We want to share the most recent information released by the Court-appointed Settlement Masters in the Camp Lejeune Water Litigation (Case No. 7:23-cv-897). This update outlines current settlement efforts and the next steps in the resolution process.
I. Elective Option Settlements:
On a positive note, working closely with the Department of Justice and Department of Navy, we have secured settlements for several of your fellow clients who are eligible for the very narrow Elective Option program, in amounts as advertised between $100,000 and $450,000. We continue to work with the Government to secure settlement offers for those who meet the Navy’s strict criteria. The global settlement resolution discussed herein is a much broader program designed to resolve all eligible claims. However, the current Government shutdown resulted in the furlough of all Camp Lejeune Claims Unit employees. We will continue to keep the pressure on the Navy to pay valid claims.
II. Settlement Masters and Process (Global Resolution Framework)
The Court appointed Thomas Perrelli (Jenner & Block) and Christopher Oprison (DLA Piper) as Joint Settlement Masters to guide discussions between the Plaintiffs’ Leadership Group (PLG) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Their goal is to reach a global settlement framework that will cover a substantial portion of the more than 400,000 claims filed in both the Court and the Navy’s administrative system.
III. Progress to Date
Bellwether Mediations: Twenty-five sample cases were mediated to help establish how different types of claims should be valued. Only three cases settled, but these sessions provided valuable information that will help shape a settlement matrix—a structure for determining claim values based on case type and severity.
IV. Next Steps
The Settlement Masters and Magistrate Judge Gates will monitor questionnaire progress through weekly reports.The DOJ has issued instructions to help claimants obtain necessary records from government agencies and has agreed to assist if difficulties arise.
Additional settlement meetings are scheduled throughout October and November 2025. The Settlement Masters continue to meet weekly with Judge Gates.
V. Settlement Outlook / Questionnaire (for several randomly selected clients).
The Parties remain committed to negotiating a comprehensive settlement plan covering a significant number of claims by the end of 2025. While the process is ongoing, these steps represent steady progress toward a global resolution.
Questionnaire Process: On September 24, 2025, the Parties finalized and launched a claimant questionnaire through the PLG-controlled Rubris database. About 2,500 randomly selected claimants are completing detailed questionnaires to provide representative information about the full group of claimants. Claimants have 60 days to submit their responses.
We will continue to keep you informed as the Settlement Masters issue further updates and as the questionnaire process develops. If you receive a questionnaire or any related communication, please contact our office immediately so we can assist you.
VI. Government Shutdown
As noted, the current Government shutdown resulted in the furlough of all Camp Lejeune Claims Unit employees. We will continue to keep the pressure on the Navy to pay valid claims.