Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced new EPA regulations banning trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE), two carcinogenic chemicals linked to the Camp Lejeune water contamination crisis.

This decisive step represents significant progress in safeguarding public health and preventing exposure to these hazardous substances.

TCE and PCE: The Camp Lejeune Connection

TCE and PCE were major contaminants in Camp Lejeune’s water supply for decades.

TCE is associated with cancers such as liver and kidney cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and immune and nervous system damage.

PCE has been linked to liver, kidney, and brain cancers, as well as reproductive and neurotoxic effects.

EPA’s New RulesThe EPA’s regulations under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) amendments include:

• A complete ban on TCE within one year, with limited exemptions requiring strict workplace safety measures.
• A three-year phaseout of PCE for consumer and most commercial uses, with a 10-year phaseout for dry cleaning applications.
• Comprehensive safety requirements for remaining uses, including exposure monitoring and workplace chemical protection programs.

What This Means for Camp Lejeune SurvivorsFor veterans and families affected by Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water, this ban is a critical victory.It validates decades of advocacy aimed at preventing similar harm in other communities.

Our Camp Lejeune lawyers will continue to fight for justice for our clients. 

The U.S. Navy has since determined that over 100,000 out of the nearly 550,000 claims filed in the litigation are duplicates. The problem is attributed to multiple law firms submitting claims for the same individuals. The claims process is being streamlined to identify and remove the duplicates.

Plaintiffs are urging the court to recognize a broader range of contamination impacts, arguing that the dangers extended beyond water quality issues to include harmful vapor intrusions and airborne emissions. They contend these additional exposures created dangerous conditions, affecting the health and safety of those present at Camp Lejeune. In response, the government is advocating for a narrower focus, aiming to restrict evidence to the concentration of chemicals in the water alone.

To help streamline claims, the Camp Lejeune Claims Unit (CLCU) now allows anyone who was at Camp Lejeune for a minimum of 30 days within the August 1, 1953 to December 21, 1987 timeframe to submit documentation proving their presence. Claimants are also encouraged to include any additional records showing longer or repeated stays, potentially strengthening their claims.

In a move to expedite the claims process, the CLCU will advance 480,000 out of 550,000 claims that are awaiting law firm validation. Starting on January 13, 2025, these claims will be automatically submitted for review, accelerating the process for a significant portion of claimants and reducing wait times.

The CLCU also plans to resolve duplicate claims, where multiple law firms have filed on behalf of the same individual. This initiative aims to streamline the review process, ensuring each claimant is represented accurately and without delay.

A bipartisan group of U.S. Senators recently introduced the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act, a bill designed to address ongoing issues with the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022.

The original law aimed to provide a clear path to compensation for veterans and families affected by toxic water contamination at Camp Lejeune, but bureaucratic delays and legal challenges have slowed victims’ access to justice.

The new legislation introduces key changes, including ensuring the right to a jury trial, modifying the burden of proof for victims, and capping attorney fees to promote fairness.

It also broadens jurisdiction, allowing cases to be heard in U.S. District Courts throughout the 4th Circuit, covering states like Virginia and South Carolina.

By removing legal hurdles and clarifying the original law, this act seeks to ensure veterans and their families can secure the compensation and care they deserve after exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

Supported by multiple veteran organizations, this bill represents a significant step forward in delivering long-overdue relief to those affected.

Our Camp Lejeune lawyers are committed to continuing the fight for justice for our clients.

August 1, 2024

As noted in the previous month, TruLaw is halting new client intake for the Camp Lejeune lawsuit to better serve our current clients. 

Although the administrative deadline for filing new claims is weeks away on August 10th, 2024, we are no longer accepting new clients for the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit as of July 22nd, 2024. 

We are halting the acceptance of new clients to focus our efforts on the clients we are currently serving and representing.

By doing so, we can dedicate more time and resources to each case, ensuring that our clients receive the best possible representation and support.

July 22, 2024

TruLaw is halting new client intake for the Camp Lejeune lawsuit to better serve our current clients. 

Although the administrative deadline for filing new claims is weeks away on August 10th, 2024, we are no longer accepting new clients for the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit as of July 22nd, 2024. 

We are halting the acceptance of new clients to focus our efforts on the clients we are currently serving and representing.

By doing so, we can dedicate more time and resources to each case, ensuring that our clients receive the best possible representation and support.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act represents a major hurdle overcome by veterans and their families in seeking rightful compensation for exposure to highly contaminated water.

Through this act, hundreds of thousands of people who have been affected by Camp Lejeune’s toxic water are seizing the opportunity to secure compensation for their medical bills, pain and suffering, and other intangible damages.

Recent developments in the litigation include the appointment of two settlement masters to expedite the claim resolution process.

This decision, announced on July 16th, 2024, aims to facilitate faster settlements for the numerous claims being filed.

Additionally, over 285,000 claims have been submitted, with more than $14 million in payouts already made outside of court.

Our Camp Lejeune lawyers will continue the hard work of fighting for our clients. 

The deadline to file a Camp Lejeune claim remains August 10th, 2024. 

However, TruLaw will not be taking new clients after July 22nd, 2024. 

If you or a loved one were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, please seek legal advice promptly to ensure your rights are protected.

July 17, 2024

The deadline for Camp Lejeune claims under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act is August 10th, 2024.

On December 26, 2023, the United States filed a motion to amend Case Management Order No. 2 in the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits.

The amendments sought included:

• Requiring all plaintiffs to file short form complaints.
• Removing the opt-out provision for Track 2 and future track plaintiffs.
• Extending Track 1 fact discovery by 90 days.
• Requiring plaintiffs to notify the United States promptly of any expert examinations.

On February 26, 2024, the court issued Case Management Order No. 10, granting some requests while denying others.

Key decisions included:

• Plaintiffs must file a short form complaint.
• The opt-out provision for Track 2 and future track plaintiffs remains intact.
• No extension for Track 1 fact discovery.
• Deferred ruling on expert examination notifications.

On April 17, 2024, the United States requested reconsideration of the opt-out provision decision, arguing that the Plaintiff’s Leadership Group’s (PLG) use of the opt-out provision had skewed the Track 2 sample, reducing its representativeness and undermining due process.

The PLG opposed the reconsideration, highlighting an increase in filed short form complaints and accommodations made for ill plaintiffs.

On July 17, 2024, the court denied the United States’ motion for reconsideration, citing insufficient evidence to prove the reduced Track 2 pool was unrepresentative and emphasizing the ability to address non-representative trials if necessary.

Contact the Camp Lejeune Lawyers at TruLaw today for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page. 

The deadline to file a Camp Lejeune claim is August 10th, 2024. 

TruLaw is no longer accepting new clients so that we can focus on the clients we are currently serving.

July 16, 2024:

The Deadline for filing claims under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act is approaching.

A group of four federal judges overseeing the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits has appointed two settlement masters to expedite the claim resolution process.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act, effective since August 2022, allows individuals who lived, served, or worked at the base from the mid-1950s to late 1980s to sue for compensation due to illnesses linked to toxic water.

The appointed settlement masters will facilitate discussions between parties but lack the authority to adjudicate issues.

Currently, 1,851 lawsuits have been filed concerning Camp Lejeune’s toxic water. 

In addition to lawsuits, administrative claims have surged, with over 24,000 claims filed in the past two weeks. More than 285,000 claims have been filed in total.

The latest joint status report indicates that 93 Camp Lejeune cases qualify for the government’s elective early settlement program.

Out of these, 37 cases have accepted settlement offers ranging from $100,000 to $450,000.

Contact the Camp Lejeune Lawyers at TruLaw today for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page. 

The deadline to file a Camp Lejeune claim is August 10th, 2024. 

By July 31st, 2024, TruLaw will not be accepting new clients. 

Contact us today to see if you qualify to file a claim.

July 12, 2024:

The deadline for filing claims under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act is quickly approaching.

Veterans and their families exposed to toxic water at the Marine Corps base between 1953 and 1987 must submit claims by August 10 to seek compensation for related health conditions.

Camp Lejeune, located in Jacksonville, N.C., has been linked to severe health issues due to contaminated water containing cancer-causing chemicals.

The federal government has acknowledged this exposure, and the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, passed in 2022, allows affected individuals to file claims for compensation.

Key Deadline Details:

• Claim Requirements: Individuals must have been exposed to Camp Lejeune water for at least 30 days and diagnosed with a qualified health condition before the law was passed.
• Deadline: Claims must be filed with the Department of the Navy by August 10.
• Number of Claims: Over 260,000 claims have been filed, with more than $14.7 million in payouts already made outside of court.
• Future Claims: The Act does not cover future diagnoses, making the upcoming deadline critical for those currently eligible.

Many victims and advocates urge eligible individuals to act promptly to secure their right to compensation.

Contact the lawyers at TruLaw today for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page.

The deadline to file a Camp Lejeune claim is August 10, 2024. 

Contact us today to see if you qualify to file a claim.

July 10, 2024

The federal court has transferred a dispute involving the National Academy of Sciences to the Eastern District of North Carolina (E.D.N.C.), where the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit is being handled.

The Plaintiffs’ Leadership Group (PLG) issued a subpoena to the Academy for information about a 2009 report on water contamination at Camp Lejeune.

Details of the subpoena include:

• PLG served a Rule 45 subpoena on the Academy, seeking information related to a 2009 report on water contamination at Camp Lejeune.
• The Academy produced 200,000 pages but withheld documents related to internal deliberations.
• The Academy filed a motion to quash or alter the subpoena, and PLG filed a motion to transfer this motion to the E.D.N.C.

The court decided the move to E.D.N.C. would keep the ongoing Camp Lejeune Water Contamination litigation organized, as the E.D.N.C. court is already familiar with the case details.

This transfer will not burden the Academy, as telecommunication methods and existing legal representation will facilitate the process.

The deadline to file a Camp Lejeune claim is August 10th, 2024.

Our lawyers are still accepting new clients.

Contact our Camp Lejeune Lawyers today for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for a Camp Lejeune claim instantly.

June 13, 2024

The Camp Lejeune lawsuit is ongoing. 

The court has approved a joint motion to identify specific plaintiffs for the initial trials related to the historic water contamination.

The first set of five lawsuits will address claimants suffering from severe health issues such as kidney cancer, bladder cancer, leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and Parkinson’s Disease.

According to the court’s decision, plaintiffs’ attorneys are required to choose three cases to advance to trial by June 16.

This process is designed to speed up the trial phase for those most severely impacted by the contamination.

These preliminary trials are expected to establish legal precedents for many other similar claims linked to the Camp Lejeune water contamination incident.

This structured approach is critical in managing the vast number of claims arising from prolonged exposure to hazardous substances in Camp Lejeune’s water supply.

Our legal team continues to welcome new clients.

For a free consultation or to check your eligibility for a Camp Lejeune claim instantly, contact our Camp Lejeune Lawyers today or use the chatbot on this page.

June 12, 2024

The Camp Lejeune lawsuit is ongoing. 

Recently, the court addressed several significant motions related to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, linked to higher risks of certain leukemias, lymphomas, and various cancers including those of the lung, breast, larynx, esophagus, thyroid, and soft tissues.

A status conference led to the withdrawal of multiple motions by both the Plaintiffs’ Leadership Group (PLG) and the United States, such as:

• The PLG’s Motion to Compel Document Production in response to their first request.
• The United States’ Cross-Motion for a Protective Order.
• The PLG’s Motion to Reconsider the order that denied their motion to compel production of certain digitized muster rolls.
• The PLG’s Motion to Reconsider the order that partially granted and denied their motion to compel production of the ATSDR Water Modeling Project File in native format. These withdrawals reflect the changing dynamics of case management in this complex litigation.

Additionally, the court rejected the United States’ motion to prevent the deposition of Dr. Christopher Portier, former Director of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), despite challenges such as international travel for his deposition in Italy due to health concerns.

The litigation still relies on the ATSDR’s historical contamination models, despite the National Research Council’s (NRC) report questioning the accuracy of these models.

These models are vital for claimants to establish the extent of exposure to hazardous substances like TCE and PCE and to demonstrate causation.

The resolution of these procedural motions and upcoming depositions are expected to significantly impact the direction of the numerous individual cases grouped under this landmark litigation.

Our legal team continues to welcome new clients.

For a free consultation or to check your eligibility for a Camp Lejeune claim instantly, contact our Camp Lejeune Lawyers today or use the chatbot on this page.

The Camp Lejeune lawsuit is ongoing. 

As of June 4, 2024, a federal court in North Carolina has resolved 58 settlements, amounting to $14.4 million, in connection with the longstanding contamination at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

The claims address illnesses linked to water tainted with high levels of chlorinated solvents and other pollutants from 1953 to 1987, including bladder and kidney cancers as well as lymphoma.

To date, 1,813 individual lawsuits have been filed, and the Department of the Navy has processed 232,892 administrative claims related to this issue.

Of these, 93 claimants have met the eligibility criteria for settlements, with 33 offers from the Navy and 25 from the U.S. Department of Justice accepted by claimants.

The Eastern District of North Carolina judges have maintained a strict causation standard as mandated by the 2022 Camp Lejeune Justice Act, rejecting plaintiffs’ appeals for a more lenient causation criterion.

This act, crucial for allowing veterans and their families to seek damages from the government, also imposed a controversial two-year deadline for filing claims.

This deadline has been contentious, with veterans alleging that the government withheld water contamination results until after the statute of limitations had expired.

Recent court rulings have denied service members’ requests for jury trials, indicating the court’s preparedness to proceed with bench trials instead.

The final date to submit a Camp Lejeune claim is August 10, 2024.

Our legal team continues to welcome new clients.

For a free consultation or to check your eligibility for a Camp Lejeune claim instantly, contact our Camp Lejeune Lawyers today or use the chatbot on this page.

June 3, 2024:

The Camp Lejeune lawsuit is ongoing.

On June 3, 2024, the Camp Lejeune Water Lawsuit took a significant step forward as the Plaintiffs’ Leadership Group and the United States established a selection protocol for the first bellwether trials.

This procedure targets 25 plaintiffs from the Track 1 Discovery Pool who have severe health conditions, including kidney cancer, bladder cancer, leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and Parkinson’s disease, attributed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

Under this strategy, each party can nominate plaintiffs for the trials: The Plaintiffs’ Leadership Group will suggest three candidates per illness, and the United States will propose an additional two per illness.

The selected plaintiffs will limit their claims to the specified Track 1 illnesses, thereby sharpening the focus of the trial.

The implementation of this protocol is a critical development in the litigation, promoting efficient resource allocation to the most critical cases.

This is anticipated to streamline the trial process, minimize expenses, and concentrate legal efforts.

The completion of discovery for these plaintiffs is set for 45 days after securing the necessary waivers, with a schedule for expert discovery to be determined following the trial order.

The deadline to file a Camp Lejeune claim is August 10th, 2024. 

Our lawyers are still accepting new clients. 

Contact our Camp Lejeune Lawyers today for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for a Camp Lejeune claim instantly.

May 30, 2024:

The Camp Lejeune lawsuit is ongoing. 

The Plaintiff’s Leadership Group (PLG) is challenging the United States’ attempt to block the deposition of Dr. Christopher Portier, whose significant previous role as Director of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) makes him a key figure in this lawsuit.

Dr. Portier was instrumental during his time at the ATSDR in studying the severe health effects from Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water, linking it to increased cancer and neurological disease rates.

His deposition is seen as vital to counter the government’s strategy, which involves undermining the ATSDR studies in favor of a critique by the National Academy of Sciences’ National Research Council (NRC), which questioned the ATSDR’s methods.

The U.S. government argues against Dr. Portier’s deposition, claiming it lacks relevance and that his insights have not been shown to be unique compared to those of other key scientists, like Dr. Frank Bove and Morris Maslia, whose depositions are pending.

Furthermore, the government highlights the logistical difficulties and high costs of conducting Dr. Portier’s deposition in Italy, where he now resides, and cites Rule 26(c). This rule permits the court to prevent unnecessary complications during discovery by issuing a protective order.

Despite these claims, the PLG insists on the critical nature of Dr. Portier’s testimony, due to his central role in the pivotal health studies conducted during his tenure at the ATSDR.

They argue that his deep understanding and leadership are essential to challenge the government’s reliance on the NRC’s findings.

Addressing the concerns about deposition logistics, the PLG is prepared to meet all legal requirements for conducting the deposition in Italy and suggests options like remote attendance to reduce costs.

The PLG also counters that the government has not provided sufficient factual basis as required by Rule 26(c) to warrant a protective order and requests the court to deny the motion, stressing the importance of Dr. Portier’s deposition to their case.

The deadline to file a claim for the Camp Lejeune lawsuit is August 10th, 2024.

Our lawyers are still accepting new clients. 

For a free consultation or to instantly check if you qualify for a Camp Lejeune claim, contact our Camp Lejeune Lawyers or use the chatbot on this page.

May 13, 2024:

The Camp Lejeune lawsuit is ongoing. 

The Federal Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina reaffirmed its decision on May 13, 2024, denying jury trials for plaintiffs under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA), as established in a previous ruling dated February 6, 2024.

The court declined the Plaintiff’s Leadership Group’s (PLG) request to review the February decision that eliminated jury trials based on stipulations within the CLJA.

Challenges arose with the evidence handling, particularly concerning the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) water modeling project files.

The court allowed the PLG to compel the production of these files in their original formats but refused the request for a complete “mirror image” of all modeling files.

This decision complicates the PLG’s ability to verify the reconstructed model accuracies.

Appeals before the full resolution of a case are generally limited to exceptional circumstances.

The court did not consider the jury trial issue under the CLJA as warranting immediate appeal.

It was noted that existing laws do not permit jury trials against the government in these instances, guiding the continuation of most Camp Lejeune cases without jury involvement.

This is likely to affect both settlement calculations and the strategic approach in upcoming legal actions.

Plaintiffs must await the final case resolutions before they can challenge the jury trial decision.

May 1, 2024:

The Camp Lejeune lawsuit is ongoing.

The legal battle surrounding the Camp Lejeune lawsuit takes a significant turn as the Plaintiffs Leadership Group (PLG) files a motion for partial summary judgment under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA).

This motion focuses on addressing procedural issues and definitions regarding the eligibility of “legal representatives” who can file claims on behalf of deceased victims exposed to toxic substances between 1953 and 1987 at Camp Lejeune.

The PLG’s filing aims to broaden the criteria for who may act as a legal representative under the CLJA, advocating for a more inclusive approach that would ease the legal process by avoiding the need to reopen deceased victims’ estates.

This adjustment is particularly relevant for cases originating in Onslow County, the location of Camp Lejeune.

The government’s response highlights the logistical difficulties of adjudicating claims linked to diverse diseases resulting from exposure at Camp Lejeune.

It proposes a prioritization of cases with claims pertaining to single diseases to help manage cases more effectively and work towards a comprehensive settlement of the issues.

The urgency of resolving these legal matters is underscored by the approaching August 10, 2024, deadline for submitting claims.

The PLG criticizes the government’s current requirements for demonstrating legal representative status at the time of claim filing, noting that these requirements place unnecessary hurdles in front of claimants, thereby increasing legal costs and potentially discouraging some from pursuing their claims.

The court’s impending decision on this motion will likely influence the trajectory of the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits, impacting the speed and efficiency with which affected families may receive compensation.

If you or someone you know was affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune from 1953 to 1987, you might be entitled to file a claim. 

Contact us today for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on our page to instantly determine eligibility for the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit. 

April 24, 2024:

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.

April 19, 2024:

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.

April 9, 2024:

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.

April 8, 2024:

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.

March 28, 2024:

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.

March 12, 2024:

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.

February 27, 2024:

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: 

• Track 2 targets plaintiffs with claims of prostate cancer, kidney disease, lung cancer, liver cancer, and breast cancer.
• This approach divides the litigation by types of illness, aiming to streamline both the discovery phase and the trial proceedings.
• The goal is to achieve early settlements for prevalent conditions, establishing a model for handling and potentially settling the diverse claims under the CLJA.

The Proposed Order for Expert Examinations of Plaintiffs details a consensus between the Plaintiffs’ Leadership Group (PLG) and the government:

• It proposes to simplify discovery by permitting the government to waive its right to conduct expert medical exams under specific conditions, thereby minimizing unnecessary medical evaluations.

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:

• The parties came to an agreement on how to notify each other about expert examinations, addressing previous ambiguities that could slow down the discovery process or unfairly disadvantage one party by not giving ample time to react or prepare for similar evaluations.
• The amendment to Case Management Order No. 2 aims to clarify and improve this part of the litigation process.

Case Management Order No. 10, addressing the Defendant’s request to change CMO 2, partially approves and partially denies the requested changes:

• It emphasizes the court’s decisions to extend the Track 1 discovery period, uphold the option for plaintiffs to opt out, and mandate all plaintiffs filed in North Carolina Federal Court to submit Short Form Complaints.
• Additionally, it postpones the decision on procedures for notifying about medical expert exams, playing a key role in maintaining the unique nature of each CLJA lawsuit while promoting a systematic and faster resolution of cases.

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.

February 21, 2024:

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.

February 14, 2024:

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.

February 1st, 2024:

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.

January 19th, 2024:

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:

1. Neither the Justice Department nor the Navy will ever ask for money or payment from you.
2. If you have legal representation, direct all inquiries to your attorney for verification.
3. Authentic emails from the Navy will originate from CLClaims@us.navy.mil. You can forward any email you receive to this address to verify its authenticity.
4. In the event of a phone call from someone claiming to be from the Camp Lejeune Claims Unit (CLCU) or offering assistance with your claim and you are uncertain, request the person’s name and position, and then call the CLCU at (757) 241-6020 to verify.
5. If you have legal representation, rest assured that the Justice Department and Navy will not contact you directly; they will only communicate through your attorney.

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.

December 28th, 2023:

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.

November 30th, 2023:

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.

November 15th, 2023:

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.

November 13th, 2023:

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.

November 6th, 2023: 

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.

November 3rd, 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.

October 30th, 2023:

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.

October 27th, 2023:

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.

October 16th, 2023:

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.

September 28th, 2023:

The first track will include non-Hodgkin lymphoma, liver cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, and Parkinson’s disease

September 20th, 2023:

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.

September 13th, 2023: 

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.

September 6th, 2023:

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.

August 23, 2023:

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.

August 1st, 2023

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.

July 5th, 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.

July 17th, 2023

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.

July 28th, 2023

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.

June 6th, 2023:

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.

May 1st, 2023:

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.

May 5th, 2023:

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.

May 9th, 2023:

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.

May 11th, 2023:

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.

May 16th, 2023:

A new study definitively links Parkinson’s disease to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune, providing strong evidence of the connection.

May 17th, 2023:

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.

March 1st, 2023:

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.

March 6th, 2023:

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.

March 20th, 2023:

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.

February 1st, 2023,

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.

February 8th, 2023:

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.

February 13th, 2023:

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.

February 14th, 2023:

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.

February 27th, 2023:

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.