Over 546,500 claims for compensation related to the contaminated water at the Marine Corps Camp Lejeune base have been filed.
The Camp Lejeune litigation is a significant mass tort case, particularly due to the large number of claims filed under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA). With over 220,000 administratively filed cases and only 36 settlements to date, it’s clear that this litigation is vast and complex. The “mini-MDL” created in the Eastern District of North Carolina is set to be a crucial forum for these cases, drawing comparisons to other large-scale litigations like the 3M earplug lawsuits.
Despite the large number of filed cases, the low number of settlements so far suggests several dynamics at play. One is the government’s cautious approach to settlements, likely influenced by the need to establish clear standards for causation and liability involving the contamination at Camp Lejeune. The fact that general causation, particularly for various types of cancer, is expected to be heavily contested indicates that scientific and medical evidence will play a critical role in how these cases proceed.
The expectation of significant settlements in 2024 reflects optimism that the litigation will gain momentum. However, the slow start and the issues with the CLJA’s initial settlement program underscore that there are still many hurdles to overcome. For many victims, this means that the process could extend for several years, especially in cases where establishing a direct link between the health conditions and exposure at Camp Lejeune is challenging.
Overall, the litigation landscape in 2024 is poised to be shaped by these factors, and it will be interesting to see how the cases related to Camp Lejeune develop and whether the pace of settlements increases as expected.
How to Make the Most of Your Lawsuit
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Our Fee Structure Plus FSP program is designed to help attorneys maximize their contingency fees through income tax deferral, fund diversification, market-related returns, and periodic payments that meet their individual needs.
No matter what financial changes you face after a successful Camp Lejeune lawsuit, our team can help you find a solution that works for you.
Call us at (844) 382-8358 or contact us online to learn more and get started today.