Camp Lejeune Justice Act Updates

A. Administrative Claims (Navy Process)

This is where all claims begin.

• Roughly 407,000 claims have been submitted

• Only about 185,000 include at least one supporting document

• Only about 13,000 claims (around 3%) currently meet the government’s early settlement criteria

• This is the primary bottleneck: Most claims are not yet supported with enough documentation for the government to evaluate or settle them.

B. Federal Lawsuits

If a claim is denied or not resolved, it can proceed to court.

• About 3,700 lawsuits have been filed

• These cases are now moving toward trial preparation

• These cases will ultimately help determine the true value of claims.

C. Elective Option Administrative Resolution

The government created an Elective Option (EO) program to resolve some claims quickly without litigation.

How It Works

Offers fixed settlement amounts based on:

• Type of illness

• Length of exposure at Camp Lejeune

Tier Structure

Tier 1 (Stronger Scientific Evidence)

Includes conditions such as:

• Kidney cancer

• Liver cancer

• Leukemia

• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Tier 2 (Moderate Evidence)

Includes conditions such as:

• Kidney Disease - Stage 4 and 5

• Parkinson’s disease

Typical Payment Ranges by Tier & Exposure Time

Tier 1 // 30–364 days: $150,000

Tier 2 // 30–364 days: $100,000

Tier 1 // 1–5 years: $300,000

Tier 2 // 1–5 years: $250,000

Tier 1 // 5+ years: $450,000

Tier 2 // 5+ years: $400,000

** Additional $100,000 may apply for wrongful death

The Life of a CLJA Claim

We know this process has been lengthy and, at times, frustrating, and we want to ensure you have a clear understanding of where things stand and what to expect moving forward.

As of April 2026, the Camp Lejeune litigation remains one of the largest and most complex mass tort proceedings in the country. More than 400,000 administrative claims have been filed with the Department of the Navy, and approximately 3,700 lawsuits are now pending in federal court in the Eastern District of North Carolina. Although the government has begun making settlement offers and issuing payments, fewer than one percent of claimants have actually been paid to date. While this represents some progress, it also underscores how early we still are in the overall resolution process.

Every Camp Lejeune claim begins as an administrative claim submitted to the Navy. Of the roughly 407,000 claims that have been filed, about 185,000 include at least one supporting document. However, only approximately 13,000 claims currently contain sufficient documentation—generally three or more supporting records—and involve injuries that may qualify under the government’s early settlement framework known as the Elective Option. This means that only about three percent of all claims are presently positioned for early resolution, which has created a significant bottleneck in the system. Until more claims are fully documented, the government has taken the position that it cannot evaluate or resolve them.

For those claims that are not resolved administratively, the next step is litigation. At present, thousands of lawsuits have been filed, and the federal court has established a structured process to move these cases forward. The court has organized the litigation into what are known as “Track 1” and “Track 2” cases. Track 1 consists of a group of bellwether cases, which are test cases selected to go through the full litigation and trial process first. These cases are intended to help establish how courts and juries will evaluate the evidence and value similar claims. Initially, 100 cases were selected for this process, and those have now been narrowed down to 25 bellwether plaintiffs. These cases are divided across five primary disease categories: bladder cancer, kidney cancer, leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and Parkinson’s disease.

Although these bellwether cases are moving toward trial, specific trial dates have not yet been set. The court has made clear that it intends to resolve key legal and scientific issues—particularly those involving causation—before scheduling trials. The government has expressed a desire to have these cases ready for trial by the end of 2026, but the timing will ultimately depend on how quickly the court rules on the outstanding legal issues. These early trials are extremely important because they will likely establish benchmarks that influence settlement values for all other claims.

Track 2 cases involve additional conditions that are not included in the initial bellwether group. These cases are effectively on hold for now and will be shaped by the outcomes of the Track 1 litigation. In other words, the court is focusing first on a core group of diseases before expanding the process to other claims.

In addition to the litigation process, the government has created an early settlement program known as the Elective Option, or EO. This program is designed to resolve certain claims more quickly without the need for litigation. Under this framework, claims are divided into two tiers based on the strength of the scientific evidence linking the condition to Camp Lejeune water exposure. Tier 1 generally includes conditions such as kidney cancer, liver cancer, leukemia, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, while Tier 2 includes conditions such as Multiple Myeloma, Chronic Kidney Disease in stage 4 or 5, and Parkinson’s disease.

Settlement amounts under the Elective Option depend on both the type of illness and the length of time the individual was exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. In general, payments range from approximately $100,000 to $550,000, with higher amounts available for longer exposure periods and more strongly supported conditions. In cases involving death, an additional amount may be included. However, it is important to understand that the Elective Option program has significant limitations. Only a relatively small percentage of claimants qualify, recovery is capped at a fixed amount, and accepting an offer requires a full release of the claim. This means that while the program offers faster resolution, it may result in a lower recovery than what could potentially be obtained through litigation.

The litigation itself has reached an advanced stage in several respects. Expert discovery, which involves the exchange and evaluation of scientific and medical opinions, is now largely complete. The final phase of discovery relating to damages—including issues such as future medical care, life care planning, and related costs—was completed on March 20, 2026. The parties are now moving into a critical phase of legal briefing, with motions having been filed in late April, responses due in early June, and replies expected in July. The court’s rulings on these motions will significantly shape how the cases proceed to trial.

There are also several ongoing disputes between the parties that are affecting the pace and direction of the litigation. One major issue involves whether there should be a strict cutoff date for submitting additional evidence. The government has argued for a firm deadline, while plaintiffs have opposed that position, noting that many individuals’ medical conditions continue to evolve and that it would be unfair to prevent updated evidence from being considered. Another area of dispute concerns how records will be handled at trial, including whether certain documents must be formally authenticated. While prior court orders already allow many government and medical records to be treated as self-authenticating, the government has continued to challenge these procedures, which could complicate and delay the trial process.

A significant recent development occurred in March 2026, when the court struck the reports of a key government expert witness. The court found that the expert had made extensive and improper changes to her opinions, going far beyond what is permitted under the rules. This type of ruling is relatively uncommon and may weaken the government’s position, particularly on issues related to whether the contaminated water can be linked to certain diseases.

At the same time, the government continues to take aggressive legal positions in the litigation. In April 2026, it filed a motion asking the court to decide certain causation issues in advance of trial, arguing that plaintiffs’ expert evidence is insufficient. Plaintiffs strongly disagree with this position and maintain that these issues should be decided through the normal trial process. The court has not yet ruled on this matter, but the outcome could have a significant impact on how cases are tried.

Despite these disputes, settlement activity has increased.  However, given the number of claims involved, these payments represent only a small portion of the total potential liability. Many claimants are still waiting for resolution, and unfortunately, some individuals have passed away before receiving compensation.

Looking ahead, the most important developments will likely occur over the next year. The court is expected to issue rulings on key legal issues in the coming months, and the first bellwether trials are anticipated to take place once those issues are resolved. These trials will play a critical role in determining the value of claims and may lead to broader settlement negotiations.

Please be assured that our firm continues to actively work on your behalf. We are gathering and submitting all necessary documentation, monitoring developments in the litigation, and positioning your claim for the best possible outcome, whether through settlement or trial. We are also ensuring that your claim is properly supported so that it does not encounter the delays affecting many others.

We understand that this process requires patience, and we appreciate the trust you have placed in us. If you have any questions about your claim or the information provided in this letter, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

This is the article I referenced in the zoom meeting:

https://rollcall.com/2026/04/13/victims-of-camp-lejeunes-tainted-water-inch-closer-to-amends/

Camp Lejeune Case Update (as of March 23, 2026)

Big Picture  - Your case is part of a large national lawsuit involving contaminated water at Camp Lejeune (1953–1987).

The court process is happening in 4 Phases once the cases go to trial:

1. Phase 1 – What was in the water? (Contamination)

2. Phase 2 – Can the chemicals cause disease? (Completed)

3. Phase 3 – Did it cause your illness? (In progress)

4. Phase 4 - Damages

Phase I: Water Contamination/Exposure

This phase focuses on the scientific, technical, and historical evidence of contamination at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987. Key aspects include: 

• Time Period: The scope covers water contamination from August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987.

• Contaminants: The investigation focuses on volatile organic compounds (VOCs), primarily Trichloroethylene (TCE), Tetrachloroethylene (PCE), Benzene, and Vinyl Chloride.

• Contaminated Areas: The primary sources of contaminated water were the Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point water treatment facilities, which served areas such as Tarawa Terrace, Hadnot Point, and, occasionally, the Holcomb Boulevard system.

• Evidence and Discovery: The Plaintiff's Leadership Group (PLG) and the Government are engaged in intense discovery regarding water modeling, toxic chemical exposure levels, and the precise timeline of contamination.

• Key Issues: Key disputes in this phase involve identifying the exact time and location of exposure for victims and overcoming the government's denial of responsibility. 

Following Phases: After Phase I, the litigation moves to:

• Phase II (General Causation): Determines whether exposure to the identified contaminants can cause specific diseases.

• Phase III (Specific Causation): Determines whether a particular claimant's illness was caused by the contamination. 

• Phase IV (Damages)

Right now, the focus of pre-trial litigation is shifting toward:

• How much cases are worth

• Settlement negotiations

• When trials will begin

Timeline of Recent Updates

February 19, 2026

• About 3,700 lawsuits have been filed in federal court.

• Over 400,000 claims have been submitted to the government.

• The biggest issue right now is missing documentation.

What this means for you:
Cases cannot move forward or settle unless there is:

• Proof of diagnosis

• Proof you were at Camp Lejeune

February 23, 2026

• The government is arguing it should subtract (offset) benefits like:

  • VA benefits

  • Medicare/Medicaid payments

What this means for you:
Even if you win or settle, the government may try to reduce your payout based on benefits already received (or possibly future benefits).

February 27, 2026

• Out of ~408,000 claims:

  • ~175,000 have at least some documents

  • Only ~13,000 are partially documented and may qualify for faster settlement

What this means for you:

• Fully documented claims are moving first

• Missing paperwork = delays

March 5, 2026

• The judge threw out part of a government expert’s testimony.

What this means for you:

• This is generally good for plaintiffs

• It weakens part of the government’s scientific defense

March 6, 2026

• There is a major fight about how quickly trials should start.

• Many plaintiffs are elderly and in poor health.

What this means for you:

• Plaintiffs’ lawyers are pushing for faster trials

• The government is moving more slowly, which may cause delays

March 10, 2026

• The government is increasing settlement offers under the “Elective Option” program.

• Recent numbers:

  • 649 new offers approved (about $175 million)

  • $421+ million paid out since Jan. 2025

  • ~$708 million total approved

• Settlement amounts range from:

  • $100,000 to $550,000

What this means for you:

• Settlements are happening more frequently

• But only a small percentage of people qualify for this faster program

March 11, 2026

Only about 12% of claimants qualify for the faster settlement program.

What this means for you:

• Most people will still go through the longer court process

• Full resolution may take more time

March 18, 2026

A judge threw out another government expert report.

What this means for you:

• This is another positive development for plaintiffs

• It strengthens the argument that the water contamination caused serious illnesses

Where Things Stand Right Now

• The science phases are mostly finished

• The case is moving into:

  • Damages (how much cases are worth)

  • Settlement discussions

  • Trial scheduling

Key Takeaways for You

• Your case is progressing as part of a large national effort

• Settlements are starting to increase

• Documentation is critical — missing records cause delays

• Most cases will not resolve quickly

• Two recent court rulings are generally helpful to plaintiffs

What to Expect Next

• Continued settlement offers (especially for qualifying claims)

• Decisions about trial dates

• Ongoing disputes about how much compensation will be reduced by government benefits

December 4, 2025 UPDATE

Expected Timeline and Key Milestones

End of 2025:
Target date for the Settlement Masters to announce a structured settlement framework and possibly begin rolling it out.

2026:
The earliest possible start of Track 1 bellwether trials in federal court (Eastern District of North Carolina). The results of these trials will likely influence future settlement values.

2027 and Beyond:
If a global settlement matrix is finalized, settlement offers, claim reviews, and payouts may begin in 2027 and continue into 2028 or later.

For Clients in Fragile Health:
Those who qualify and need faster resolution may still find the EO to be the quickest route, but it will likely result in a lower payout—both before and after liens.

November 25, 2025 UPDATE - What we continue to do behind the scenes as the Navy comes back from furlough:

• Staying Updated:
  Keeping an eye on the Joint Status Reports posted by the Plaintiffs’ Leadership Group at camplejeunecourtinfo.com. These reports include deadlines, expert disclosures, new court filings, settlement-framework developments, and other important updates.

• Verifying Client Information:
  Double-checking each client’s dates of exposure and where they lived or worked on the Camp Lejeune water systems (Tarawa Terrace, Hadnot Point, Holcomb Boulevard). Making sure all documentation is complete. Well-supported cases will likely be prioritized when settlement payments begin.

• Evaluating Elective Option (EO) Offers:
  For clients who qualify for the Elective Option, comparing the benefit of receiving money sooner against the possibility of a higher payout through full litigation or a future settlement matrix. Watching out for deadlines to respond to EO offers once they’re issued.

• Accounting for Liens:
  Even though EO resolutions waive VA and Medicare repayment rights, other liens may still apply—such as Medicaid, private insurance/ERISA plans, Medicare Advantage/Part D plans, and Tricare. Some Medicare Advantage insurers, often represented by subrogation groups like Rawlings, are actively pursuing repayment.

• Monitoring Progress Concerning Global Settlements:
  Even if the parties reach a global settlement matrix by the end of 2025, it will take time to put into practice. Structured payments, individual claim reviews, and allocation decisions will take months or longer. 

• Watching for Lien-Resolution Options:
  If a global lien-resolution program is created, it may include an opt-out option. These programs are meant to speed up payouts, but sometimes they require claimants to repay more in liens than they might otherwise owe. This can shrink the client’s final payout. 

While the Camp Lejeune Justice Act litigation is moving forward, it remains large, complicated, and slow. Even with the Settlement Masters’ ambitious timelines, attorneys and clients should keep expectations realistic. The overall process still has a long way to go.

November 18, 2025 UPDATE - Discussing The Settlement Masters - Global Settlement Framework & Elective Option

The court has appointed two Settlement Masters to help move the Camp Lejeune cases toward a broad, overall settlement. Their job is to work with both the plaintiffs’ lawyers and the government to design a fair system for resolving all claims. Here’s where things stand:

Who the Settlement Masters Are:
On March 21 and June 16, 2025, the court selected Thomas J. Perrelli and Christopher G. Oprison to serve as Joint Settlement Masters.

What They’ve Done So Far:
They have filed three reports explaining what progress has been made. These updates cover ongoing efforts by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Plaintiffs’ Leadership Group (PLG) to resolve cases in both court and the Navy’s administrative process.

Their Main Objective:
The Settlement Masters want to have a complete settlement plan for all Camp Lejeune Justice Act claims by the end of 2025.

How They Plan to Get There (Three-Step Process):Bellwether mediations: These are sample cases used to help everyone understand how different types of claims should be valued.

A large questionnaire: A detailed survey is being sent to a random group of claimants to gather information that can help estimate the value of all claims.

Creating a global settlement plan: This includes negotiating the actual dollar amounts and terms that would apply to all claimants.

Progress So Far:
Earlier this year, 25 sample (bellwether) cases went to mediation, and 3 of them settled. Although not many settled, the process helped both sides understand how each case might be valued in a larger settlement system.

Questionnaire Rollout:
On September 24, 2025, the questionnaire was finalized after lengthy negotiations. About 2,500 randomly selected claimants have been asked to complete it within 60 days. Their answers will help shape the overall settlement plan.

Ongoing Negotiations:
While the questionnaires are being collected, the Settlement Masters are continuing to meet with both sides to work through the details needed for a large-scale settlement. Meetings were held in early October, with more scheduled for October and November.

Timeline:
The goal is to have the overall settlement structure in place by the end of 2025. However, actually processing all claims and sending payments will take longer.

Elective Option Still Available:
The government’s “Elective Option” is still open for claimants whose conditions meet specific criteria. This option may allow some people to receive faster settlement offers instead of going through full litigation.

November 11, 2025 UPDATE - Case Phases 

The litigation is proceeding through three broad “phases” or tracks:

1. Phase I (Water Contamination/Exposure): proof of contamination at Camp Lejeune water systems during 1953–1987.
   

2. Phase II (General Causation): whether exposure to those contaminants can cause certain diseases.
   

3. Phase III (Specific Causation): whether a given claimant’s illness was caused (or at least as likely as not caused) by the contamination.

5. Phase IV (Damages)

November 4, 2025 – Significant Decision on Expert Evidence

In a major October ruling, the court confirmed that both the plaintiffs and the government may rely only on scientific evidence already disclosed, ensuring a fair and balanced approach to expert testimony. The judge also rejected the Department of Justice’s request to halt the proceedings during the government shutdown, stressing that timely progress is essential, particularly for victims who are elderly or facing serious illness.