Bill Overview
Title: Camp Lejeune Veterans and Families Protection Act
Description: This bill limits attorney's fees for claims involving individuals who were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.
Sponsors: Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune
Estimated Size: 90000
- Camp Lejeune was a U.S. Marine Corps Base located in North Carolina.
- The contamination occurred over a 34-year period, suggesting a potentially large number of people affected.
- The affected individuals include military personnel stationed there, civilian workers, and possibly family members of those stationed at the base.
- Estimating the total number impacted globally requires understanding migration and interactions of the military community outside the U.S.
Reasoning
- The policy scope is relatively specific as it addresses attorney's fees linked to claims regarding exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. This means that the primary affected group consists of individuals directly connected, potentially through direct residence or employment at the base during the contamination period.
- Given the historical aspect of the contamination, many of the directly impacted individuals are likely elderly or past middle-age now. Therefore, the responses may vary according to their current health, financial, and social circumstances.
- Most individuals outside this particular historical issue, such as younger generations or those not connected to military bases, won't experience any direct impact from this policy. However, they could have opinions based on the perceived fairness or intent of the policy.
- The population covered in these simulated interviews represents a mix of those highly affected, marginally affected, and not affected at all by the policy to gauge a wider social perspective.
- Legal and health contexts will heavily influence the statements of those affected—some may focus on justice and fair legal representation, whereas others concentrate on health care access and management.
Simulated Interviews
Retired U.S. Marine (Florida)
Age: 75 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy feels more like a token gesture without addressing the real issues – our health and how we're compensated for damages.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired nurse (North Carolina)
Age: 68 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Limiting attorney fees might help more families seek justice without fearing huge legal costs. It can be a step in the right direction.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Teacher (California)
Age: 47 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's a positive move. If it can help my family and others seek compensation, the policy is essential.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Civilian contractor (Texas)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While this addresses the costs of legal claims, it doesn't ease the burden of proving impacts or securing healthcare for affected people.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Student (New York)
Age: 28 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It seems fair to limit lawyers' fees to ensure more compensation goes directly to those affected. It doesn't impact me personally but seems just.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Retired civilian employee (Virginia)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad to see steps being taken. Sometimes, justice comes slow, but actions like these will mitigate financial burdens.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Veterans' rights activist (Ohio)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Empowering victims by limiting predatory fees is a solid step towards justice. Hopefully, it ensures more get the help they need.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Social worker (Kentucky)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Every legal measure that channels money more directly to victims rather than intermediaries is positive.
- More awareness could still be beneficial. Many may not know they're eligible.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Retired (Georgia)
Age: 72 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's too late for many who've passed. We who remain need tangible legal support and health intervention.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Volunteer (South Carolina)
Age: 63 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support measures which ensure that funds reach where they're needed the most – into the hands of affected families.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $20000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $30000000)
Year 2: $21000000 (Low: $10500000, High: $31500000)
Year 3: $22000000 (Low: $11000000, High: $33000000)
Year 5: $23000000 (Low: $11500000, High: $34500000)
Year 10: $25000000 (Low: $12500000, High: $37500000)
Year 100: $35000000 (Low: $17500000, High: $52500000)
Key Considerations
- The bill adjusts economic outcomes without providing direct payments but rather affects the distribution of settlements.
- Legal process efficiencies gained may offset some administrative costs.
- Potential fluctuations in existing legal settlements could impact predictions.