As of November 1, 2023, there have been approximately 117,000 administrative claims filed for Camp Lejeune exposure. Due to the volume of claims, the Department of the Navy has taken steps to expedite the claims process through a settlement program called the Elective Option (“EO”).
The EO program allocates settlements in tiers based on the claimant’s injury and the amount of time they spent at Camp Lejeune. Tier 1 injuries include Kidney Cancer, Liver Cancer, Bladder Cancer, Leukemias, and Lymphoma, with a settlement range from $150,000 to $450,000. Tier 2 injuries include Multiple Myeloma, Parkinson’s, Kidney Disease/End Stage Renal Disease, and Systemic Sclerosis/Systemic Scleroderma, with a settlement range from $100,000 to $400,000. Additionally, wrongful death claims would receive an additional $100,000.
Aside from the settlement ranges, the timeline and materials needed for EO appear the same as before, but we are optimistic that this program will provide expediated processing for claims that meet the framework. The requirements for EO participation are still being developed and implemented, but many claims will not qualify or potentially be better served to opt out of the EO.
Shelby Roden Founding Partner, Robert Roden, formerly served as a JAG officer and our firm has been intimately engaged with the Camp Lejeune project from its inception. Shelby Roden was one of the first law firms in Alabama to file claims with JAG Tort Claims Unit, and we have the experience and expertise necessary to guide you and your family to a resolution of your Camp Lejeune claim.
If you or a loved one were at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, please contact an attorney at Shelby Roden today at 205-933-8383 for a free consultation.