What Is Considered a Camp Lejeune Wrongful Death?
A Camp Lejeune wrongful death is a devastating outcome of exposure to the contaminated water at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.
When a victim loses their life because of a disease directly linked to the toxic water, surviving family members may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune wrongful death lawsuit.
By filing Camp Lejeune wrongful death lawsuits, survivors can seek compensation and justice on behalf of their deceased loved ones who were never given the chance. These lawsuits aim to hold parties accountable for the pain, suffering, and loss endured by the family.
According to lead counsel in the Camp Lejeune litigation, wrongful death claims make up 20% of the firm’s caseload. Some of these victims were alive just over a year ago when the PACT Act was enacted, but they have since passed away.
If your loved one lived or worked on base for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987, they were most likely exposed to dangerous levels of the contaminated water.
If they passed away from a condition you think could be linked to the water, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune wrongful death claim on their behalf.
Even if they passed away decades ago, or if you aren’t sure their death was related to the contaminated water, the Camp Lejeune Claims Center is here to help.
How Is Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Linked to Fatal Diseases?
The contamination of drinking water at Camp Lejeune exposed over one million service members, their families, and non-military staff to hazardous chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
The VOCs found in the water are linked to numerous life-threatening health conditions.
Health Conditions Caused by the Camp Lejeune Water Supply
Public health studies conducted by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) found that Camp Lejeune contaminated water could cause numerous severe health conditions.
Some of these life-threatening medical conditions include:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease
- Aplastic anemia
- Severe birth defects or congenital disorders
- Cancer (multiple types)
- Heart disease (various forms)
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Parkinson’s disease
- Scleroderma
If you suspect your loved one’s condition and death were due to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune, you may be eligible to take legal action on their behalf.
Watch this short video on seeking justice as a survivor from our founder, who lost his dad to Camp Lejeune bladder cancer.
Hear from our founder, Chris Carberg, on how losing his dad to Camp Lejeune bladder cancer became the driving force behind our relentless pursuit of justice for every Camp Lejeune victim. View Transcript.
Duration: 02 min 43 sec
I used to ask my dad, “What was it like when you were a Marine, or when you were formerly a Marine?” And he would correct me every time, he’d say, “You’re never formerly a Marine. It’s never something in the past. Once you’re a Marine, you’re a Marine for life.”
My name is Chris Carberg and my father was United States Marine John Carberg, who passed away from bladder cancer.
My dad was 17 years old when he joined the Marines. And his dad was a Marine, his brother was a Marine. It was something in our whole family that we were proud of. He lived on a military base.
My father was at Camp Lejeune for, I believe less than 60 days. He had no idea that there was anything wrong with the water.
And to think that people were spending their last moments, before they were deployed to dangerous situations, being poisoned is absolutely infuriating. We had families at Camp Lejeune. We had families on the base. We had mothers who were pregnant drinking that water.
What changed with the PACT Act and with the Camp Lejeune Act of 2022, is that for the first time, the government lowered and dropped its own immunity to being prosecuted. Veterans, their family members, they are able for the first time to file lawsuits against the government.
My dad never cared about his legacy, but what he cared about was his family. He cared about my mom, he cared about me and my sister. He cared about us. and I think that what he would want is what he always wanted. For his family to be taken care of, for my mom to be taken care of. My dad would never do something like this for himself, but he would do it for my mom in a heartbeat.
When my son and daughter ask me eventually, “What happened to Pop-pop?” I have to tell them the truth, which was that, “Well, Pop-pop was serving his country proudly. He did everything the right way, doing that that he could.” And now it’s our turn, it’s our turn to care for him and while he was sick and alive, we fought for him. We did our very best.
It’s our job as families to honor the memory of our loved ones by fighting on their behalf when they can’t fight for themselves anymore.
Toxic Chemicals Found in Camp Lejeune Water
Water tests conducted by ATSDR at Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point treatment plants during the 1980s uncovered alarming levels of various VOCs.
VOCs in Camp Lejeune’s contaminated drinking water included:
- Benzene
- Dichloroethylene (DCE)
- Tetrachloroethylene – also known as perchloroethylene (PCE)
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Vinyl chloride
- Other contaminants
The hazardous chemicals were traced back to an off-base dry cleaning business and leaking fuel storage tanks, and they are known to cause severe health problems.
Camp Lejeune Wrongful Death Settlement Amounts
Camp Lejeune wrongful death settlements are expected to be between $200,000 and $1 million or more. However, Camp Lejeune settlement amounts will depend on the unique circumstances of each case.
While individual payout amounts are not yet clear, we do know that the Department of the Navy (DON) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have proposed a voluntary settlement option with two tiers of illnesses.
Here is the framework for the Camp Lejeune wrongful death settlement amounts offered by the DON and DOJ.
| Base Settlement Amounts | Plus Wrongful Death Payout | Total Settlement Payout Range | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 Illnesses: Bladder, kidney, liver cancers, leukemia, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma | $150,000-$450,000 | $100,000 | $250,000-$550,000 |
| Tier 2 Illnesses: Kidney disease, multiple myeloma, Parkinson’s, and scleroderma | $100,000-$400,000 | $100,000 | $200,000-$500,000 |
It’s important to remember that the DON and DOJ offer these amounts to provide families with quicker access to compensation. Many legal experts predict that these are lowball amounts, and filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit against the government could result in far more money.
Depending on the severity of the condition, some Camp Lejeune wrongful death lawsuits could be between $800,000 and well over $1 million.
Find out if you are eligible to file a Camp Lejeune wrongful death lawsuit right now with a free claim review.
3 Camp Lejeune Wrongful Death Payout Options
If your loved one passed away from a health condition linked to the toxic water, you may have several Camp Lejeune wrongful death payout options.
The first step for all Camp Lejeune victims and survivors is to file an administrative claim with the DON. Once that is completed, there are three pathways to seeking compensation.
Here are three ways you can seek Camp Lejeune wrongful death compensation:
- Wait for a settlement offer from the DON
- Accept a voluntary Elective Option from the DON and DOJ, if you qualify
- File a Camp Lejeune lawsuit in the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of North Carolina
RELATED: Learn more about projected payout amounts and the Camp Lejeune settlement timeline now.
The PACT Act and Camp Lejeune Wrongful Death Lawsuits
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) of 2022 is a section of the PACT Act written specifically for toxic water victims and survivors.
The CLJA recognizes the government’s role in the water contamination disaster, making it easier for victims and their families to get compensation for health problems caused by the polluted water.
Importantly, this landmark legislation allows victims and their families to pursue lawsuits against the federal government, overturning previous legal barriers that gave the government immunity from being sued.
The tragic reality is that many Camp Lejeune victims will not get their day in court, as they have already passed away from the devastating effects of the toxic water. However, loved ones can carry on their fight through a Camp Lejeune wrongful death lawsuit.
“Their cases won’t die with them, however, as family members take up the mantle in their place.”
—CNN
Remember, even if your loved one passed away decades ago, you may still be able to file a Camp Lejeune wrongful death lawsuit on their behalf. But don’t wait because there are strict deadlines involved.
Find out if you can file a Camp Lejeune wrongful death claim right now.
Steps to Filing a Camp Lejeune Wrongful Death Lawsuit
When filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, there are a few recommended steps to follow.
1. Consult a Qualified Camp Lejeune Lawyer
Working with a skilled Camp Lejeune attorney when filing your wrongful death lawsuit is essential.
Your lawyer should have a proven track record in handling complex personal injury cases and be knowledgeable about the specific laws, deadlines, and processes for handling Camp Lejeune claims.
Our legal partners have already helped over 30,000 families with Camp Lejeune claims.
The best Camp Lejeune water lawyers have a deep understanding of how medical conditions may have been caused by the contamination. This includes how the toxic chemicals in the water may have led to specific diseases and, ultimately, death.
2. Gather Evidence
Building a strong Camp Lejeune wrongful death lawsuit requires evidence linking the contaminated water to your loved one’s fatal illness.
Here are some critical pieces of evidence you may need:
- Medical records: Documentation of diagnoses, treatments, and illness-related history
- Camp Lejeune history: Data on residency, employment, duration of stay, and exposure details
- Military service records: Records for assignments, deployments, and postings at Camp Lejeune
- Expert witnesses: Medical experts and toxicologists to give professional opinions on the link between the toxic water and the illness/death
Many families considering filing a Camp Lejeune wrongful death lawsuit are unsure where or how to begin gathering needed evidence.
Do not despair. Working with a skilled Camp Lejeune lawyer means they will help you determine what evidence you need and gather it for you.
RELATED: Find Out If Your Family Member Was at Camp Lejeune
3. File a Camp Lejeune Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Once your lawyer has built a strong case, they will file a Camp Lejeune wrongful death lawsuit on your behalf. Your attorney will prepare and file the legal documents, starting the legal process.
After filing the lawsuit, your attorney will work diligently to negotiate with the DON and pursue a fair settlement. If a settlement is unable to be reached, they can take your case to court if necessary.
What Factors Affect Camp Lejeune Wrongful Death Lawsuits?
Various factors may influence the compensation you may receive in your Camp Lejeune wrongful death case. Below are some of the most important considerations.
Age of the Deceased
The age of your loved one when they passed away can affect the case. You’ll need to prove their premature death resulted from health conditions caused by the water contamination.
Dependent Family Members
In a Camp Lejeune wrongful death lawsuit, compensation may vary based on the number of dependents the deceased victim had. Compensation amounts can reflect the financial support they would have provided to each dependent.
Earning Potential
Premature death can result in the loss of potential earnings. This lost earning potential can play into determining your Camp Lejeune wrongful death compensation amount.
Extent of Medical Treatment and Expenses
Higher payouts may be awarded in cases with greater medical expenses and significant damages resulting from this toxic exposure.
Length of Exposure to the Toxic Water
To be eligible for a wrongful death claim, your loved one must have spent at least 30 days on base during the specified contamination period.
The longer your loved one was exposed to the toxic water, the more money your Camp Lejeune wrongful death lawsuit may be worth.
These three categories may be used to determine your case value:
- 30-364 days of exposure
- 1-5 years of exposure
- Over 5 years of exposure
All of the above factors, including the strength of your case, the evidence collected, and the experience of your attorney, will shape the outcome of your Camp Lejeune wrongful death lawsuit.
Deadline to File a Camp Lejeune Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The deadline for filing Camp Lejeune wrongful death lawsuits is August 10, 2024.
Failing to file within the specified time frame could cause you to lose your right to seek compensation.
Given the complexities and documentation required for these cases, it’s important to consult with a Camp Lejeune law firm as soon as possible. They can explain your Camp Lejeune legal options and make sure your claim is filed on time.
Claims are being processed in the order they are received, so don’t delay.
Benefits of Working With an Attorney for Camp Lejeune Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Hiring an attorney for a Camp Lejeune wrongful death lawsuit offers many benefits that increase your chances of winning your case and securing compensation.
Here are some advantages of working with a top Camp Lejeune lawyer:
- Access to resources (legal, medical, military, scientific, and more)
- Contingency fee arrangement (they don’t get paid unless you win your case)
- Court representation (if a settlement is not reached)
- Experience handling similar cases
- Expertise in relevant laws
- Regular updates and clear expectations for your case
- Tireless negotiation on your behalf
Get Help With a Camp Lejeune Wrongful Death Lawsuit
If you lost a loved one because of an illness linked to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water, don’t wait. Seeking legal help now can make all the difference to the outcome of your Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit.
The Camp Lejeune Claims Center partners with some of the best and most experienced Camp Lejeune attorneys in the country.
We are here to guide you through the process, fight for justice, and secure the compensation you and your family deserve.
Time is limited, so let us help you take the first step toward closure and financial recovery. Get a free claim review right now.
Camp Lejeune Wrongful Death Lawsuit FAQs
How much compensation can people get for a Camp Lejeune wrongful death lawsuit?
Compensation for a Camp Lejeune wrongful death lawsuit could range from $200,000 to $1 million. Some cases could be worth well over $1 million.
However, it’s important to note that Camp Lejeune wrongful death settlement amounts will depend on the specific circumstances, the disease caused by the water, and the overall strength of the case.
Can I file a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit for a deceased veteran?
Yes, you can file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit for a deceased veteran who was exposed to the toxic water and suffered injuries if you are an immediate family member or estate representative.
Consulting with a skilled Camp Lejeune attorney to understand your eligibility and the specific process involved is often the best way to get started.
Find out if the Camp Lejeune Claims Center can help you right now with a free consultation.
Who was responsible for Camp Lejeune contamination?
The U.S. Marine Corps and an off-base dry cleaning business are blamed for the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune.
Camp Lejeune’s water supply contamination occurred over several decades (from the 1950s to the 1980s). It involved various factors, including leaking underground storage tanks and improper disposal of toxic chemicals.
Do I need a lawyer to start a Camp Lejeune wrongful death lawsuit?
It is highly recommended to consult an experienced attorney to file your Camp Lejeune wrongful death case.
An attorney can provide essential guidance, assess the viability of your case, and help you navigate the legal process to maximize your chances of securing compensation.
