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Camp Lejeune Update Takeaways: Top 5 Tips to Retain Clients Amidst Elective Option Changes
The Camp Lejeune community received significant news recently with the announcement of the “Elective Option” (EO) program. This development offers a unique opportunity for specific claimants to expedite their settlements, but it also introduces new challenges for law firms and their clients. To help law firms navigate these changes and retain their clients, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 things to do in response to this update.
EO Key Takeaways:
The EO provides a pathway for eligible claimants to resolve their CLJA claims more quickly and efficiently than traditional litigation. To qualify for the EO, claimants must have specific Qualifying Injuries and have resided or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days.
Qualifying Injuries are categorized into two tiers, with Tier 1 injuries having stronger scientific evidence of a causal link to contaminants in Camp Lejeune water.
- Kidney Cancer Tier 1
- Liver Cancer Tier 1
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Tier 1
- Leukemias Tier 1
- Bladder Cancer Tier 1
- Multiple Myeloma Tier 2
- Parkinson’s Disease Tier 2
- Kidney Disease / End Stage Renal Disease Tier 2
- Systemic Sclerosis / Systemic Scleroderma Tier 2
Duration of exposure is categorized into three groups: 30 to 364 days, 1 year to 5 years, and more than 5 years. The combination of Qualifying Injuries and Duration of Exposure determines the potential settlement amount, with a maximum offer of $550,000 for claims resulting in death.
Preservation of VA Benefits:
One of the significant benefits of opting into the EO is that it won’t affect a claimant’s existing VA benefits.
Claimants who have previously received healthcare or disability benefits related to Camp Lejeune from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can rely on those benefits to establish eligibility for an EO offer.
Unlike traditional litigation, where a VA benefit offset might reduce the settlement amount, the EO settlement does not have such offsets, allowing claimants to retain their VA benefits alongside their settlement.
Streamlined Review Process:
The EO streamlines the review process by focusing on key aspects of each claim, such as the type of injury alleged and the duration of exposure at Camp Lejeune.
This narrow scope enables the Department of the Navy to validate claims and extend settlement offers more quickly.
Claims are grouped based on similar exposures and injuries with comparable scientific evidence of causation, ensuring equitable offers for claimants with similar circumstances.
5 Tips to Retain Camp Lejeune Clients Through Elective Offer Changes
1. STAY INFORMED:
The first and foremost step in retaining clients during this evolving situation is to stay informed about the latest updates regarding the Camp Lejeune Elective Option. As the Department of Navy and the Department of Justice roll out this program, new guidelines and requirements may emerge. Make it a priority to keep your clients well-informed about these changes and how they might affect their claims.
2. OPEN COMMUNICATION:
Clear and open communication with your clients is essential. Reach out to them promptly to explain the Elective Option and its potential benefits. Assure them that you are dedicated to helping them make the best decision for their situation. Answer any questions they may have and provide guidance on the pros and cons of opting into the program.
3. EVALUATE EACH CASE:
Not all Camp Lejeune claimants will benefit from the EO program. Take the time to thoroughly evaluate each client’s case to determine if it aligns with the program’s criteria. Consider factors such as age, potential settlement amounts, and the urgency of their financial needs. Providing tailored advice will demonstrate your commitment to their best interests.
4. OFFER COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT:
Your role as an attorney extends beyond legal counsel. Emphasize your commitment to providing comprehensive support throughout the claims process. Ensure your clients understand that you are their advocate, helping them navigate the complexities of the Elective Option and any potential VA benefit offset implications.
5. HIGHLIHT LONG-TERM VALUE:
While the quick payment offered by the EO program is appealing, it’s crucial to emphasize the long-term value of the settlement to your clients. Use tools like the “EO Settlement Quantifier™” to provide estimated settlement amounts, factoring in VA benefits and future value. This data will enable your clients to make informed decisions about their claims.
The Camp Lejeune Elective Option brings both opportunities and challenges for law firms and their clients. By staying informed, maintaining open communication, evaluating cases carefully, offering comprehensive support, and highlighting long-term value, you can help your clients navigate this update with confidence. Remember that your dedication to their well-being will not only retain their trust but also contribute to the success of their claims.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that the cost of acquiring new Camp Lejeune cases has been on the decline over the last four months, making it a favorable time for law firms to secure new cases. If you’re interested in expanding your caseload, consider reaching out to organizations actively acquiring Elective Offer qualifying cases for law firms.
Justice for Camp Lejeune
We have experience acquiring Camp Lejeune cases. When everyone else pulled out of spending in November of last year, we had persistent law firms continue to advertise and acquire cases. To date we have managed $34.2 million to acquire Camp Lejeune cases for our clients. This has given us the opportunity to perfect our audience targeting, language that resonates and drives action. Most importantly, we have developed a call center that is specialized in speaking with veterans and their families to get them to sign a retainer and complete the full packet of information that will be needed to file.
Start a mass tort campaign to help our country’s Marine veterans, their families and the staff who lived at the Marine Base, Camp Lejeune, in North Carolina from 1953-1987. These people are a part of the country’s largest water contamination case in history. Over 1 million people were exposed (for more than 30 days) to the contaminated water that was used for drinking, cooking and bathing. Affected persons are now suffering from severe illnesses, including cancer, that have been linked to the chemicals found in the water. Furthermore, the toxic chemicals from the contamination have been linked to birth defects in children born and raised in Camp Lejeune. Now, 30 years after the contamination, these children from Camp Lejeune are dealing with health issues as a result.
The lawsuit is seeking financial compensation from the U.S. Government for these victims. Investigations uncovered evidence that the U.S. Government knew about the high toxic levels in the water and negligently ignored reports from scientists, allowing the toxic exposure to stretch over 30 years. Your firm’s campaign with TSEG will direct targeted users to a landing page where they can take a short quiz to check if they qualify for a lawsuit. Your firm will then be able to contact those who qualify and begin assisting them in pursuing compensation.
Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Updates 2024
December 2024
A final rule issued by the EPA this month bans all uses of trichloroethylene (TCE), a toxic solvent linked to cancer and neurological damage. At Camp Lejeune, TCE contamination in water wells reached 280 ppb, far exceeding the EPA’s 5 ppb safety limit. Sources included on-base industrial degreasing and improper waste disposal by an off-base dry cleaner, highlighting the long-term environmental and health consequences for affected communities.
November 2024
November 13, 2024
In a recent motion, plaintiffs’ attorneys requested that a severely ill patient’s case be removed from the priority trial pool in order to relieve the plaintiff from the physical and emotional burden of a contentious trial. While the government acknowledged the deteriorating health condition of the plaintiff, it challenged the request.
November 7, 2024
A court order has been issued to clarify procedures for expert medical examinations in the litigation. Rule 35 gives defendants the right to request physical examinations of plaintiffs whose physical or mental health is central to the case. In this situation, defendants can independently evaluate the alleged injuries. To ensure that the examinations are performed fairly, professionally and reasonably, and that no unnecessary intrusions are made, the order stipulates specific protocols. These include requirements for advance notice, scope limitations, and safeguards.
October 2024
Plaintiffs in the case are asking the court to consider broader impacts of the contamination beyond water quality, such as vapor intrusions and emissions, to establish the dangerous conditions victims faced. Meanwhile, the government is focused on limiting evidence to the water’s chemical concentration.
In an effort to expedite settlements, the Camp Lejeune Claims Unit (CLCU) has made the following changes:
– Anyone who spent a minimum of 30 days at Camp Lejeune during the August 1, 1953-December 31, 1987 time period can submit documents proving their presence there. Additional documentation of extended stays can also be submitted.
– 480,000 of the 550,000 filed claims that are waiting on law firm validation are set be automatically advanced for review starting January 13, 2025.
– Duplicate claims, in which one claim is filed by multiple law firms, are expected to be addressed.
September 2024
The court ordered the National Academy of Sciences to produce a privilege log for documents related to its 2009 contamination report.
A recent study from UC San Francisco strengthened the link between volatile organic compound exposure at Camp Lejeune and accelerated Parkinson’s disease progression.
Lastly, the court proposed amendments to Case Management Order No. 14 to streamline settlement processes by addressing data security and contractual appointment terms for Settlement Masters.
August 2024
Plaintiffs asked the court to grant even more document access, not being satisfied with the argument advanced and filed a motion to compel ESI production. The parties also run into problems in settlement negotiations, with the DOJ not willing to agree to resolutions proposed by Settlement Masters for security reasons. As the August 6th filing deadline passed, the Navy reported receiving over 546,500 claims but accepting only 64 settlements, highlighting the vast number of unresolved cases.
July 2024
A motion was filed to amend protective orders, expanding data access for claimants’ counsel. With the claim deadline approaching, new settlement masters were appointed to expedite the process. The early elective settlement program had limited success, resulting in few accepted offers and $20 million paid out in settlements. The focus is now on resolving outstanding claims efficiently.
June 2024
Privacy concerns were addressed with a new protective order. There are 1,825 civil lawsuits and 261,293 administrative claims. Bellwether case selections for trial focused on specific illnesses, with a settlement master appointed to progress the process. The selection protocol for trial plaintiffs was also finalized.
May 2024
Lawsuits reached 1,764, with administrative claims surging to 227,309. Discussions aimed at refining trial processes were proposed. The Senate passed a bill providing additional protections for veterans. Bellwether trial selections were agreed upon, but a motion for immediate appellate review regarding jury trials was denied, disappointing many claimants.
April 2024
A comprehensive discovery request led to the government seeking an extension. The number of lawsuits reached 1,662, with 176,662 administrative claims. Preliminary discussions on a global resolution continued, and a proposed plan for Track 2 discovery was outlined. The deadline to file claims is August 10, 2024, adding pressure to the ongoing negotiations.
March 2024
Lawsuits increased to 1,633, with significant growth in administrative claims. Settlements continued, with key discussions on global resolutions and discovery motions. A motion for partial summary judgment was submitted, arguing for specific causation standards under the CLJA. This period saw increased efforts to address claimants’ needs more effectively.
February 2024
The number of lawsuits reached 1,585, with administrative claims steadily increasing. Key motions and discussions focused on refining the trial process and addressing causation standards. Settlement negotiations gained momentum, with the government and claimants’ counsel working towards a more streamlined resolution process. Efforts to protect veterans’ rights and ensure fair compensation continued.
January 2024
The year began with 1,500 civil lawsuits filed and over 100,000 administrative claims. The government proposed a plan to streamline the processing of claims, aiming to expedite resolutions. Initial discussions on settlement programs and protective orders were initiated. The focus was on creating a fair and efficient system to address the large volume of claims, setting the stage for the year’s developments.
How TSEG Can Help
At TSEG, we manage lead-generation digital advertising campaigns to help your law firm on a wide array of platforms. We will help you deliver your message about Camp Lejeune lawsuits to the potential clients and measure the return-data. The data that comes back from the ads is useful even if it does not convert to a lead. After we analyze the data, we will discover which copy, creative, and platform works best for your unique firm and message. We lever your advertising dollars in the most effective way possible, helping you to secure as many leads as you can. Our data-driven approach helps us deliver ½ to ⅓ the lead generation costs of our competitors.
Nowadays, people are accustomed to the abundance of information on the internet, and they do plenty of research when deciding which firm to hire. Potential clients are no longer limited to the information that firms choose to advertise. Search engines are the tools used to seek out this information. Your firm’s search rankings will allow users to access key information like your location and customer reviews. A strong organic presence in search engines dramatically increases the chances people will pick your firm to take their Camp Lejeune case.
TSEG can also help you launch PPC, or Pay-Per-Click, campaigns. PPC helps you secure high placements on Google’s results page. PPC placements are at the top of the results page, above the maps and organic results. TSEG can help you optimize your PPC campaign so that you lower your costs while also reaching plenty of users.
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Since our founding in 2007, TSEG, a division of Cloud[8]Sixteen, Inc., has experienced tremendous growth, now managing hundreds of websites for legal, medical, and small- to mid-size business clients. We’ve been able to adapt to the many changes in SEO and continue to rank clients in dominant positions on major search engines. TSEG can work with you to bring their attention to your firm. We’ll help you sign your mass tort leads. Contact us online or call (512) 394-7234 today.
During our initial meeting, we’ll review your budget and any advertising campaigns you’re currently using. We can work on a plan that is cost-effective yet yields successful results.
We know the primary goal of any mass tort campaign is to turn leads into actual clients that sign with your law firm. You can count on the team at TSEG to help you accomplish that. For help with your mass tort campaign
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a multi-channel approach in mass tort marketing?
A multi-channel approach in mass tort marketing involves deploying campaigns across various platforms such as digital, social media, and traditional media to ensure comprehensive market coverage and maximum engagement. This method leverages different channels to meet potential clients where they are most likely to be receptive to your messaging.
