Senators Discuss Limiting Lawyer Fees in Camp LeJeune Cases

December 19, 2022

Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) are working on a compromise bill to limit the amount of money attorneys can earn when representing veterans in civil suits related to Camp LeJeune-linked illnesses, as Stars and Stripes reported.

The PACT Act passed earlier this year allows Marines who were stationed at Camp LeJeune from 1953 to 1987 to sue the federal government if toxic water made them sick. More than 14,000 claims have been filed in district court. Veterans can also file a claim with the Navy.

It’s led to an advertising blitz by attorneys.

“I don’t blame Marines for dialing these 1-800 numbers. They’re getting bombarded. They’re sick, they think they’re going to get cured,” said Sullivan, a colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve. “The problem right now is if a Marine calls one of these numbers, there is no limitation on what the trial lawyer representing the Marine can take on the Marine’s award, no cap on contingency fees, no cap on anything.”

Sullivan has proposed limiting attorney fees for cases filed in federal court to 10% and a 2% cap on fees for cases filed after that. Durbin said that is too low.

“You’re doing the veterans no favor by saying that they can’t pay more than 2% contingency,” Durbin said. “I’m sorry to say you won’t find a lot of good lawyers at a 2% contingency fee. That’s just the reality.”

Sullivan tried to address the issue in last week’s NDAA debate but withdrew an amendment to continue negotiating with Durbin instead.

Air Force photo of Sen. Sullivan by Senior Airman Patrick Sullivan

December 19, 2022

Recent News

In Our Communities

In Our Communities

Texas Guard Can Now Make Immigration Arrests Texas National Guard soldiers now have the authority to make immigration-related arrests and detain and deport undocumented migrants, the Texas Tribune reported. The authority is through an agreement between the state and...

‘100% Operational Control of the Border,’ Hegseth Promises in Texas

‘100% Operational Control of the Border,’ Hegseth Promises in Texas

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth promised again Monday that the military will continue to support immigration enforcement efforts, this time while visiting the border with border czar Tom Homan, as The Hill reported. “Any assets necessary at the Defense Department to...

Friday is Deadline to Become a Great American Defense Community

Friday is Deadline to Become a Great American Defense Community

There are just a few days left to nominate a community for this year’s class of Great American Defense Communities. Nominations are being accepted through Friday, Feb. 7. Check out ADC’s program guide and the recording of its recent informational webinar to learn more...

Army’s Expansion Can Train Thousands of More Recruits Per Year

Army’s Expansion Can Train Thousands of More Recruits Per Year

The Army will have 10 more basic training units by April. The units at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and Fort Sill, Oklahoma will allow the service to send 9,600 more recruits through basic training per year, Military.com reported. “Expanding basic training capacity is...

Hegseth to Visit Southern Border Today

Hegseth to Visit Southern Border Today

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is traveling to the U.S.-Mexico border today as the military continues supporting immigration enforcement, Politico reported. Hegseth will meet with Joint Task Force North at Fort Bliss, Texas. “The Defense Department will support the...

PAST STORIES