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ChatAs you may know, our law firm is serving as local counsel here in Rhode Island and Massachusetts for those affected by the Camp Lejeune toxic water.
There are some recent Camp Lejeune toxic water settlement updates that have our veterans and their families cautiously optimistic. In today’s blog, I aim to provide an update on those settlement updates as well as the overall litigation.
If you are a fellow attorney or community member with questions, we always offer a free, confidential case review 24/7. We are still accepting these cases, but there are time limits that are running, so please contact us today.
Update On Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Legal Cases: The 16 Diseases And Symptoms That May Qualify For Monetary Compensation
To briefly recap, the federal law regarding Camp Lejeune toxic water cases went into effect last August. Please refer to our web page on Camp Lejeune law for background information.
There are various requirements and time deadlines to comply with in order to determine if you or your family member (living or deceased) may be eligible for monetary compensation.
As to diseases and symptoms, here is an easy-to-read list that attorneys have been referring to as a reference:
Diseases and symptoms of Camp Lejeune water contamination.
Update On Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Legal Cases: Tier 1 And Tier 2
There is a long history of knowledge of horrific, deadly toxin levels around the Camp Lejeune property. Years ago, one federal agency studied the mortality rates of veterans stationed there versus at another base.
This agency concluded that certain cancers/symptoms had extremely strong causation tied to toxic water (looking at various compounds known as PCEs, TCEs, and DCEs). They then ranked these cancers into “tiers,” with Tier 1 being the strongest link, and so forth.
As far as the Camp Lejeune cases are concerned, the following cancer types are generally considered to be in the “Tier One” group: esophageal cancer, kidney cancer, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, bladder cancer, leukemia, lung cancer, liver cancer, multiple myeloma, and breast cancer.
“Tier Two” cancers include prostate cancer, colon cancer, brain cancer, ovarian cancer, aplastic anemia, and cervical cancer.
Understanding this tiering system becomes important when we look at recent settlement news outlined below.
What Is The Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Settlement News? What Is The Elective Option?
To recover under the federal Camp Lejeune contaminated water law, you must timely and accurately file your claim through the Department of Navy or JAG. The agency then has six (6) months to accept your claim (potentially resulting in a settlement) or deny your claim – allowing you to then file your lawsuit in federal court.
Recently, the Department of Navy provided an update that people have filed over 93,000 claims with them. We estimate that many lawsuits stand to be filed, as we are not even one year out since the law went into effect. Many of us are still working through gathering evidence to file such a claim.
At any rate, the Navy announced its interest in early settlement discussions for verified Tier 1 and Tier 2 injuries. Specifically, under the “Elective Option,” qualified veterans may see a faster settlement. As NBC reported:
“The Elective Option is a critical step in bringing relief to qualifying claimants impacted by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, who will now have an avenue for receiving quick and early resolution of claims under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act,” Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta said in a statement.
The payouts range from $150,000 to $450,000 — with an additional $100,000 offered if the exposure resulted in a death.
This is important because the Navy is signaling that it is interested in settling the most serious cancers known to have such a link to the toxic water without needing to prove legal causation or end up in federal court.
Again, if you have any questions on Camp Lejeune settlements, etc., just contact us for your free case review.
Update On Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Legal Cases: Cases Filed And Steering Committee Formation
There is much to report on separate from the settlement process outlined above.
As Camp Lejeune toxic water lawyers continue to take free, confidential case reviews, we are also stepping into the hard legal work.
For situations where the injured veteran has passed away, we are working hard to meet time deadlines in order to set up the necessary probate court orders to move the legal process forward.
After the initial filing phase with the Department of Navy or JAG mentioned above, each claimant (or their family/representative) may have an important decision to make if a settlement offer is made within the six-month period: accept the same and be done with the case, or proceed to federal court. Of course, if there is no settlement offer made (for various reasons), then you must continue with your case in the federal court system.
The federal court cases are being consolidated into the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of North Carolina. Importantly, as a recent update, the Court has issued an Order appointing the Plaintiff’s Leadership Counsel (Steering Committee). This Order was the next step in the Camp Lejeune litigation. We now have a leadership team of injury lawyers in place to help lead these lawsuits as more and more are filed in the coming months.
Mike Bottaro, firm visionary.
It’s Good to Know Mike Bottaro – 24/7 Top-Rated Personal Injury Help
At Bottaro Injury Lawyers, we care for people. Attorney Mike Bottaro and his award-winning legal team have experience serving as local counsel for Camp Lejeune cases for our Rhode Island and Massachusetts residents. We can even help on cases in other states as well. We pride ourselves on our honesty, integrity, and results. Contact us 24/7 in any method you prefer for a fast, free, and confidential consultation about your case. Feel free to text or call us at 401-777-7777 or fill out our free and confidential online form. We are here to serve and help you!
