[2024 Update] Camp Lejeune Microcephaly Lawsuit

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

The original law was meant to provide veterans and families affected by toxic water contamination at Camp Lejeune a clear path to compensation, but victims have faced bureaucratic delays and legal challenges that have hindered their ability to access justice.

The new legislation makes several key changes, including clarifying the right to a jury trial, adjusting the burden of proof for victims, and capping attorney fees to ensure fairness.

It also expands jurisdiction beyond North Carolina, allowing cases to be heard in any of the U.S. District Courts within the 4th Circuit, which covers states like Virginia and South Carolina.

By removing legal roadblocks and addressing ambiguities in the original legislation, this new act seeks to ensure that veterans and their families can receive the compensation and care they deserve for the harm caused by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The bill is supported by multiple veteran organizations, emphasizing its importance in providing long-overdue relief.

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

TorHoerman Law is halting new client intake for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit to better serve our current clients. 

The U.S. Navy has reported that over 546,500 claims have been filed for compensation related to the contaminated water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

This number, disclosed in a recent court filing, positions the Camp Lejeune lawsuits among the largest injury cases in history, surpassing even the nearly 400,000 lawsuits filed in the 3M military-issue earplugs litigation.

The claims were submitted by individuals who believe their exposure to toxic chemicals in Camp Lejeune’s water between 1953 and 1987 led to serious health issues, including kidney cancer, leukemia, and bladder cancer.

As of the August 10 deadline, the Navy continues to review the claims, which may fluctuate slightly as duplicates are removed.

While the Navy has resolved around 150 cases, more lawsuits are likely, with over 2,000 cases already filed in federal court in North Carolina.

These cases will undergo further proceedings, with the first trials expected to begin next year.

The resolution of these claims will be closely watched as it sets a precedent for handling mass torts of this magnitude.

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

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

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, which went into effect in 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 TorHoerman Law 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, TorHoerman will not be accepting new clients

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

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

Veterans and their families who were exposed to toxic water at the Marine Corps base between 1953 and 1987 must submit their 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.

From 1953 to 1987, Marines and their families were exposed to 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 are urging eligible individuals to act promptly to secure their right to compensation.

Contact the Lawyers at Torhoerman Law today for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page. 

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

Torhoerman is not accepting new clients starting the end of July, contact us today to see if you qualify to file a claim.

The Camp Lejeune Lawsuit is ongoing. 

A joint motion to select specific plaintiffs for the initial trials concerning historically contaminated water has been approved by the court.

The initial group of five lawsuits will focus on claimants suffering from serious health conditions such as kidney cancer, bladder cancer, leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and Parkinson’s Disease.

The court’s ruling stipulates that plaintiffs’ attorneys must select three cases they wish to proceed to trial by June 16.

This selection process is aimed at expediting the trial phase for those most severely affected by the contamination.

These early trials will help in setting precedents for numerous other cases involving similar claims related to the Camp Lejeune water contamination incident.

The structured approach to these lawsuits is pivotal in addressing the extensive claims resulting from long-term exposure to hazardous substances in the water supply at Camp Lejeune.

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.

The Camp Lejeune lawsuit is ongoing. 

Several significant motions have been recently addressed by the court.

Contamination of water at Camp Lejeune was associated with elevated risks for certain leukemias and lymphomas, as well as cancers of the lung, breast, larynx, esophagus, thyroid, and soft tissues

A status conference was held, resulting in the withdrawal of multiple motions by both the Plaintiffs’ Leadership Group (PLG) and the United States, including:

• Plaintiffs’ Leadership Group’s Motion to Compel Document Production in Response to First Set of Request for Production.
• United States’ Cross-Motion for Protective Order.
• Plaintiffs’ Motion -to Reconsider Order Denying Plaintiffs’ Motion to Compel Production of Certain Digitized Muster Rolls.
• Plaintiffs’ Motion to Reconsider Order Granting in Part and Denying in Part Plaintiffs’ Motion to Compel Production of ATSDR Water Modeling Project File in Native Format.

These included motions related to document production and protective orders, highlighting the evolving dynamics of case management in this complex litigation.

The court denied the United States’ motion to prevent the deposition of Dr. Christopher Portier, former Director of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).

This decision comes despite logistical challenges cited by the United States, including international travel concerns for the deposition scheduled in Italy due to Dr. Portier’s health constraints.

The litigation continues to utilize the ATSDR’s historical contamination models, despite criticisms from the National Research Council’s (NRC) report which questioned the models’ precision.

These models are central to establishing the extent of exposure to hazardous substances like TCE and PCE, crucial for claimants to demonstrate causation.

The outcome of these procedural motions and the upcoming depositions will likely influence the trajectory of the numerous individual cases consolidated under this landmark act.

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.

The federal court has moved 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.

The Camp Lejeune lawsuit is ongoing. 

In a recent development in the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, a federal court in North Carolina reported progress on the consolidated litigation under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.

As of June 4, 2024, the court has processed 58 settlements, totaling $14.4 million, related to the long-standing contamination issues at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

This litigation pertains to allegations that exposure to water containing high levels of chlorinated solvents and other contaminants led to serious illnesses, including bladder and kidney cancer, as well as lymphoma, between 1953 and 1987.

Nearly 1,813 individual lawsuits have been filed so far. 

Additionally, the Department of the Navy has received 232,892 administrative claims concerning the water contamination, with 93 claimants deemed eligible for settlements.

Of these, 33 offers made by the Navy and another 25 by the U.S. Department of Justice have been accepted.

Furthermore, judges in the Eastern District of North Carolina have upheld a stringent causation standard as required by the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, denying plaintiffs’ requests for a looser causation criterion.

This act is significant as it removed previous barriers, allowing veterans and their families to pursue damages against the government.

However, it also came with a controversial two-year deadline for filing claims, amidst allegations from veterans that the government delayed releasing water contamination tests until after the statute of limitations had expired.

Recent judicial decisions include a denial of service members’ bid for jury trials, with the court indicating readiness to proceed with bench trials.

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.

The Camp Lejeune lawsuit is ongoing. 

On June 3, 2024, in the Camp Lejeune Water Litigation, the Plaintiffs’ Leadership Group and the United States finalized a process for selecting specific plaintiffs for the first bellwether trials.

This process focuses on 25 plaintiffs from the Track 1 Discovery Pool, alleging serious health conditions such as kidney cancer, bladder cancer, leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, or Parkinson’s disease caused by the water at Camp Lejeune.

The selection strategy allows each party to propose plaintiffs for the trials, with the Plaintiffs’ Leadership Group nominating three candidates per illness and the United States proposing an additional two per illness.

These selected plaintiffs agree to waive any claims related to conditions not listed as Track 1 illnesses, streamlining the focus of the trials.

The approval of this protocol marks a significant advancement in the litigation, as it allows for the efficient allocation of resources towards the most representative and pressing cases.

This is expected to expedite the trial process, reduce overheads, and focus legal efforts.

Discovery for the selected plaintiffs is scheduled to conclude 45 days after all necessary waivers are obtained.

The schedule for expert discovery will be established once the order for the trials is set, ensuring a focused and effective examination of the cases set to proceed to trial.

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. 

The Camp Lejeune Lawsuit is ongoing. 

The Plaintiff’s Leadership Group (PLG) opposes the United States’ motion to prevent the deposition of Dr. Chrisopher Portier, a pivotal figure in the litigation due to his former role as Director of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).

During his tenure, Dr. Portier played a crucial role in addressing the health impacts linked to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The studies conducted under his direction at the ATSDR linked the exposure to contaminated water to increased rates of cancer and neurological diseases.

Dr. Portier’s potential deposition is crucial because it could challenge the government’s defensive strategy, which has been to discredit the ATSDR studies in favor of a report by the National Academy of Sciences’ National Research Council (NRC), which criticized the ATSDR’s methodology.

The U.S. government contends that Dr. Portier’s deposition is not relevant to the case and argues that the importance of his testimony has not been adequately demonstrated, particularly since the depositions of other key scientists (Dr. Frank Bove and Morris Maslia) have not yet occurred.

The government suggests that it remains unclear what new or significant information Dr. Portier could offer that these other scientists could not.

In addition, the government argues that the deposition would be burdensome due to the challenges and costs of conducting the deposition in Italy, where Dr. Portier resides.

Furthermore, the government cites Rule 26(c), which allows a court to issue a protective order to prevent unnecessary annoyance, embarrassment, or harm during the discovery process of a lawsuit.

Under this rule, the U.S. would seek a protective order to prevent the deposition, arguing they have shown good cause by pointing to the supposed irrelevance and burdensome nature of the deposition.

The PLG disputes the government’s claim about relevance, as Dr. Portier played a central role in the ATSDR during the time it conducted key health studies on Camp Lejeune’s water contamination.

They argue that his firsthand knowledge and leadership during the studies make his testimony crucial, particularly to rebut the government’s defense which relies on discrediting the ATSDR studies.

In response to concerns of burden, the PLG commits to adhering to all legal requirements for conducting the deposition in Italy and proposes accommodations like remote attendance to mitigate costs.

The PLG continues to argue that Dr. Portier’s testimony is not only relevant but essential for establishing a comprehensive understanding of scientific evaluations and conclusions drawn by the ATSDR, and that his findings directly contest those of the NRC report.

They highlight that the government’s motion lacks the specific factual support required by Rule 26(c) to justify a protective order.

Finally, the PLG requests the court to deny the government’s motion for a protective order, arguing that Dr. Portier’s deposition is essential for their case and that the government has not sufficiently demonstrated a valid reason to prevent it.

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. 

The Camp Lejeune Lawsuit is ongoing. 

In a recent decision from the Camp Lejeune Water Lawsuit, the Eastern District of North Carolina’s federal court rejected a request by the Plaintiff’s Leadership Group (PLG) to review an earlier decision denying jury trials for plaintiffs.

This decision came on May 13, 2024, following a February 6 ruling that removed the option for a jury trial based on the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA).

Additionally, there have been complexities in the handling of evidence, specifically regarding the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) water modeling project files.

The court partially granted the PLG’s earlier motion to compel the production of these files in native formats but denied the request for a “mirror image” of all modeling files, which has led to challenges in verifying the accuracy of the models reconstructed by the PLG.

The court emphasized that appeals before a case is fully resolved are generally reserved for exceptional circumstances.

They did not find the jury trial issue under the new CLJA to be an extraordinary case that warranted an early appeal.

The court also noted that the law did not clearly allow for jury trials against the government in this situation.

This means that most of the Camp Lejeune cases will proceed without jury trials, potentially influencing how settlements are calculated and the legal strategies used.

A jury trial is a legal process where a group of citizens determines the facts of a case and decides the outcome based on evidence presented in court.

Plaintiffs now must wait until the final resolution of their cases before they can appeal the decision on jury trials.

The Camp Lejeune Lawsuit is still moving forward. 

The Plaintiffs’ Leadership Group (PLG) has submitted a critical motion for partial summary judgment to address procedural and legal representative issues under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA).

The motion seeks judicial clarification on the qualifications of “legal representatives” to present administrative claims on behalf of deceased victims affected by toxic exposure between 1953 and 1987.

The motion proposes the necessity for broader recognition of who may serve as a legal representative under the CLJA, asking for the court to endorse procedural adaptations from various states and counties, notably those from Onslow County (where Camp Lejeune is located).

These adaptations aim to simplify the process of appointing representatives without the need to reopen estates, which would hopefully speed up the process for families filing claims on behalf of deceased loved ones.

The government has countered by highlighting the complexities of managing claims related to multiple diseases caused by the Camp Lejeune exposure.

It advocates for prioritizing trials for plaintiffs with single disease claims to facilitate more efficient case management and support global resolution of the claims.

This approach aligns with the court’s strategy to stage discovery and trials by tracks of illnesses.

The PLG’s motion also emphasizes the urgent need to resolve these legal issues promptly, especially with the impending August 10, 2024, deadline for filing claims.

The attorneys in leadership argue that the current government stance, which requires explicit proof of legal representative status at the time of claim presentation, adds unnecessary barriers and could significantly deter many claimants due to procedural challenges and legal expenses.

As the court considers these arguments, the outcome may influence how the litigation unfolds, potentially impacting how quickly the affected families can pursue compensation.

If you or a loved one were exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a claim. 

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit instantly. 

The Camp Lejeune Lawsuit is ongoing, and the deadline (August 10, 2024) for filing claims under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act is approaching. 

There has been limited progress in the administrative process to date.

The deadline for filing claims is approaching in August, and it is our opinion that the Department of Justice may be able to process claims at a greater pace once the submission period has ended.

There are currently over 190,000 claims filed with the Department of Navy, and very few Camp Lejeune cases have been resolved.

We understand that this process is frustrating, but we will get through it together.

As mentioned in our last update, the Defendant requested that the court grant them additional time to respond to discovery requests.

The discovery process is where both sides exchange information and evidence.

Plaintiffs argued that the information requested was critical to the development of the case and that extensions like these create delays in the litigation process.

Last week, the court granted the motion for the extension.

Although progress in this litigation may be slow, know that our Camp Lejeune Lawyers are working on individual cases by ordering and reviewing medical records, substantiating exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, working on case submissions, and addressing other issues that will advance our clients’ cases.

If you or a loved one were exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, we encourage you to reach out to our Camp Lejeune Lawyers. 

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

The Camp Lejeune Lawsuit is ongoing, and the deadline (August 10, 2024) for filing claims under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act is approaching. 

In the Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Litigation, the defendant has been granted a 30-day extension by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina to respond to recently written discovery requests.

The extension applies to the Second Set of Requests for Production, Interrogatories, and Requests for Admission for Track 1 Discovery Plaintiffs, which relate to several specific illnesses attributed to water contamination at Camp Lejeune.

This litigation involves a group of over 1,700 individual lawsuits consolidated under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, addressing the harm caused by exposure to contaminated water between August 1953 and December 1987.

A Plaintiffs’ Leadership Group and case management orders have been established to streamline proceedings and the extended deadline for these responses is now set for May 28, 2024.

The Plaintiffs oppose the extension as it relates to this Rule 26(e) Request, which requires a party to supplement its discovery responses when the party learns that some material in the disclosure or response is incomplete or incorrect.

The court’s order does not extend the defendant’s time for supplementation; instead, the court specifies that Plaintiffs may file motions as necessary to enforce earlier requests for production.

As this litigation moves forward, the court’s procedural rulings ensure an orderly progression toward addressing the plaintiffs’ claims related to health issues from exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

If you or a loved one were exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a claim. 

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit instantly.

The Camp Lejeune Lawsuit is ongoing. 

In a development within the Camp Lejeune toxic water litigation, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina has issued a revision to Case Management Order No. 2, specifically targeting the opt-out provisions that dictate plaintiff participation in the ongoing discovery processes.

This modification is significant as it narrows the scope of who can opt out of the Discovery Pool for Track 2 and beyond, a decision aimed at enhancing the procedural efficiency and equity of the litigation.

Under the revised order, the privilege to opt out of the Discovery Pool is now restricted solely to those plaintiffs who are not represented by members of the Plaintiffs’ Leadership Group.

These plaintiffs are required to formally notify both the Plaintiffs’ Leadership and counsel for the United States of their intention to opt out within a 30-day period that follows the filing of the Complaint.

This change is made to prevent the widespread use of the opt-out provision, which has previously been seen as a block to the progression of the litigation.

The order stipulates that any plaintiff who has opted out of Track 2 but who is represented by counsel within the Plaintiffs’ Leadership Group will still be considered eligible for inclusion in the Track 2 Discovery Pool.

Additionally, the court denied the United States’ motion for an extension concerning the Plaintiffs’ Request for Supplementation, emphasizing the need for prompt compliance without further delays.

This ruling mandates that the United States must immediately supplement its discovery responses, particularly addressing the production of documents related to requests for production numbers 18, 19, and 20, which were initially served on October 4, 2023

The Plaintiffs’ Leadership Group (PLG) and the United States have agreed on procedures for obtaining and sharing critical medical and social security records of plaintiffs in the Track 1 Discovery Pool.

This includes the use of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant authorization forms to access private third-party medical records and Social Security Administration SSA-7050-F4 forms for social security earnings information

This adjustment is intended to correct any imbalances caused by previous applications of the opt-out provision and to streamline the discovery phase of the litigation.

The United States has also filed a motion requesting the court to reconsider its previous stance, which had refused to eliminate the opt-out provision entirely for future tracks.

The motion advocates for a more stringent approach to opting out, arguing that it is essential for maintaining the flow and integrity of the litigation process.

The United States Government contends that this measure is necessary to ensure that all plaintiffs remain actively involved and eligible for selection in the discovery pools.

These recent adjustments and motions represent a potential shift in the handling of the Camp Lejeune Lawsuits filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina, potentially influencing the plaintiff’s participation and the strategy of the litigation.

Call us today for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for an instant Camp Lejeune case evaluation.

The Camp Lejeune Lawsuit is ongoing. 

The federal government has proposed to the North Carolina federal court that cases involving plaintiffs who have only one specific disease linked to the water contamination—such as bladder cancer, kidney cancer, leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, or Parkinson’s disease—should be tried first.

This approach aims to simplify and expedite the process, as these cases are less complex than those involving multiple diseases, which require extensive expert testimony.

Nearly 1,500 lawsuits claim that from 1953 to 1987, water contamination at Camp Lejeune led to severe health issues due to high levels of harmful chemicals.

Prioritizing single-disease cases could lead to quicker resolutions for those affected.

The plaintiffs’ legal team is seeking to appeal a decision that denied their request for a jury trial, arguing that the interpretation of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act by the court needs reconsideration.

Our firm continues to accept cases from individuals impacted by the Camp Lejeune water contamination.

We are committed to providing representation for those seeking compensation for related medical problems.

Call us today for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for an instant Camp Lejeune case evaluation. 

The Camp Lejeune Lawsuit is ongoing. 

On April 8, 2024, the United States District court for the Eastern District of North Carolina issued an order amending the procedures for the Camp Lejeune Water Litigation, specifically concerning Track 1 plaintiffs.

A “Track 1 Plaintiff” refers to a subgroup of plaintiffs who are part of the larger litigation and share common characteristics or have claims that are straightforward and easier to resolve.

For the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit, Track 1 plaintiffs are those claiming to have contracted specific diseases directly linked to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The court’s order, identified as Document 167-6, categorizes Track 1 plaintiffs into two groups: Single Disease Plaintiffs and Multiple Disease Plaintiffs.

Multiple Disease Plaintiffs, who claim various diseases directly caused by exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, will have their trials scheduled after those Single Disease Plaintiffs.

Expert discovery for Multiple Disease Plaintiffs will be postponed until the completion of the Single Disease Plaintiff trials.

This delay allows for adequate preparation and consideration of the more complex issues surrounding multiple diseases.

The court will set a schedule for expert discovery concerning Multiple Disease Plaintiffs in a subsequent order.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, call us today for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page for an instant Camp Lejeune Lawsuit case evaluation.

The Camp Lejeune lawsuit is ongoing. 

The deadline for filing administrative claims and lawsuits under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act is August 10, 2024.

Eligible individuals for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit include military veterans, their family members, and civilian employees who were exposed to contaminated water at the base between 1953 and 1987 for at least 30 days.

The Navy and Justice Department have implemented a special provision under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, where certain conditions presumed to be caused by the contaminated water are eligible for an expedited settlement process.

These recognized illnesses include the following:

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

Non-elective option settlements and lawsuits require a higher burden of proof, not only exposure to the contaminated water but proof that there is a relationship between exposure at injury.

Our law firm continues to accept new cases related to the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit for eligible military veterans, families and civilian employees exposed to the contaminated water supply. 

Call us today for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page. 

The Camp Lejeune Lawsuit is ongoing. 

In the ongoing Camp Lejeune litigation, our attorneys continue to aid clients with Camp Lejeune claims.

A recent Joint Status Report published on March 12th states that 1,633 Camp Lejeune Lawsuits have been filed in the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

The Joint Status Report also reported that there have been a total of 174,891 administrative claims filed.

The document further elaborates that relevant parties are in the process of finalizing the bellwether selection method, a process of selecting a small group of cases from the larger pool to be tried first.

The outcomes of these “bellwether” trials can help predict trends in the larger body of cases, potentially guiding future litigation or settlement negotiations.

The report goes on to highlight that the court anticipates holding a status conference in the coming month to further discuss case management and the bellwether selection process.

The Camp Lejeune claims process is ongoing, and the deadline to file a claim is August 10th, 2024.

Despite the vast number of cases and claims, attorneys and the court are making steady progress in managing the litigation.

If you’ve been exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to take action. 

Contact our law firm today or use the chatbot on this page for an instant case evaluation.

The Camp Lejeune Lawsuit is ongoing. 

On March 12th, the Eastern District of North Carolina recently ruled partially in favor of the plaintiffs regarding the production of the Water Modeling Project File by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) in its native format.

Water modeling is a scientific method to help ATSDR estimate water system conditions prior to March 1987, water modeling will help identify where and when certain areas at Camp Lejeune received VOC-contaminated drinking water

This litigation involves over 1,500 lawsuits under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, focusing on harm caused by water exposure at the base between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.

The core of the dispute was whether the Modeling Files should be provided in a converted format, which plaintiffs argued would make them unusable due to the loss of the original structure, including folders, subfolders, and vital cross-references.

Specifically, the plaintiffs highlighted that the Geographic Information System (GIS) files and water modeling files would lose functionality if not kept in their original format.

The defendant acknowledged, however, that some of the modeling files might not be adequately preserved if processed under the standard ESI protocol and agreed to produce such files in their native format where necessary

The court’s decision requires these Exotic Modeling Files to be produced in their native format to preserve their organized, functional integrity, ensuring they remain accessible and useful for litigation.

This order reflects a balancing act between adhering to established ESI production standards and recognizing the need for flexibility in cases where those standards would impede the usability and evidentiary value of the files in question.

If you or a loved one lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune claim.

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

The Camp Lejeune Lawsuit is ongoing. 

On February 26, 2024, several documents integral to the progression and management of the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit were submitted in the Eastern District of North Carolina.

The Track 2 Discovery Plan Order (CMO 9) establishes a discovery plan for the second phase of litigation:

• Track 2 is focused on plaintiffs alleging prostate cancer, kidney disease, lung cancer, liver cancer, and breast cancer.
• The “track” approach segments the litigation into groups of illnesses to streamline the discovery and trial process.
• This method aims to facilitate early resolution for common conditions, setting a precedent for how the court plans to manage and potentially resolve the wide array of claims under the CLJA.

The Proposed Order for Expert Examinations of Plaintiffs outlines an agreement between the Plaintiffs’ Leadership Group (PLG) and the government:

• This proposed order is designed to streamline discovery by allowing the government to forgo its right to expert medical examinations under certain conditions.
• This proposed order also aims to reduce unnecessary examinations.

The Joint Motion to Amend CMO 2 Regarding Expert Examinations of Plaintiffs  seeks to amend a previous case management order (CMO 2) to refine the procedures regarding expert examinations of plaintiffs: 

• The parties resolved a dispute regarding the procedures for notifying parties about expert examinations of plaintiffs
• Prior to the resolution, there was a lack of clear protocol for notifying the opposing party about expert examinations, which could lead to inefficiencies in the discovery process and potentially disadvantage one side by not providing sufficient time to respond or prepare for similar examinations.
• The resolution proposed amendments to Case Management Order No. 2 to establish a more defined procedure for this aspect of the litigation.

Case Management Order No. 10 responds to the Defendant’s motion to amend CMO 2, granting in part and denying in part the proposed amendments:

• This joint motion highlights the court’s decisions on extending the Track 1 fact discovery window, maintaining the “opt-out” provision for plaintiffs, and requiring all plaintiffs who have filed in North Carolina Federal Court to file Short Form Complaints.
• This joint motion also deferred the ruling on the notification for medical expert examinations.
• This document is crucial for understanding the court’s stance on preserving the individuality of CLJA lawsuits while also striving for an orderly and expedited disposition of cases.

The collective implications of these four court documents on the Camp Lejeune Litigation, particularly for cases in the North Carolina Federal Court, include a structured approach to managing discovery and trial processes through the continued implementation of “track” systems and stipulated orders for expert examinations.

Short-term, these measures aim to streamline proceedings and reduce inefficiencies, particularly with the adoption of Short Form Complaints for standardizing claims within North Carolina Federal Court.

Long-term, these adjustments are poised to facilitate a more expedited resolution of cases, while maintaining the integrity and individuality of each plaintiff’s claim within the overarching framework of the litigation.

Our lawyers are still accepting Camp Lejeune claims from individuals who were at the Marine Corps base for 30 days or more between 1953 and 1987. 

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

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On February 21, 2024, the federal government argued that Camp Lejeune plaintiffs must demonstrate that their illnesses were specifically caused by exposure to contaminated water at the Marine Base.

Nearly 1,500 suits pending in the Eastern District of North Carolina relate to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which eased restrictions for individuals affected by water contamination at the base between 1953 and 1987.

The government maintained that the burden of proof imposed by Congress, despite being less stringent than in traditional tort cases, still requires plaintiffs to establish a direct link between their injuries and the tainted water.

They contended that merely proving a minimum stay at the base and having an illness related to exposure is insufficient, as it could allow for recoveries without individualized proof.

Plaintiffs seek to connect various diseases to the water at Camp Lejeune, alleged to have high levels of contaminants.

They argue that the 30-day requirement aligns with the Camp Lejeune Justice Act’s goal to streamline litigation for those affected by the toxic water.

Represented by various counsel, plaintiffs have been pursuing damages from the government, while the government’s defense is led by attorneys from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Division.

The case, Camp Lejeune Water Litigation v. U.S., revolves around the government’s position that plaintiffs must directly link their illnesses to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, and it is currently in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

On February 14th, plaintiff’s attorneys in the Camp Lejeune litigation moved to appeal a previous court ruling of not having a jury trial.

A memorandum was given in support of the Plaintiffs’ Motion to Certify for Appeal the Order Granting the Defendant’s Motion to Strike the Demand for a Jury Trial.

These documents are in reference to a February 6, 2024 order, in which the court granted the government’s motion to strike the jury-trial demand, ruling that plaintiffs under the CLJA are not entitled to jury trials against the government.

The plaintiffs argue that the court’s order involves a “controlling question of law”, with substantial grounds for difference of opinion, and that an immediate appeal could help advance the process for resolving the claims.

The Plaintiff’s Leadership Group (PLG) requests that the court’s decision to remove the option for a jury trial be reviewed immediately by a higher court.

It’s important to note that the appeal request is specific to just two lawsuits and doesn’t impact other plaintiffs’ ability to appeal once there’s a final court decision.

The intention behind this targeted appeal is to limit the court’s reconsideration to these two specific cases, ensuring the court can continue to manage the trials efficiently and keep the overall litigation process moving smoothly.

Visit this page for further information and developments in the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit. 

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit instantly. 

Our lawyers are still helping people file Camp Lejeune claims, and Camp Lejeune Lawsuits are being filed in North Carolina federal court.

A new government study has revealed that military and civilian personnel who lived and worked at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina during the mid-1970s and ’80s are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with certain cancers compared to those stationed at a similar military base in California during the same period.

The study, conducted by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), may expand the list of conditions for which veterans and civilians from Camp Lejeune can receive government compensation. 

The study tracked over 400,000 service members and others and found an increased risk of various cancers associated with exposure to the toxic chemicals in Camp Lejeune’s water.

These include polycythemia vera, myelodysplastic and myeloproliferative syndromes, esophagus, voice box, thyroid, soft tissue, marginal B-cell lymphoma, and some types of lung cancer. 

Male breast cancer was also confirmed to be significantly more common among those exposed to the contaminated water.

The research indicated higher risks of cancer for civilians, though slightly different from military personnel.

The Camp Lejeune Cancer Incidence Study is significant in understanding the health effects of exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and may lead to the expansion of recognized health conditions related to the decades-long contamination.

If you or a loved one lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation. 

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit instantly.

Our lawyers are still helping people file Camp Lejeune claims, and Camp Lejeune Lawsuits are being filed in North Carolina federal court.

The government raised concerns in court that plaintiffs eligible for the Track 1 Discovery Pool, who had more extended exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, might create an unrepresentative sample of claimants.

This disparity in exposure levels could lead to varying health issues or claims among individuals, making the outcomes less fair for everyone affected.

The Department of Justice argued that if only people with long exposure to contaminated water were included in the Track 1 Discovery Pool, it might not accurately represent all those affected.

Some with different exposure levels or health problems might be excluded, resulting in higher verdicts that don’t reflect the broader situation.

The court recognized the government’s concern but noted that individuals who had already gone through administrative claims with the Department of the Navy were choosing to participate in federal litigation.

If you or a loved one lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation. 

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit instantly.

Our lawyers are still helping people file Camp Lejeune claims, and Camp Lejeune Lawsuits are being filed in North Carolina federal court.

The Justice Department and the Department of the Navy have issued a fraud alert concerning the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA).

According to the government, there have been reports of illegitimate parties attempting to collect money or personal information from claimants.

The Justice Department and the Department of the Navy advise potential claimants and their attorneys to keep in mind: 

1. The Justice Department and the Navy will never request money or payment from you.
2. If an attorney is representing you, direct all inquiries to your attorney for verification.
3. Authorized emails from the Navy will be sent from CLClaims@us.navy.mil, and you may forward any email message you receive to that address to verify authenticity.
4. If you receive a phone call claiming to be from the Camp Lejeune Claims Unit (CLCU) or offering assistance with your claim, and you are uncertain, ask for the person’s name and position, then call the CLCU at (757) 241-6020 to verify.
5. If you are represented by an attorney, the Justice Department and Navy will not contact you directly and will only contact you through your attorney.

The CLJA, 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.

The act covers veterans who lived on the base between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and includes 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.

The Congressional Budget Office has allocated $6.7 billion for settlements and legal expenses.

Compensation will range from $100,000 to $1 million and will be distributed based on a tiered system that relies on proving a medical condition is linked to the contamination.

If you or a loved one lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation. 

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit instantly.

Our lawyers are still helping people file Camp Lejeune claims, and Camp Lejeune Lawsuits are being filed in North Carolina federal court.

The Camp Lejeune litigation is expected to see its first trials, marking a significant development in one of the largest mass tort cases.

Nearly 150,000 administrative claims and 1,500 lawsuits have been filed for health problems related to decades of water contamination at the North Carolina Marine base.

The first trials will address claims related to leukemia, Parkinson’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, bladder cancer, and kidney cancer.

There are unresolved issues in the litigation, such as which cases should proceed to trial and who should decide these trials.

The U.S. Department of Justice is disputing whether Camp Lejeune claims should be heard by a jury, while plaintiffs argue that the law, known as the PACT Act, permits jury trials.

Additionally, questions about who can bring claims on behalf of deceased individuals exposed to the contaminated water remain.

If you or a loved one lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation. 

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit instantly.

Our lawyers are still helping people file Camp Lejeune claims, and the process is developing for Camp Lejeune Lawsuits in North Carolina federal court.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert B Jones has issued an order requiring Camp Lejeune plaintiffs to provide their birth dates and Social Security numbers in their short-form water contamination lawsuits.

Plaintiffs are cautious about sharing such sensitive information due to the prevalence of social security number scams and identity theft related to this litigation.

The request for this data doesn’t align with the typical “initial disclosures” outlined in the Federal Rules of Procedure.

Judge Jones is acting in accordance with a mandate from North Carolina judges to advance these cases efficiently.

The court’s aim is to expedite the process of offering settlements to more victims who have suffered due to the water contamination.

The provision of birth dates and Social Security numbers aids the government in promptly investigating claims, and this reasoning is difficult to dispute.

If you or a loved one lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation. 

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit instantly.