatment options and potential complications.
• Leukemia - $250,000–$550,000 based on treatment requirements and prognosis.
• Esophageal cancer - $300,000–$600,000 considering treatment modalities and potential impact on quality of life.
• Ovarian cancer - $300,000–$500,000 reflecting treatment complexities and long-term prognosis.
• Lung cancer - $350,000–$650,000 influenced by treatment options and disease progression.
• Brain cancer - $800,000–over $1 million considering treatment complexities and potential lifelong care needs.
• Parkinson’s disease - $750,000 or more based on disease progression and impact on daily functioning.
• Birth defects (severe) - $1 million or more reflecting the lifelong challenges and medical needs associated with severe birth defects.
• Wrongful death - $650,000–over $1 million depending on various factors including age, income, and dependents.

The most recent Camp Lejeune class action lawsuit only began in 2022, and new cases are settled every week and month, it seems. Make sure to visit our Camp Lejeune lawsuit updates page regularly, as we are continuously updating it with the latest news. Even if you haven’t been diagnosed with the conditions listed above, there may still be an opportunity to seek damages.

The DOJ’s two-tier Elective Option for Camp LeJeune Claims

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) unveiled a voluntary two-tier Elective Option in September 2023 for individuals affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination. This initiative aims to expedite compensation for the growing number of Camp Lejeune claims.

Compensation levels correspond to the duration of time spent on the base, with an additional $100,000 provided in the unfortunate event of a victim's demise.

While the maximum compensation under this program reaches $550,000, it's worth noting that Camp Lejeune lawsuit settlements might offer victims greater recompense compared to opting for the DOJ's tiered system.

If offered an elective payout, individuals have a 60-day window to either accept or decline it. Those who accept should anticipate receiving payments within 60 days thereafter.

Tier 1 Camp LeJeune Settlement Amounts

Tier 1 provides settlements for victims afflicted with bladder cancer, kidney cancer, leukemia, liver cancer, or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma:

• $450,000 for over 5 years on base
• $300,000 for 1-5 years on base
• $150,000 for 30-364 days on base

Tier 2 Camp LeJeune Settlement Amounts

Tier 2 offers settlements for victims diagnosed with kidney disease, multiple myeloma, Parkinson’s disease, scleroderma, or systemic sclerosis:

• $400,000 for over 5 years on base
• $250,000 for 1-5 years on base
• $100,000 for 30-364 days on base

Average Camp Lejeune Compensation Amounts

While no amount can truly compensate for the health and emotional toll, understanding the potential financial compensation can help you plan better. Here are some estimated settlement amounts by ConsumerShield experts based on the severity of the condition:

• Life-threatening Cancers: $800,000 - over $1 million
• Neurological Disorders: $750,000 or more
• Severe Birth Defects: $1 million or more
• Less Severe Conditions: Ranges from $150,000 - $700,000 depending on the condition and circumstances.

Real-World Camp Lejeune Settlements

Though these are general estimates, they are backed by real-world settlements:

• Case 1: A veteran diagnosed with terminal lung cancer received a settlement of around $1 million.
• Case 2: A civilian employee who developed neurological issues due to exposure was awarded approximately $750,000.

What Should I Do If I Was Affected by Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with these conditions and used contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you could be entitled to compensation. Reach out via ConsumerShield’s form to take the first step toward compensation.