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Camp Lejeune Water Lawsuits

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From the early 1950s to the late 1980s, the Marine Corps base at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina provided residents and employees with drinking water heavily contaminated with toxic chemicals.

Extensive scientific research has revealed that the poisoned water supply at Camp Lejeune had a devastating impact on the long-term health of base residents, who have suffered significantly higher rates of birth defects, cancer, and neurological conditions.

Our lawyers are not taking new clients in this litigation. This page provides the latest updates on the Camp Lejeune litigation and addresses some of your key questions as this litigation drags on.

The Latest Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Update

August 2025

For those of you waiting for an update on settlement, we do not have much to report. The Navy’s portal now has 158,680 claims with supporting documents, but only about 51,298 involve conditions eligible for streamlined settlement under the Elective Option. As we have said many times, the Elective Option is the right move for some, but it is not the path to resolve this litigation.

The good news is that the path to trial is getting clearer, and trials are what will lead us to settlements. The first group of trials, Track 1 cases involving leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, are moving forward. Discovery is deep into its final phases, with all expert depositions nearly complete across three stages: water contamination, general causation, and specific causation. The court has set a key deadline of September 10, 2025, for significant motions, including Daubert challenges and summary judgment arguments, which will shape what evidence and expert opinions actually make it to trial.

Plaintiffs are pushing back against government attempts to cut off late-emerging medical updates, rightly arguing that these victims often face worsening health and newly diagnosed conditions. Meanwhile, the United States is angling to exclude portions of plaintiffs’ expert testimony, challenging the scope and timeliness of their opinions.

In sum, progress is happening. But it is procedural, grinding, and far from the finish line that most victims are hoping for. If there is one takeaway for claimants: get your supporting documents in order, and don’t expect the government to make the first move. The legal gears are turning, but this machine still needs pressure to deliver justice with anything resembling urgency.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit: Settlement Updates & Key Information for 2025

What is the current status of the Camp Lejeune lawsuit?
Over 400,000 claims have been filed under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) as of August 2025. The litigation is advancing through discovery, expert witness depositions, and pretrial motions. The first Track 1 trials, covering leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cases, are set before Judge Dever.
How many Camp Lejeune claims have been filed?
The Department of the Navy has received approximately 410,000 administrative claims. This number keeps coming down as we get rid of duplicative claims. Of these, only 6,000 claims meet the criteria for early settlement under the Elective Option program. The Navy is enhancing its Claims Management Portal to improve tracking and processing.
Has anyone received a Camp Lejeune settlement?
Yes, some claimants have begun receiving settlements under the Elective Option framework. Are those settlement numbers fair? No. But some people want their money now rather than waiting, which is the decision they are entitled to make. Broader settlement discussions for mass claims are still ongoing, with expectations for further resolution in 2025.
When will the Camp Lejeune lawsuit be settled?
There is no official settlement date, but 2025 will be pivotal. The first trials will influence negotiations, and many attorneys believe settlements could emerge in the latter half of the year.
What are the expected Camp Lejeune settlement amounts?

The highest Camp Lejeune settlement amounts are expected to go to cancer victims, their families, and individuals with Parkinson’s disease claims (which is almost 20% of the claims). We estimated that settlements for Parkinson’s disease cases could range between $500,000 million and $1.5 million per claimant. However, the actual payouts under the Elective Option have fallen short of those projections. Additionally, the (hopefully temporary) loss of the right to a jury trial has likely lowered the overall expected settlement averages. Although our initial estimates may have been overly optimistic, our attorneys still anticipate that some claimants will receive compensation offers approaching seven figures. But we will see.

Settlement amounts will vary significantly from case to case. Rather than a flat payout for all claimants, the compensation structure will likely involve a complex point-based system that accounts for various factors, ensuring that those who have suffered the most receive higher settlement amounts.

How can I check the status of my Camp Lejeune claim?
Claimants can check their claim status through the Department of the Navy’s Claims Management Portal. If you have an attorney, they can provide regular updates on the progress of your claim. But do not be surprised to get an update that says there is no update.  Many cases are currently in a holding pattern.
What illnesses qualify for Camp Lejeune settlements?

The list of qualifying illnesses for Camp Lejeune lawsuits includes several serious and life-threatening conditions that have been scientifically linked to prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals in the base’s water supply. These illnesses primarily stem from exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride—highly toxic substances that contaminated the water at Camp Lejeune for decades.

The conditions that may qualify for compensation under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) and related settlement programs include:

Cancers Linked to Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

  • Leukemia – This cancer affects the blood and bone marrow and has been strongly linked to benzene exposure, a key contaminant found in the water at Camp Lejeune.
  • Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – A cancer of the lymphatic system, often connected to exposure to industrial solvents and chemicals like TCE and PCE.
  • Bladder Cancer – Studies have shown that exposure to TCE and PCE increases the risk of bladder cancer, particularly among individuals with prolonged exposure.
  • Kidney Cancer – Strongly associated with TCE exposure, kidney cancer is one of the most common diagnoses among veterans and residents exposed to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water.
  • Liver Cancer – The liver processes toxins in the body, making it especially vulnerable to damage from chemicals like vinyl chloride and benzene.

Neurological Disorders

  • Parkinson’s Disease – One of the most widely studied conditions related to Camp Lejeune water exposure, Parkinson’s disease has been linked to prolonged exposure to TCE and other solvents, which damage dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s after living or working at Camp Lejeune may qualify for significant compensation. Again, this it the most common claimed injury and we think these cases are really strong.

Other Life-Threatening or Debilitating Conditions

  • Multiple Myeloma – A cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow, associated with benzene exposure.
  • Esophageal Cancer – Linked to chronic exposure to solvents and industrial chemicals like those found at Camp Lejeune.
  • Breast Cancer – While commonly associated with genetic factors, research suggests that environmental toxins, such as those in the Camp Lejeune water supply, may contribute to an increased risk of breast cancer in both men and women.
  • Lung Cancer – Smoking is a significant risk factor, but chemical exposure, particularly to benzene and vinyl chloride, has also been linked to lung cancer development.
  • Hepatic Steatosis (Fatty Liver Disease) – Linked to exposure to industrial solvents and chemical toxins that affect liver function.

Birth Defects and Conditions Affecting Children

  • Neural Tube Defects – These birth defects affect the brain and spinal cord and have been linked to maternal exposure to toxic chemicals during pregnancy.
  • Cardiac Birth Defects – Studies have shown a correlation between exposure to TCE and congenital heart defects in newborns.
  • Low Birth Weight & Miscarriages – Exposure to harmful chemicals during pregnancy has been associated with a higher risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and low birth weight.

Autoimmune Disorders and Other Health Conditions

  • Aplastic Anemia & Other Bone Marrow Disorders – Conditions where the body fails to produce enough new blood cells, often linked to benzene exposure.
  • Scleroderma – A chronic autoimmune disease affecting the skin and connective tissues, associated with exposure to industrial solvents.
  • Renal Toxicity – Chronic kidney disease and other renal dysfunctions have been linked to exposure to TCE and PCE.
What is the latest update on Camp Lejeune bellwether trials?
The first bellwether trials for Track 1 illnesses (leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma) are set for 2025 under Judge Dever. These trials will be key in determining the litigation’s future. The real hope is a global settlement before we get to these trials.
Are Camp Lejeune settlements taxable?
Camp Lejeune settlements are expected to be tax-exempt under federal law, similar to other personal injury settlements. That said, we are not tax lawyers. Claimants should consult a tax professional for individual guidance.
What should claimants do while waiting for a settlement?
Work with your lawyers to make sure they have what they need. Claimants should ensure all required documentation—such as medical records, proof of residence, and military service history—is submitted. Staying in contact with their attorney and monitoring legal updates helps you remain prepared for potential settlement offers.