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Camp Lejeune is a United States Marine Corps base located in North Carolina.
Established in 1941, it has served as a training ground for Marines preparing for deployments all over the world.
Between 1953 and 1987, the Camp Lejeune water supply was contaminated with a range of toxic substances.
As a result, over one million people who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune were exposed to the contaminated water and subsequently put at a higher risk for dangerous health effects such as cancer and birth injury.
If you, a family member, or a loved one were present at Camp Lejeune during this time period and have since suffered adverse health effects, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows those exposed to contaminated water at the Marine Corps Base the right to sue and recover damages.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act aims to provide much-needed compensation for victims and their families.
If you believe you may have a claim, contact us for a free consultation or use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify for a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit instantly.
The Camp Lejeune Lawsuit continues to progress, with the deadline (August 10, 2024) for submitting claims under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act rapidly approaching.
In the ongoing Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Litigation, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina has granted the defendant a 30-day extension to address recently submitted discovery requests.
This extension pertains to the Second Set of Requests for Production, Interrogatories, and Requests for Admission for Track 1 Discovery Plaintiffs, which cover various illnesses linked to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune.
This case comprises over 1,700 individual lawsuits consolidated under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which deals with injuries caused by exposure to tainted water from August 1953 to December 1987.
A Plaintiffs’ Leadership Group and specific case management orders have been established to ensure efficient proceedings, with the new deadline for these responses now set for May 28, 2024.
The Plaintiffs have expressed opposition to this extension concerning this Rule 26(e) Request, which obligates a party to update its discovery responses upon realizing that any information disclosed or previously responded to is incomplete or incorrect.
The court’s order does not prolong the defendant’s timeframe for supplementation; rather, it clarifies that Plaintiffs may submit motions as needed to enforce previous requests for production.
As the litigation advances, the court’s procedural decisions are vital in systematically addressing the health-related claims of the plaintiffs due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
If you or someone you know was exposed to the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you might be eligible to file a claim.
Contact us or use the chatbot on this page to instantly check your eligibility for the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit.
The Camp Lejeune Lawsuit continues to progress.
In a recent update to the Camp Lejeune toxic water litigation, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina has amended Case Management Order No. 2, focusing specifically on the opt-out provisions that govern plaintiff participation in ongoing discovery processes.
This adjustment significantly limits the ability to opt out of the Discovery Pool for Track 2 and subsequent phases, aiming to improve the efficiency and fairness of the proceedings.
According to the updated order, only plaintiffs who are not represented by the Plaintiffs’ Leadership Group may opt out of the Discovery Pool.
These plaintiffs must formally communicate their intention to opt out to both the Plaintiffs’ Leadership and the counsel for the United States within 30 days following the filing of their Complaint.
This revision is intended to curb the extensive use of the opt-out provision, which was previously viewed as an obstacle to the advancement of the litigation.
The order also specifies that plaintiffs who have opted out of Track 2 but are represented by counsel within the Plaintiffs’ Leadership Group will remain eligible for inclusion in the Track 2 Discovery Pool.
Furthermore, the court rejected the United States’ request for additional time regarding the Plaintiffs’ Request for Supplementation, showing the importance of timely compliance.
This decision requires the United States to promptly supplement its discovery responses, particularly for document production related to requests numbered 18, 19, and 20, initially issued on October 4, 2023.
The Plaintiffs’ Leadership Group (PLG) and the United States have established procedures to acquire and share vital medical and social security records of plaintiffs in the Track 1 Discovery Pool.
This includes employing HIPAA-compliant authorization forms for accessing private third-party medical records and Social Security Administration SSA-7050-F4 forms for retrieving social security earnings information.
Additionally, the United States has filed a motion to urge the court to reconsider its previous decision to maintain the opt-out provision for future tracks.
The motion argues for a stricter policy on opting out to preserve the continuity and integrity of the litigation process.
The United States Government asserts that such measures are crucial to ensuring that all plaintiffs stay actively involved and eligible for inclusion in discovery pools.
These recent updates and motions signify a potential shift in the management of the Camp Lejeune Lawsuits in the Eastern District of North Carolina, likely affecting plaintiff participation and overall litigation strategy.
Contact us today for a complimentary consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for an instant Camp Lejeune case evaluation.
The Camp Lejeune Lawsuit continues to unfold.
The federal government has suggested to the federal court in North Carolina that the lawsuits involving plaintiffs diagnosed with a single specific disease related to the water contamination—such as bladder cancer, kidney cancer, leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, or Parkinson’s disease—be tried first.
This strategy is designed to streamline and accelerate the legal process, as these cases are generally less complex than those involving multiple diseases, which demand extensive expert testimony.
It is reported that nearly 1,500 lawsuits allege that from 1953 to 1987, water contamination at Camp Lejeune resulted in serious health problems due to high concentrations of toxic chemicals.
Focusing on single-disease claims first could result in faster resolutions for those affected.
The legal team representing the plaintiffs is currently appealing a decision that rejected their request for a jury trial, arguing that the court’s interpretation of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act should be revisited.
Our firm remains open to accepting new cases from individuals affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune.
We are dedicated to providing legal representation to those seeking compensation for their health issues.
Contact us today for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for an immediate Camp Lejeune case evaluation.
The Camp Lejeune Lawsuit continues to progress.
On April 8, 2024, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina updated the procedural guidelines for the Camp Lejeune Water Litigation, specifically affecting Track 1 plaintiffs.
A “Track 1 Plaintiff” is a subgroup within the larger lawsuit, characterized by similar legal issues or simpler claims that are quicker to resolve.
In the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit, Track 1 plaintiffs are individuals who assert that they developed specific illnesses directly caused by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
According to the court’s order, referenced as Document 167-6, Track 1 plaintiffs are divided into two categories: Single Disease Plaintiffs and Multiple Disease Plaintiffs.
Trials for Multiple Disease Plaintiffs, who allege various illnesses from the contaminated water, will be scheduled following the trials for Single Disease Plaintiffs.
The process of expert discovery for Multiple Disease Plaintiffs will be deferred until after the trials for Single Disease Plaintiffs are complete.
This postponement is intended to allow sufficient time to address the more complex issues that arise with multiple disease claims.
The court plans to issue another order to determine the timeline for expert discovery for Multiple Disease Plaintiffs in the future.
If you or someone you know has been affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, contact us today for a free consultation.
Alternatively, you can use the chatbot on this page for an instant evaluation of your Camp Lejeune Lawsuit case.
The legal proceedings for the Camp Lejeune lawsuit are currently in progress.
Individuals eligible to file administrative claims or lawsuits under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act must do so by the deadline of August 10, 2024.
Those who qualify to participate in the lawsuit include military veterans, their family members, and civilian workers who were exposed to the contaminated water at the base from 1953 to 1987 for a minimum of 30 days.
Under a special provision of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, the Navy and the Justice Department have designated certain medical conditions, believed to be linked to the water contamination, for a faster settlement process.
The recognized conditions are categorized into:
Tier 1 Injuries:
– Kidney Cancer
– Liver Cancer
– Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
– Leukemia
– Bladder Cancer
Tier 2 Injuries:
– Multiple Myeloma
– Parkinson’s Disease
– Kidney Disease/End-Stage Renal Disease
– Systemic Sclerosis/Systemic Scleroderma
For settlements and lawsuits that are not elective, a more substantial proof is required, showing not just exposure to the contaminated water but also a direct connection between the exposure and the injury.
Our law firm is still accepting new cases concerning the Camp Lejeune lawsuit for qualified military veterans, their families, and civilian employees affected by the tainted water.
Contact us today for a complimentary consultation, or interact with our chatbot on this page.
The lawsuit concerning Camp Lejeune continues to progress.
Recently, on March 12th, the Eastern District Court of North Carolina made a decision that favored the plaintiffs to some extent.
It involved the directive for the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to provide its Water Modeling Project File in the original format.
This modeling is crucial for ATSDR to recreate the conditions of the water system at Camp Lejeune before March 1987, aiming to pinpoint the areas and periods affected by VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) in the drinking water.
The case encompasses more than 1,500 legal actions under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.
These actions are centered on the damages caused by contaminated water at the military base from August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987.
The main contention was about the format in which the Modeling Files were to be supplied.
The plaintiffs contended that converting these files would strip them of their original structure — which includes folders, subfolders, and critical cross-references — rendering them ineffective.
They particularly noted that the Geographic Information System (GIS) and water modeling files would lose their functionality if altered from their native format.
The defense conceded that converting some of the modeling files as per the standard Electronic Stored Information (ESI) protocol might not preserve them properly.
They agreed to provide these files in their original format as needed.
The court’s ruling mandates that these critical Modeling Files must be kept in their original, organized format to maintain their functional and evidentiary value for the lawsuit.
This decision underscores the importance of flexibility in managing ESI production standards to ensure the materials’ usefulness and relevance in legal proceedings.
If you or someone you know resided or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987, you might be eligible to submit a claim related to Camp Lejeune.
For a free consultation or to quickly check if you qualify for a claim, consider contacting our legal team or using the chatbot available on this page.
The Camp Lejeune Lawsuit continues to unfold.
On February 26, 2024, key documents crucial for the ongoing Camp Lejeune Lawsuit were filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina.
The Track 2 Discovery Plan Order (CMO 9) sets forth a discovery strategy for the lawsuit’s second phase:
The Proposed Order for Expert Examinations of Plaintiffs details a consensus between the Plaintiffs’ Leadership Group (PLG) and the government:
The Joint Motion to Amend CMO 2 Regarding Expert Examinations of Plaintiffs intends to modify an earlier case management order (CMO 2) to improve the process for expert examinations of plaintiffs:
Case Management Order No. 10, addressing the Defendant’s request to change CMO 2, partially approves and partially denies the requested changes:
These four court documents significantly impact the Camp Lejeune Litigation, especially for cases in the North Carolina Federal Court, by providing a structured method for managing discovery and trials with the ongoing use of “track” systems and defined orders for expert exams.
In the short term, these strategies are designed to make the legal proceedings more efficient and reduce delays, especially by implementing Short Form Complaints to standardize claims in the North Carolina Federal Court.
Over the long term, these changes are expected to lead to a quicker resolution of cases, all while ensuring the distinctiveness and integrity of each plaintiff’s claim within the broader litigation framework.
Our legal team continues to welcome claims from individuals who spent at least 30 days at the Marine Corps base between 1953 and 1987.
For a free consultation, contact our Camp Lejeune Lawyers, or use the chatbot on this page to instantly check if you’re eligible to file a Camp Lejeune claim.
We’re committed to assisting you.
On February 21, 2024, the federal government asserted that plaintiffs in the Camp Lejeune lawsuit need to prove their illnesses directly resulted from the contaminated water at the Marine Base.
The Eastern District of North Carolina handled nearly 1,500 cases under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which simplified the legal process for those exposed to polluted water at the base from 1953 to 1987.
Despite the reduced burden of proof set by congress compared to traditional tort cases, the government insists plaintiffs must show a direct connection between their health issues and the contaminated water.
The government argued that simply showing a minimum presence at the base and suffering from a related illness does not suffice, as it might lead to compensation without specific proof.
Plaintiffs are trying to link various health conditions to the high levels of contaminants found in Camp Lejeune’s water.
They claim the Act’s 30-day exposure requirement is meant to make it easier for those harmed by the toxic water to litigate.
Plaintiffs, represented by various lawyers, are seeking compensation from the government, defended by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Division attorneys.
The core of the Camp Lejeune Water Litigation v. U.S. case, taking place in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, is the government’s demand for plaintiffs to prove their illnesses are due to the base’s tainted water.
On February 14th, lawyers representing the plaintiffs in the Camp Lejeune case sought to challenge a previous court decision that denied them a jury trial.
They submitted a supporting memorandum to request the certification for an appeal of the court’s decision, which had favored the defendant’s request to dismiss the plaintiffs’ demand for a jury trial.
This action refers to a court order dated February 6, 2024, where the court accepted the government’s argument to eliminate the jury trial request, stating that plaintiffs under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) do not have the right to a jury trial in cases against the government.
The plaintiffs contend that this decision hinges on a significant legal issue that is open to debate and that an expedited appeal could accelerate the resolution of their claims.
The Plaintiff’s Leadership Group (PLG) is urging for a prompt higher court review of the decision to deny a jury trial.
It is important to recognize that this appeal is limited to only two specific lawsuits and does not affect other plaintiffs’ rights to appeal following a final court judgment.
The purpose of this selective appeal is to focus the court’s review on these two cases exclusively, aiming to maintain efficient trial management and smooth progress of the overall litigation.
A recent government study has unveiled that individuals, both military and civilian, who resided and worked at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina during the mid-1970s and ’80s face an elevated risk of being diagnosed with specific cancers when compared to those stationed at a similar military base in California during the same time frame.
This research, conducted by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has the potential to broaden the range of medical conditions for which veterans and civilians from Camp Lejeune can receive government compensation.
One noteworthy finding from the study is that male breast cancer was notably more prevalent among individuals who were exposed to the contaminated water.
This comprehensive investigation monitored the health of over 400,000 service members and other individuals and identified an increased likelihood of various cancers linked to exposure to the harmful chemicals present in Camp Lejeune’s water supply.
These cancers include polycythemia vera, myelodysplastic and myeloproliferative syndromes, cancers of the esophagus, voice box, thyroid, soft tissue, marginal B-cell lymphoma, and certain types of lung cancer.
The research indicated elevated risks for civilians, albeit with slightly different patterns compared to military personnel.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) has prompted a fraud alert from both the Justice Department and the Department of the Navy.
Government reports have indicated instances where fraudulent parties have attempted to obtain money or personal information from claimants.
To ensure the safety and authenticity of the process, here are some key points to remember as advised by the Justice Department and the Navy:
The CLJA, a part of the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, was established in August 2022 to provide potential compensation to veterans who suffered injuries due to exposure to toxic water.
This act encompasses veterans who resided on the base between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and includes various medical conditions such as adult leukemia, aplastic anemia, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Parkinson’s disease, and other myelodysplastic syndromes.
For this purpose, the Congressional Budget Office has allocated $6.7 billion to cover settlements and legal expenses.
Compensation amounts will vary, ranging from $100,000 to $1 million, and distribution will follow a tiered system that relies on proving a medical condition’s link to the contamination.
January 2nd, 2024:
The parties in the Lejeune litigation sought a deadline extension for proposing a Settlement Master, as no candidate names have been put forth since the court’s request on December 11, 2023. This brief extension is not anticipated to impede progress on the Settlement Questionnaire or affect the overall timeline.
Additionally, both the Government and Plaintiffs recently submitted their suggestions for Track 3 trial cases on January 1, 2024, with the Government also filing a motion to amend the Case Management Order for further deadline delays.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert B Jones has issued a mandate, requiring individuals involved in the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits to provide their birth dates and Social Security numbers.
Plaintiffs express concerns about sharing such sensitive data due to the prevalence of social security number scams and identity theft associated with this legal battle.
This request deviates from the standard “initial disclosures” as per the Federal Rules of Procedure.
Judge Jones is following the directive of North Carolina judges to streamline the progress of these cases efficiently.
The court’s objective is to accelerate the resolution process and extend settlements to more victims impacted by the water contamination.
The submission of birth dates and Social Security numbers is intended to facilitate the government’s prompt investigation of claims, and this rationale is challenging to dispute.
December 4th, 2023:
Judges overseeing Camp Lejeune lawsuits in North Carolina have sanctioned a designated information form, referred to as a DPPF, for select plaintiffs involved in early evidence gathering (Track 1 Discovery Plaintiffs).
These individuals must complete the DPPF within 45 days of selection or after the rule’s establishment.
December 1st, 2023:
In the Eastern District of North Carolina, Camp Lejeune lawsuits under the CLJA are evenly distributed among four federal judges.
Out of 1,433 CLJA complaints, 14 cases have been dismissed—11 voluntarily and three involving litigants representing themselves (pro se cases).
The breakdown of cases among judges is as follows: Judge Dever with 357 cases, Judge Myers overseeing 370 cases, Judge Boyle handling 343 cases, and Judge Flanagan assigned 363 cases. The distribution demonstrates a relatively equal allocation of the Camp Lejeune lawsuits among the judges in the district.
The Department of Justice has identified 16 cases eligible for settlement under an Executive Order (EO), with injuries ranging from kidney cancer to leukemia.
Out of these, two offers were rejected, six expired, and eight are pending.
The Navy has submitted 62 administrative claims under the EO, and 44 are under DOJ review. Of these, 13 claimants meet the EO criteria, resulting in settlement offers. Four offers have been accepted, including a $250,000 payout for a Parkinson’s Disease case and settlements of $300,000 each for non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and two Leukemia cases. The total disbursement for the accepted offers is one million dollars.
More than a year after the federal law allowing compensation for individuals affected by contaminated water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune was enacted, the U.S. government has begun offering settlements and making payments.
According to court records, three individuals have accepted settlements totaling $850,000, with two of them having already received their payments.
The government has issued 23 settlement offers thus far, while a substantial number of administrative claims (over 117,000) and lawsuits (1,300) related to water contamination at the base are still pending.
These claims assert health issues, including cancer and miscarriages, attributed to the polluted water.
It’s estimated that the collective cost of these claims could potentially reach $3.3 trillion.
Furthermore, an unpublished study has indicated elevated cancer rates among those who resided at Camp Lejeune, which could lead to an increase in claims.
These settlements are part of an elective option that offers predefined amounts based on the nature of the illness and the duration of exposure.
This approach aims to expedite resolutions outside of the administrative or legal processes, with payments ranging from $100,000 to $550,000.
The initiation of the Camp Lejeune claims process was set in motion by the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, signed by President Joe Biden in August 2022.
The act acknowledged potential harm to as many as one million people due to water contamination that occurred between 1953 and 1987.
Additionally, the public is still awaiting the release of a significant “cancer incidence study” conducted by an agency within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the health impacts of exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during the 1950s to the 1980s.
Despite the study’s conclusion several months ago and its external peer review, it has not been made public yet.
This delay could have implications for over 1,100 lawsuits seeking compensation for individuals who suffered health issues due to exposure to the tainted water.
The study, initiated in 2015, aimed to investigate cancer cases among those exposed to the contaminated water and provide scientific evidence for the lawsuits.
The PACT Act of 2022 made it possible for individuals harmed at Camp Lejeune to file damage claims with the Navy and, if unresolved, pursue lawsuits in federal court.
The delay in releasing the study has raised concerns among veterans and advocates who believe it is essential for establishing the causal link between exposure to contaminants at Camp Lejeune and various diseases.
Some diseases, such as kidney and liver cancer, have stronger associations with the pollutants, while others, like breast cancer, have weaker connections.
There are allegations that the study’s release is being delayed, possibly by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Navy, as it may provide stronger scientific evidence for diseases currently categorized as “Tier 2” or lower.
Critics argue that the CDC and its agency, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), should prioritize public health over protecting the government from lawsuits.
The U.S. government’s position regarding the selection of a “legal representative” for claims related to the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) within the context of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act has given rise to complexities.
There is an ongoing debate about whether this representative should be designated not only by an out-of-state court but also be required to establish an additional estate in North Carolina.
The plaintiffs hold a contrasting view and argue that the CLJA, particularly Section 804(b), permits a “legal representative” to initiate legal proceedings, conforming to the conventional definition of someone handling a deceased person’s estate.
They maintain that it is inappropriate to apply FTCA provisions to CLJA actions because the FTCA does not encompass federal causes of action like those under the CLJA or injuries sustained by servicemembers during their service.
The CLJA is characterized by its distinct federal standards, including a waiver of sovereign immunity, suggesting that FTCA regulations should not generally be applicable to CLJA cases.
The Camp Lejeune Status Conference, initially slated for November 7, 2023, has been called off. The next conference at Camp Lejeune is now planned for November 21, 2023.
In the 3M earplug lawsuit in federal court, Judge M. Casey Rodgers identified fraudulent schemes as scam activities where scammers targeted potential claimants for a mass settlement fund by seeking personal information, mimicking the settlement procedures.
While this pertains specifically to the 3M case, similar deceitful tactics are now surfacing in the Camp Lejeune water contamination litigation.
The Camp Lejeune case gained notoriety due to water supply contamination with toxic chemicals at the Marine Corps Base in North Carolina from 1953 to 1987.
President Joe Biden’s signing of the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) allowed lawsuits previously barred by time limitations.
Over a thousand lawsuits were filed, and the Department of the Navy initiated an administrative settlement procedure known as the “elective option” to manage the surge in claims.
This process is designed to facilitate compensation without prolonged litigation.
However, scammers are taking advantage of this situation by mimicking the legitimate process to lure claimants through emails, phone calls, and fraudulent websites, with the intention to pilfer personal information or money.
Deceptive activities include promising significant payouts, requesting “filing fees,” or misleading claimants into providing sensitive information through phony forms.
Moreover, certain plaintiff lawyers’ marketing tactics might be exaggerating the potential case outcomes, creating false expectations and potentially misguiding clients about the intricacies of the litigation.
This situation underscores a dual warning: potential claimants must remain vigilant against fraudulent activities and should grasp the true complexities of the case when interacting with plaintiff lawyers and law firms involved in the litigation.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unveiled a proposal to ban all uses of trichloroethylene (TCE), a cancer-causing chemical commonly found in manufacturing and numerous water sources and properties worldwide.
Notably, Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps base in North Carolina, had significant TCE contamination between 1975 and 1985, leading to a 70% higher risk of Parkinson’s disease among affected Marines.
TCE, a solvent used in industry since the 1920s, is linked to health issues like cancer, liver damage, and nervous system problems.
The EPA’s proposed rule would take effect in a year for consumer products and most commercial uses, with stricter worker protections.
The EPA’s action follows a January revision stating that TCE presents an unreasonable health risk.
The proposal seeks to ban most TCE uses in manufacturing and commercial and consumer product processing, with exceptions for specific applications.
The EPA is accepting public comments on the proposed rule for 45 days.
An initial status conference is slated for Monday, October 30th at 11:00 a.m. in Greenville, NC.
Following that, subsequent status conferences are planned for the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 10:00 a.m. at a location to be determined.
Representatives like Plaintiffs’ Lead Counsel, Government Liaison, Co-Lead Counsel, Liaison Counsel, or their delegates are required to appear in person until further notice.
Other attorneys can participate via telephone, with dial-in details to be provided later.
The Parties are expected to meet, confer, and jointly submit status reports after the initial status conference, covering various updates, agreements, discovery, and settlement endeavors.
October 2nd, 2023:
While many Camp Lejeune claimants are considering participating in the early settlement program, the court handling the Lejeune cases in litigation has announced that trials will commence next year. To streamline the trial process, the cases will be categorized into different “tracks,” each focusing on specific diseases.
Currently, we are aware of the cases included in Track 1, which encompass non-Hodgkin lymphoma, liver cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, and Parkinson’s disease. However, the composition of Tracks 2 and 3, as well as the timing of their determination, remains uncertain.
North Carolina judges modified Case Management Order #2 shortly after its initial entry.
This order primarily addresses discovery-related matters and imposes the requirement that both parties convene monthly meetings to discuss proposed agreements and keep the Court updated on their progress regarding these proposed agreements.
Furthermore, the order anticipates trial dates for the Lejeune case scheduled for the following year.
The recent changes include the following:
Section JV .D. has been revised to clarify that, despite the temporary suspension of all CLJA actions on individual dockets, defense attorneys are still obligated to formally notify the court when they become involved in a specific CLJA case.
Section VI. has been amended to explicitly state that any attorney representing a plaintiff in an individual CLJA case must formally introduce themselves to the court.
Additionally, if an attorney is not already authorized to practice in this court, they must follow the steps outlined in the Court’s order dated April 24, 2023, which includes submitting a special request (pro hac vice motion) for each individual CLJA case they are involved in.
The first track will include non-Hodgkin lymphoma, liver cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, and Parkinson’s disease
The government is taking steps to limit legal fees in the Camp Lejeune toxic water cases. They have introduced new regulations that cap lawyers’ fees at 20% for administrative settlements and 25% for litigation payouts.
This move comes after the government launched an early resolution program to expedite compensation for those affected by water contamination.
A federal judge in West Virginia rejected a law firm’s motion to appeal his decision regarding the dismissal of a Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) lawsuit against them. The lawsuit originated from unwanted calls made by Camp Lejeune lawyers looking for new clients. The judge ruled that the TCPA applied to a woman primarily using her cell phone for residential purposes.
The judge deemed the appeal premature, upholding that the telemarketing calls to the woman were lawful under the TCPA.
Although Congress passed the CLJA with the clear goal of compensating Camp Lejeune victims, it seems that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is actively working to hinder the trial process.
In a recent joint report presented to the court, the plaintiffs have pointed out that the DOJ is categorizing the Lejeune cases as “early-stage” torts, advocating for a deliberate and gradual progression through the legal proceedings.
The DOJ’s objective is to resolve the majority of these claims through settlements before they go to trial. Furthermore, the DOJ is intent on prolonging the legal process as it establishes the procedures for offering Camp Lejeune settlements.
September 5th, 2023:
Another extension by the DOJ has been requested to respond to Camp Lejeune lawsuits.
The DOJ and Camp Lejeune plaintiffs’ attorneys have collaborated on a plan for handling the cases, which they submitted to the four judges on August 28, 2023. The requested extension to October 2, 2023 is being sought to align the deadline for ongoing investigations with the proposed case management plan.
September 1, 2023:
Both parties in the ongoing Camp LeJeune litigation submitted a joint status report outlining their agreement on most procedural aspects, which closely resemble MDL procedures.
Two key disagreements persist: the method for selecting plaintiffs for trials and the timeline for discovery and trials. The dispute centers on which diseases should be included in Track 1 of the litigation. Plaintiffs advocate for including bladder cancer, kidney cancer, leukemia, Parkinson’s disease, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, while the government favors including only kidney cancer, leukemia, and Parkinson’s disease.
The progression of the Camp Lejeune litigation remains steadfast, and a court report from August 18 includes multiple important updates.
The Plaintiffs’ Leadership Group came together to nominate individuals for both the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee (“PEC”) and the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee (“PSC”). These selections were subsequently presented to the court on July 27, 2023.
The report further outlines that between August 16 and 17, the Science and Experts Subcommittee convened, making substantial achievements in demonstrating the scientific proof that supports the litigation. The committee also said it succeeded at securing certain experts to testify.
The report also mentioned that the short-form complaint’s final draft is almost complete. This will contribute to streamlining individual cases and enhancing the efficacy of pre-trial procedures.
Taking steps to keep both the court and the general public well-informed, Plaintiffs’ Lead and Co-Lead Counsel have furnished a status report along with the launch of an informative website. The website functions as a hub for disseminating critical updates, schedules, and overarching information pertinent to the ongoing litigation, with the aim of informing all stakeholders.
Individual case deadlines have been pushed until September 1st, 2023 after plaintiffs’ council and JAG collaboratively sought an extension.
Both parties have been engaging in productive discussions, covering vital aspects like global case management, database creation, and optimizing document requests.
By granting this extension, they aim to concentrate on formulating a master pleading process to encompass all cases.
The target date for submitting the proposed Global Case Management Order is set for August 28, 2023.
The U.S. Department of Justice is urging judges in the Eastern District of North Carolina to expedite the consolidation of thousands of lawsuits related to water contamination at Camp Lejeune. The government has responded to less than 20% of the cases, with a looming deadline.
The government’s legal team is currently managing close to 1,000 cases, with 663 of them still awaiting responses.
Anticipated growth in the number of cases is likely as more affected veterans file claims under the PACT Act.
There have been 1,067 cases filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina since the eligibility for filing civil lawsuits under the CLJA (Camp Lejeune Justice Act) began in February.
This number surpasses the total count of civil cases filed in the district throughout the entirety of 2022.
The court has seen a modest increase of 39 new Camp Lejeune civil lawsuits filed in the past month, marking a continuation of the declining trend in CLJA case volumes since claimants’ eligibility began.
The fluctuating monthly numbers indicate the ongoing impact of the CLJA and its effect on the rate of new filings in court.
The district court judges responsible for handling lawsuits over contaminated water at Camp Lejeune are taking a stance in order to effectively manage the large caseload.
District Judge James Dever has urged the government’s defense attorneys to address claims administratively before resorting to court proceedings.
Although aggregated settlements save time, attorneys worry they may compromise their clients’ rights to a formal day in court.
In an effort to streamline the process, judges overseeing the Camp Lejeune contaminated water lawsuits have instructed the creation of a database similar to the one used in the 9/11 settlement case.
The database aims to handle the overwhelming number of claims, which currently exceeds 65,000.
A Camp Lejeune class action lawsuit is taking shape, resembling an MDL.
A master complaint and a master answer or responsive pleading will be established.
The court will coordinate various processes such as discovery, expert motions, dispositive motions, bellwether selection, trials, and settlement negotiations.
A database will also be created to gather crucial information from each plaintiff and the defendant.
The growing number of Camp Lejeune toxic water lawsuits puts pressure on the Department of Justice (DOJ).
U.S. District Judge Terrence Boyle rejects the DOJ’s request for more time to respond, emphasizing that eight months is sufficient to prepare.
The urgency to formulate reasonable settlement offers to victims is highlighted.
The Navy faces criticism for its lack of action on Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) claims.
Despite receiving over 45,000 claims in the past nine months, none have been reviewed for settlement due to the absence of a portal system for electronic document submission.
Frustration among veterans, lawyers, and judges grows as the Navy is urged to take action.
A proposed class action lawsuit is filed against certain law firms involved in the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits.
The plaintiff alleges violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, claiming that the firms repeatedly called her despite her number being on the Do Not Call Registry.
A new study definitively links Parkinson’s disease to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune, providing strong evidence of the connection.
Legislators demand an explanation from the Navy regarding the lack of progress in resolving toxic-water contamination cases at Camp Lejeune Marine Base.
The pressure increases following a report revealing that none of the approximately 45,000 claims have been settled, and an online platform for managing the cases is not yet operational.
Legislators call for swift adjudication, expressing concern over the delay and the potential termination of the MDL due to scientific evidence challenges.
There is a surge in the number of Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits being filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Attorneys representing both the U.S. government and plaintiffs are suggesting that the cases be consolidated under one judge or that the Court manages pretrial proceedings in a coordinated manner.
This would not constitute a true class action lawsuit, but it would have many similar features.
A lung cancer lawsuit was filed against the United States Navy by the daughter of a former Camp Lejeune resident who was diagnosed with lung cancer and passed away in 1996 after being exposed to the toxic water at the base from 1953 to 1957.
The daughter filed an administrative claim for compensation under the CLJA, but it was constructively denied because the Navy did not act on this lawsuit or any other administrative claims that have been filed.
22 new civil lawsuits were filed under the CLJA in the Eastern District of North Carolina, bringing the total to 179 Camp Lejeune lawsuits since the start of this month.
Comparatively, there are only 15 non-Camp Lejeune civil cases currently pending in the same court.
Since the first claims brought under the CLJA became eligible to bring civil cases over one month ago, 260 Camp Lejeune civil lawsuits have been filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina.
The weekly volume of new Camp Lejeune civil cases has more than doubled each week since the start of this month.
There is still no indication of whether these cases will be consolidated.
It was reported that more than 15,000 compensation claims had been filed with the Navy JAG Tort Claims Unit since the enactment of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) in August 2022.
News outlets speculated that as many as 500,000 claims could be filed before the 2024 deadline.
It was reported that the deadline for the Navy to resolve claims filed under the CLJA was set to expire that week.
Thousands of victims had already filed claims, and the Eastern District of North Carolina was expected to receive a surge of civil lawsuits.
The deadline for the Navy to take action on administrative claims expired, and a surge of civil cases was reported in the Eastern District of North Carolina.
In just three days, 79 new CLJA cases were filed, with the volume expected to increase.
The Navy JAG reported that more than 20,000 administrative claims had been filed under the CLJA, with over 100 lawsuits filed in North Carolina.
On February 16, 2023, it was reported that nine new CLJA civil lawsuits were filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina, bringing the total number of lawsuits to 112.
On February 22, 2023, the VA Office of the General Counsel issued a statement to remind victims that filing a claim or lawsuit under the CLJA would not negatively impact their ability to receive disability benefits for injuries related to the Camp Lejeune water.
Over the last ten years, the VA had received 102,265 disability claims related to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune.
It was reported that 158 civil lawsuits had been filed under the CLJA in the Eastern District of North Carolina since the earliest claimants became eligible to file after the six-month deadline on their administrative claims with JAG expired.
While this number was relatively small, it was expected to increase dramatically in the following months. Some lawyers were taking a wait-and-see approach, keeping these claims on the administrative docket for longer.
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has begun processing PACT Act benefits claims for veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals during their service.
This legislation, passed in August 2022, is the first of its kind to provide benefits and legal options for victims of water contamination at the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.
Since the law was passed, over 200,000 claims have been submitted.
However, it is believed that there are thousands more veterans who were put at risk of serious illnesses, such as cancer, as a result of the contamination.
Contact us for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify for a Camp Lejeune claim instantly.
For years, the residents of Camp Lejeune drank, cooked with, and bathed in water that was contaminated with a host of dangerous chemicals.
The water used by residents and families living on the base was contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which have been linked to a number of serious health conditions.
The sources of the contamination are varied, but one the most likely culprit is a dry cleaning facility that operated on the base for many years.
Since the facility closed, the levels of VOCs in drinking water have decreased dramatically.
However, the damage has already been done, and the residents of Camp Lejeune are now facing a range of health problems.
The presence of VOCs and other toxic chemicals in the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune was first discovered in 1982.
Since then, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has been investigating the potential health effects of exposure to the water.
The ATSDR has found scientific and medical evidence that the chemicals can cause a number of serious health problems, including many types of cancer.
The health effects of exposure to the contaminated water are especially serious for infants and children, who are more susceptible to the toxic effects of the chemicals.
It is incredibly important for people who were exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune to be aware of the potential health risks.
A variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other dangerous chemicals were found in drinking water that supplied base housing and buildings at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River.
MCAS New River is located just minutes away from Camp Lejeune.
The potential sources of these chemicals include the aforementioned off-base dry cleaner, military disposal of industrial chemicals, and more throughout 30+ years of recorded contamination.
Tetrachloroethylene, also known as perchloroethylene, PCE or PERC, is a powerful industrial solvent.
It’s used in a variety of applications, including dry-cleaning fabrics, degreasing metal machinery, and manufacturing other chemicals.
PERC is also a common ingredient in paint strippers, spot cleaners, and adhesives.
Although it’s an effective cleaner, PERC poses a serious health risk to humans.
Exposure to high levels of PERC can lead to bladder cancer, liver cancer, and kidney cancer.
In addition, PERC exposure has been linked to birth defects and other pediatric health risks.
PERC contamination at Camp Lejeune can be traced to Tarawa Terrace Treatment Plant and Hadnot Point Treatment Plant.
Trichloroethylene, or TCE, is a chemical solvent commonly used as a degreaser for metal machinery.
TCE can be incredibly dangerous to human health.
When ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin, TCE can potentially lead to kidney cancer, non-hodgkin lymphoma, and other cancers.
In addition, exposure to TCE has been linked to cardiac effects such as arrhythmias and heart failure.
TCE at Camp Lejeune can be traced to Hadnot Point Treatment Plant.
Vinyl chloride is a synthetic compound used in the production of many consumer products, from food containers and water pipes to cosmetics and cleaning products.
Despite its widespread use, vinyl chloride has been linked to a range of serious health problems, including liver cancer, hepatic steatosis, brain cancer, and other cancers, as well as certain neurobehavioral effects.
Studies have also found that exposure to vinyl chloride can damage the nervous system, cause birth defects, and lead to fertility problems.
Benzene is a colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet smell.
It is used as a solvent in the chemical industry and is present in crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke.
Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen, and exposure to high levels of benzene can cause leukemia and other blood cancers.
The ATSDR has conducted an assessment of the health effects of benzene, and their findings indicate that consuming water contaminated with the chemical has been linked to leukemias, non-hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
These findings are concerning, and further research is needed to better understand the health risks associated with Benzene exposure.
With over 70 chemical contaminants found in the water at Camp Lejeune, it can be difficult to tell just how many medical conditions have resulted from toxic exposure.
The scientific and medical evidence thus far suggests that those who were exposed to Camp Lejeune water contamination are at an increased risk for the following health problems:
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced a list of presumptive conditions related to water contamination.
The VA will now allow members of the armed services who were stationed at Camp Lejeune during the relevant time period to seek compensation for these conditions.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is a new bill, part of the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, that has recently been signed into law by President Biden.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows individuals who were exposed to toxic water at the base between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 to file a claim and recover damages for any harm they suffered as a result of the exposure.
The new law would override current North Carolina law that bars actions such as these.
This is a significant step forward for those affected by the toxic water at Camp Lejeune, and it will provide much-needed compensation for those who have been suffering for years without any recourse.
For years, no help or benefits were afforded to veterans exposed to volatile organic compounds and other toxic chemicals during their time at Camp Lejeune.
Now, veterans, their family members, civilian workers, and any other person who was exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune may be eligible to file a claim for compensation.
The Honoring Our PACT Act is the bill that encompasses the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. The PACT Act provides new VA benefits to people exposed to toxic chemicals during their military service.
The PACT Act also outlines presumptive conditions for a number of situations in which military personnel were exposed to dangerous chemicals, including at military burn pits in the Middle East, Agent Orange Exposure, and more.
The Honoring Our PACT Act went through many legislative hurdles in order to be signed into law, but now over 3 million military service members are able to get the health care benefits and compensation they rightfully deserve.
In 2012, Congress passed the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act (H.R. 1627) in order to provide benefits to those who had been exposed to tainted water.
H.R. 1627 granted health care benefits and disability benefits to veterans and their family members who met certain standards, as well as VA compensation benefits for veterans.
While the bill has helped many people, some have argued that it does not do enough to address the long-term health effects of the exposure.
In particular, some families have been left without any financial assistance if they do not meet the eligibility requirements for health care benefits or disability benefits.
Moreover, the VA compensation benefits are only available to veterans, not to their family members.
As a result, some families are still struggling to get by after being exposed to toxic chemicals in drinking water.
In 2017, Congress passed an additional statute that granted more benefits and expanded upon the conditions associated with exposure.
The amended statute associates even more presumptive conditions with contaminated water exposure.
None of these legislative actions have been as forward-thinking or comprehensive as the newly passed Camp Lejeune Justice Act.
The claims process for a Camp Lejeune water lawsuit is handled first by an administrative claim process, and if not settled through that administrative portion, they will then be handled in a judicial process through the North Carolina courts, particularly the U.S. District Court: Eastern District of North Carolina.
The administrative claim process entails submitting a Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) Claim Form.
The claim form can be found on the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General (JAG) website.
Active duty and former military personnel, family members living on base, civilian workers, families of deceased, and even in-utero victims who were not yet born when their mother was residing at the base may be eligible to file Camp Lejeune lawsuits.
It’s important to note that if you were dishonorably discharged, you may not be eligible for disability benefits or disability compensation.
The release and act also notes that if you have a service-connected disability, you may be able to receive free health care and prescriptions through the VA.
If you think you may be eligible, it’s in your best interest to file a claim as soon as possible.
The liable parties may include the United States Navy, other governmental or regulatory agencies, businesses that may have contributed to contaminating water supplies, and any other group that may have contributed to an injury or diagnosis.
Specific dollar amounts for Camp Lejeune settlement payouts are not yet available.
Camp Lejeune victims seeking legal help should be wary of any website advertising certain numbers for settlement amounts.
We will soon know the average settlement amount for Camp Lejeune lawsuits once the administrative and judicial processes for filing claims becomes clearer.
Hiring legal representation that understands the attorney client relationship and can effectively fight for rightful monetary compensation is essential in a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit.
An attorney will help you gather evidence, add up your total damages, and put together a strong claim for compensation.
Evidence is important in any personal injury or mass tort case, and the water contamination at Camp Lejeune is no different.
Evidence for your or case may include:
Damages in a Camp Lejeune water contamination case may include:
If you, a loved one, or a family member was exposed to toxic chemicals in water at Camp Lejeune, consider contacting TruLaw for a free consultation and to discuss your legal options.
We’re connected to the leading Camp Lejeune lawyers and understand the devastating impacts that toxic water contamination has brought to people who lived on the base.
Camp Lejeune victims deserve justice and compensation for their exposure to dangerous, toxic chemicals. Our Camp Lejeune attorneys can help attain that justice.
Contact us or use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify for legal action instantly.
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With over 25 years of legal experience, Jessie is an Illinois lawyer, a CPA, and a mother of three. She spent the first decade of her career working as an international tax attorney at Deloitte.
In 2009, Jessie co-founded her own law firm with her husband – which has scaled to over 30 employees since its conception.
In 2016, Jessie founded TruLaw, which allows her to collaborate with attorneys and legal experts across the United States on a daily basis. This hypervaluable network of experts is what enables her to share reliable legal information with her readers!
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Camp Lejeune’s water contamination issue spanned several decades starting in the 1950s. Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to various serious health issues, including cancer, organ diseases, and death.
Research is increasingly suggesting a link between the use of Tylenol during pregnancy and the development of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism and ADHD, in infants.
Legal action is being taken against manufacturers of Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), a chemical used in fighting fires. The plaintiffs allege that exposure to the foam caused health issues such as cancer, organ damage, and birth and fertility issues.
Here, at TruLaw, we’re committed to helping victims get the justice they deserve.
Alongside our partner law firms, we have successfully collected over $3 Billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured individuals.
Would you like our help?
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