Camp Lejeune, situated in Jacksonville, North Carolina, stands as the largest Marine Corps Base on the Eastern Seaboard. Since its establishment in 1941, it has provided a home for numerous service members and their families. This bastion of history, however, harbors a dark episode—one of the most egregious instances of water contamination and government concealment in U.S. annals.

Which Water Contaminants Emerged?

In addition to numerous other hazardous substances, Camp Lejeune’s water supply revealed the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), notably:

• benzene
• tetrachloroethylene (PCE)
• trichloroethylene (TCE)
• vinyl chloride (VC)

Many VOCs are acknowledged carcinogens, potentially causing cancers, birth abnormalities, and miscarriages.

Routes of Exposure to Hazardous Camp Lejeune Water

Toxic water exposure arises through ingestion or contact.

This peril could materialize through drinking, bathing, cooking, and even laundering clothes in the compromised water.

Decades of Contaminants: Health Hazards Revealed

The chemicals coursing through Camp Lejeune’s water supply for forty years are widely recognized for their severe detriment to human health. This troubling concoction has been correlated with specific cancer types, neurological disorders, and birth abnormalities.

Cancer Associations with TCE and PCE Exposure

Probing Health Impacts on Camp Lejeune Residents

Numerous scientific studies have scrutinized the health implications of water contamination on Camp Lejeune inhabitants and personnel. These studies uniformly establish a remarkable increase in mortality risk from cancers and chronic ailments linked to Camp Lejeune’s tainted water.

The Landmark Bove Study and ATSDR’s Insights

A seminal inquiry led by CDC scientist Frank Bove and published in the Environmental Health journal (2014) delved into Camp Lejeune’s water. The retrospective cohort study—dubbed the Bove Study—analyzed mortality data of military personnel stationed at Camp Lejeune (1975-1985), contrasting it with data from uncontaminated water at Camp Pendleton, CA. 

Revealing Elevated Risks

The Bove Study illuminated heightened risks for Marines stationed at Camp Lejeune, encompassing causes of death like kidney, liver, esophageal, and cervical cancer. Residents faced augmented rates of multiple myeloma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Decades of ATSDR’s Vigilance

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), a CDC component, has meticulously assessed Camp Lejeune’s water contamination’s health implications. ATSDR’s comprehensive studies consistently present irrefutable evidence correlating water contamination with elevated cancer and death rates.

Expanding Health Implications The ramifications of Camp Lejeune’s water contamination extend far beyond cancer, encompassing a range of afflictions linked to exposure to PCE and TCE. Notable among these are aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and various neurologic disorders.

A Panoply of Health Effects The cascade of health effects stemming from Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water is substantial, encompassing not only cancers but also a range of conditions, such as aplastic anemia, neurologic disorders, and various other ailments. The exposure to PCE and TCE has also been associated with the following:

• ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
• Birth Defects and Injuries
• Fatty Liver Disease
• Hepatic Steatosis
• Infertility
• Miscarriage
• Myelodysplastic syndromes
• Neurobehavioral Effects
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Renal Toxicity
• Scleroderma

Incorporating the Honoring our PACT Act of 2021, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 introduces a legal recourse against the U.S. government. This avenue is open to individuals who resided or worked at Camp Lejeune during the span of 1953 to 1987 for a minimum of 30 days, suffered exposure to tainted water, and subsequently incurred harm due to said exposure.

From Veterans to Unborn Children: A Comprehensive Inclusion The Act encompasses a broad spectrum of individuals: veterans, civilians, families, and even those who were exposed to the contaminated water while in the womb. The qualifying criteria consist of residence or service at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 for a duration of at least 30 days, coupled with substantiated harm stemming from water contamination

Empowering Individuals to Act Under the Act’s provisions, a two-year statute of limitations is established. This delineates the timeframe within which an individual is entitled to file a claim, thereby potentially seeking restitution for injuries incurred due to exposure to the polluted water.

August 18, 2023 – 1,100 Pending CLJA Civil Cases

In the past 30 days, only 41 fresh civil cases have been lodged under the CLJA by individuals affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination. This has propelled the existing total of pending CLJA civil cases beyond 1,100. Notably, the number of new Camp Lejeune civil lawsuits submitted during the summer months has substantially decreased compared to the spring surge, where over 600 cases were filed in March alone.

August 17, 2023 – Affirmative Defense: Assumption of the Risk

Among the affirmative defenses utilized by the government in Camp Lejeune lawsuits is the concept of “assumption of the risk.” This defense asserts that “Plaintiff voluntarily assumed the risks of the occasion,” thus potentially hindering any recovery for the plaintiff due to their assumption of risk. While some Marines and their families express frustration with this defense—how can one assume a risk they are unaware of—legal necessities mandate the assertion of affirmative defenses in response to a lawsuit, even if some defenses may seem frivolous.

August 14, 2023 – Rise in Camp Lejeune Wrongful Death Cases

Over a year has passed since the CLJA was enacted to provide compensation to victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination. Recent reporting by CNN underscores the sluggish pace of claims processing for Camp Lejeune victims. Notably, the protracted claims process has led to an increase in Camp Lejeune claims transitioning into wrongful death cases, magnifying the distress experienced by affected families as the proceedings linger.

August 13, 2023 – Navy’s Stance on Camp Lejeune Settlements

The Department of the Navy (DON) underscores its commitment to addressing the grievances of those affected by exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. With over 93,000 claims filed under the CLJA, the Navy is actively processing more than 17,000 of these claims. Noteworthy is the establishment of a specialized unit to adjudicate CLJA claims and the ongoing collaboration between the Departments of Justice and Navy in creating an early-resolution framework for CIJA claims.

August 1, 2023 – Joint Status Report and Global Case Management

Recently, the government and Camp Lejeune lawsuit plaintiffs jointly submitted their first status report, updating the court on leadership committees’ status and requesting a universal extension of individual deadlines until September 1, 2023. This extension will facilitate the formulation of a comprehensive global case management order, due by the end of August.

July 31, 2023 – Slowing of Lawsuit Activity

July witnesses a diminished pace of new Camp Lejeune civil lawsuits, with only 39 claimants opting to file under the CLJA. The initial two months following eligibility saw over 700 lawsuits filed, of which 693 were in March alone. However, a notable slowdown in new filings has ensued, and administrative data reveals that over 15,000 claimants are eligible to convert claims to lawsuits.

July 21, 2023 – TCPA Allegations against Lejeune Lawyers

Certain law firms face allegations of violating the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) through a robocall campaign targeting potential Camp Lejeune claimants. A federal judge permitted TCPA claims against two West Virginia firms, highlighting the identical lawsuit filed in New York, alleging TCPA violation by a different firm’s outreach to Camp Lejeune plaintiffs.

July 17, 2023 – Over 1,000 Camp Lejeune Cases Filed

The Eastern District of North Carolina hosts 1,067 pending Camp Lejeune lawsuits, surpassing last year’s total civil cases in the district. Initial months after the eligibility deadline witnessed a surge of cases, with a recent monthly average of approximately 100 new filings.

June 27, 2023 – Government’s Defense Standing

U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle affirms the federal government’s right to maintain its affirmative defenses against allegations of Camp Lejeune water contamination. Noting the plaintiffs’ insufficiently specific complaints, Judge Boyle acknowledges that perceived vagueness in defenses results from deficiencies in the plaintiffs’ claims, allowing the government’s defenses to proceed.

June 22, 2023 – Plaintiffs Challenge Government Defenses

During a court hearing, over 120 plaintiffs contest the U.S. government’s simplistic defenses in response to water poisoning claims related to Camp Lejeune. The plaintiffs request the court to dismiss these defenses, criticizing them for lacking substance. While the government defends its responses’ vagueness, the plaintiffs argue that the lack of specificity in lawsuits necessitates more substantial answers.

June 21, 2023 – DOJ Urges Case Expediency

The U.S. Department of Justice urges federal judges overseeing the Camp Lejeune water contamination litigation to expedite case management strategies due to the overwhelming volume of lawsuits. With nearly 1,000 lawsuits filed, a consolidation plan is in the works, with one judge proceeding while others deliberate. The government has responded in 198 suits and engaged with plaintiffs’ law firms, aligning with over 180 plaintiffs.

June 19, 2023 – Slowing Pace of Lawsuits

Over the past four months, since the earliest Camp Lejeune claimants became eligible to file water contamination lawsuits, 1,018 civil lawsuits have been initiated under the CLJA by victims and their families.

The rate of CLJA civil lawsuits has experienced a substantial decline in the last six weeks. Merely 19 cases have been filed thus far in June, with a total of 94 cases filed in May. This stands in contrast to the surge of over 800 Camp Lejeune civil lawsuits that occurred in March. This shift in focus is due to Camp Lejeune lawyers aiming to maximize administrative filings, with 65,000 administrative claims already filed. It is anticipated that this number will likely double or even exceed such estimates.

June 7, 2023 – Unlawful Client Solicitation Accusations

Two law firms, based in Maryland and Florida, are facing allegations of illegal client solicitation within the context of toxic water contamination lawsuits at Camp Lejeune. The firms have petitioned a West Virginia federal judge for the dismissal of a proposed class action. These firms, along with a Minnesota-based services group and five unnamed defendants, are accused of targeting individuals on a federal do-not-call list to bolster business for a mass tort against the federal government.

Though not passing judgment on this specific class action lawsuit, it is evident that marketing efforts related to Camp Lejeune have drawn substantial criticism for their conduct.

May 30, 2023 – Growing Number of Claims

The count of Camp Lejeune claims has surged to approximately 60,000.

May 25, 2023 – Navy’s Response and Delays

The Navy attributes its slow response in addressing compensation claims from veterans impacted by toxic water at Camp Lejeune to budget and staffing constraints. Jennifer Tennile Karnes, a Navy attorney, acknowledges the situation in an email to Camp Lejeune lawyers, highlighting that overtime work is being carried out by the tort claims unit to process claims, and staffing is expected to be augmented by the end of summer. Despite these efforts, the Navy has yet to introduce the promised online portal for claims processing, and additional funds have not been allocated by Congress for managing the compensation program. As Karnes succinctly put it, “So where does that leave us? Well, back to the same ole place we have been this entire time. Building the plane in mid-air.”

May 17, 2023 – Pressure for Camp Lejeune Settlement

A bipartisan group of lawmakers is intensifying pressure on the Navy, condemning its lack of resolution in addressing toxic water poisoning cases at Camp Lejeune Marine Base. This comes nearly nine months after President Biden signed a bill to establish a process for addressing veterans’ health claims. To date, none of the roughly 45,000 claims have been settled by the Navy. Additionally, a digital claims processing platform is expected to be operational only in the summer. Senators Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Representative Matt Cartwright (D-Pa.) have united in urging for expedited resolution of these cases. A letter directed to Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro and Attorney General Merrick Garland poses six key questions to address the lack of progress in resolving these claims.

May 11, 2023 – May Lawsuit Pace

Since the onset of May, a total of 37 new Camp Lejeune civil cases under the CLJA have been registered within the Eastern District of North Carolina. This translates to a daily average of just over three new cases, similar to the pace witnessed in April. Though significantly slower than March, where 642 new cases were filed under the CLJA, a tidal wave of over 45,000 administrative claims is imminent, potentially intensifying the proceedings.

May 9, 2023 – Delay in Camp Lejeune Claims Processing

Despite the government’s assurance to compensate veterans affected by Camp Lejeune’s toxic waters, not a single claim has been settled nearly nine months later. The Navy’s launch of an online claims processing portal for over 45,000 claims is also postponed, causing frustration among veterans. North Carolina Federal Court Judge James C. Dever III highlighted the Navy’s need to take swift action during a recent hearing, emphasizing the pressing need for progress.

May 5, 2023 – Rising Claims Count

Administrative claims in the Camp Lejeune litigation have surged to 45,000.

May 1, 2023 – Camp Lejeune Class Action Update

While not formally an MDL Camp Lejeune class action lawsuit, a consolidation of cases for pretrial discovery has been established.

April 20, 2023 – Court Grants DOJ Extension Request

The Department of Justice has sought and received an extension to file individual plaintiff’s complaint answers until May 31, 2023. While coordination protocols in the Camp Lejeune lawsuits are being established, consolidation is being considered.

April 19, 2023 – Acceleration of Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Pace

A remarkable 854 new Camp Lejeune civil lawsuits have been submitted under the CLJA, with more than 600 cases filed in the last 30 days within the Eastern District of North Carolina. The Department of Justice seeks an extension for filing answers pending a decision on consolidation.

April 10, 2023 – Prospects of Camp Lejeune Class Action

Rapidly increasing Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits prompt calls for consolidating cases under a single judge, akin to pretrial proceedings for a class action. Though not formally a class action lawsuit, this approach shows resemblances to one.

April 4, 2023 – Surge in Filed Lawsuits

The Eastern District of North Carolina witnessed a substantial surge in new Camp Lejeune civil lawsuit filings, with 360 victims filing CLJA lawsuits in just a week, and 232 cases filed on a single day, March 31, 2023. This momentum, if sustained, could lead to over 12,000 new cases by year-end.

March 28, 2023 – Lawsuit Count Update

A spike in new Camp Lejeune civil lawsuits has occurred, with 179 cases filed in just five days in the Eastern District of North Carolina. This marks the most significant weekly volume since the expiration of the six-month JAG claims deadline.

March 27, 2023 – JAG’s Mention of Settlement

The Navy JAG, criticized for inaction on Camp Lejeune claims, mentioned potential settlement outcomes if evidence substantiates claims. Although this statement is encouraging, no settlements have been offered to date, and no timeline was provided.

March 20, 2023 – Lawsuits Continue to Climb

Over a month since the first eligible CLJA claimants became entitled to file civil lawsuits, 260 claimants have initiated lawsuits within the Eastern District of North Carolina. The surge in new Camp Lejeune lawsuits has experienced exponential growth since March’s commencement.

March 6, 2023 – Case Count Update

Twenty-two more Camp Lejeune civil lawsuits have been filed within the Eastern District of North Carolina since March began, bringing the total to 179 pending CLJA civil suits.

March 1, 2023 – New Case Highlights Lejeune Tragedy

A recently filed CLJA civil lawsuit, Freshwater v. United States (7:23-cv-00167), poignantly highlights the tragic experiences of numerous Camp Lejeune victims. The plaintiff’s life was marred by exposure to toxic water, leading to health devastation. Birth defects and leukemia, presumptively linked to Lejeune’s water, amplify the sense of injustice.

February 27, 2023 – 158 Cases and Counting

Since the eligibility date of February 10, 2023, for the first CLJA claimants to file civil lawsuits, 158 Camp Lejeune lawsuits have been initiated within the Eastern District of North Carolina. This represents a fraction of the cases filed within the first two weeks after the CLJA’s enactment, suggesting an anticipated substantial increase in civil case filings in the upcoming months.

February 22, 2023 – Government Encourages Dual Claims

The Department of Veteran’s Affairs encourages Camp Lejeune victims to file claims for VA disability benefits, even if pursuing claims under the CLJA. Despite the promise of these benefits, the question of potential offset remains unanswered.

February 16, 2023 – Lawsuit Count Update

Another nine Camp Lejeune civil lawsuits have been filed, increasing the tally to 112 cases under the CLJA since the expiration of the six-month administrative claim deadline.

February 13, 2023 Update – Litigation Commencement

As anticipated, a significant surge in Camp Lejeune civil lawsuits under the CLJA has occurred following the expiration of the six-month deadline for JAG administrative claims. In the Eastern District of North Carolina, 79 CLJA cases have been filed since last Friday. This volume is projected to increase even further this week, as additional CLJA claimants become eligible to file after six months of submitting administrative claims to JAG.

February 7, 2023 Update – Anticipated Surge in Lawsuits

Following the enactment of the CLJA on August 10, 2023, numerous Camp Lejeune victims promptly submitted administrative claims to the Navy JAG. The immediate weeks after the bill’s passage witnessed several thousand CLJA claims filed with JAG. The CLJA imposed a stringent six-month deadline on JAG to address these administrative claims before claimants could initiate civil lawsuits in North Carolina federal court.

The expiration of this six-month deadline for the earliest CLJA administrative claims is imminent. Since none of these initial claims have been settled, claimants can now proceed with filing civil cases in the Eastern District of North Carolina.

February 1, 2023 Update – Projecting Camp Lejeune Lawsuits

JAG has received over 15,000 claims from Camp Lejeune victims since the CLJA’s enactment in August. With curiosity mounting about the eventual number of CLJA claims before the August 2024 deadline, speculations have arisen. A Bloomberg News article postulates the possibility of up to 500,000 CLJA claims, a number that lacks substantiated evidence or quotation. Contrarily, according to ATSDR studies, exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune from 1953 to 1987 involves a population of around 1 million, with an estimated 200,000 individuals developing severe health conditions. A more reasoned estimate for total CLJA claims ranges from 100,000 to 200,000.

January 30, 2023 Update – Considerable Advertising Expense

A recent report from Bloomberg News reveals that lawyers and lead generation companies have spent a staggering $145 million on Camp Lejeune advertising. Of this amount, approximately $112 million was allocated for television advertising. This substantial investment in TV advertising for Lejeune surpassed expenses for any other mass tort during the same timeframe. However, this aggressive advertising push is subsiding as most victims have already secured legal representation. Notably, our law firm refrained from any Camp Lejeune advertising expenses.

January 24, 2023 Update – Stagnation in Progress

The perceived lack of progress in the Camp Lejeune litigation has led to frustration among various stakeholders. JAG and the DOJ have encountered criticism for potential delays in addressing compensation claims from Camp Lejeune victims under the CLJA. Nearly six months have passed since the first batch of claims was filed after the CLJA’s enactment, yet no substantial developments have taken place. Prominent figures like Congressman Matt Cartwright (D-Pa.), an original sponsor of the CLJA, and activist Erin Brockovich have called for more proactive engagement from the DOJ and JAG. Despite the perceived delay, it is suggested that the government’s inertia may not be deliberate, but rather a result of challenges in adapting to the caseload.

January 11, 2023 Update – Legacy Cases Dismissed

Recent developments highlight the dismissal of four Camp Lejeune legacy cases due to failure to resubmit administrative claims to JAG before pursuing civil suits. This decision follows a prior instance where over a dozen legacy cases were dismissed for similar reasons. Judge Louise Flanagan from the Eastern District of North Carolina also ruled in favor of dismissal for legacy cases assigned to her. Though a minority of legacy cases remain pending with a different judge, it is likely they will be rejected on the same grounds. Practically, this shift doesn’t significantly impact individuals beyond the litigants, as consistency in rulings remains a focal point.

January 9, 2023 Update – Growing Number of Claims

A spokesperson from Navy JAG has reported that 14,000 claims have been submitted by Camp Lejeune victims since the passage of the CLJA in August. This rate of CLJA claims is projected to persist in the coming months, possibly resulting in a total of 75,000 Lejeune claims in 2023.

January 6, 2023 Update – PACT Act Anniversary

Five months since the PACT Act’s enactment is approaching, signaling that a surge of lawsuits will begin inundating the Eastern District of North Carolina in 35 days. Courts are expected to extend understanding toward the government as they grapple with the influx of cases. However, the manner in which the DOJ and the court intend to handle this influx remains uncertain and will require substantial effort.

January 1, 2023 Update – Camp Lejeune Settlement Estimates

An article by Bloomberg News reveals that the Congressional Budget Office projected CLJA claims to cost “$6.1 billion over the next ten years,” based on a CBO cost analysis from February 2022. This projection was generated during the CLJA’s introduction and is likely an underestimation. If we conservatively assume around 20,000 claims, this would translate to an average per-claim cost of $305,000. Nonetheless, with 20,000 claims falling short of the actual number anticipated, the $6.1 billion estimate was outdated from the start.

December 29, 2022 Update – Camp Lejeune Court Ruling

A judge in the Eastern District of North Carolina has dismissed eight Camp Lejeune legacy cases for their failure to resubmit administrative claims to JAG after the CLJA’s passage. Judge James C. Denver III clarified that the CLJA created entirely new legal claims distinct from prior legacy cases. This ruling, which affects eight of 22 legacy cases, sets a precedent likely to be followed by other judges.

December 28, 2022 Update – Anticipating Camp Lejeune Settlements

While legal professionals cannot definitively forecast when settlements will occur in Camp Lejeune lawsuits, the question of whether it will take six months or six years is a significant consideration. An updated webpage addresses this complex question and speculates on average settlement amounts for specific types of claims.

December 26, 2022 Update – Risk of Inconsistent Verdicts

The government’s identical motions to dismiss Camp Lejeune legacy cases have led to multiple judges in the Eastern District of North Carolina potentially rendering inconsistent rulings on the same issue. These conflicting decisions could introduce complications into the litigation process.

December 14, 2022 Update – Lung Cancer Settlement Amounts

Revisions to estimated settlement amounts for Camp Lejeune lung cancer lawsuits have been made, reflecting considerations regarding the unique equipoise standard of proof and its impact on claims, especially for plaintiffs with a history of smoking.

December 13, 2022 Update – Seeking Consistent Rulings

The court clerk’s notation on the docket indicates that all Camp Lejeune legacy cases’ motions to dismiss for failure to refile administrative claims have been submitted to District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. This centralization of decision-making seeks to avoid conflicting opinions that could hinder the Camp Lejeune litigation’s progress.

December 1, 2022 Update – Increasing Number of Claims

The Navy JAG Tort Claims Unit has reported that the count of claims filed by Camp Lejeune victims under the CLJA has now reached 14,000. This number has the potential to double over the coming months. However, despite this substantial influx of claims, meaningful actions to resolve or evaluate these claims have yet to be taken by JAG. The establishment of a claim portal for the submission of supporting documentation is still awaited.

November 28, 2022 Update – Progress in Processing Claims

Although the Navy JAG Tort Claims Unit has received thousands of administrative claims from Camp Lejeune victims since the CLJA’s passage, no actions have been taken on these claims as of yet. The delay in processing is attributed to the development of an online electronic claim portal that would facilitate claimants in submitting necessary supporting documentation. The electronic portal, akin to the ECF system used in federal courts, is expected to be launched soon. It will enable claimants to log in, access their claim files, and upload supporting documents as requested.

November 24, 2022 Update – Legacy Cases Battle Continues

A recent brief submitted by government lawyers supports their motion to dismiss Camp Lejeune legacy cases that were refiled after the CLJA’s passage without submitting new administrative claims to JAG. The DOJ’s argument revolves around the idea that pre-CLJA administrative claims do not hold relevance due to the abrogation of the government’s liability by the CLJA. While this standpoint has some logic, legacy plaintiffs contend that the government can reassess prior administrative claims based on the post-CLJA landscape. While the outcome of this battle holds strategic importance for legacy plaintiffs, its impact on the majority of Camp Lejeune cases is projected to be minimal.

November 18, 2022 Update – Accessing Military Records

Camp Lejeune veterans can acquire copies of their military service records from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). These military records are crucial in every Camp Lejeune lawsuit. However, the surge in requests from Camp Lejeune veterans seeking service records to support their water contamination lawsuits has strained NARA’s resources, resulting in a significant backlog. A new notice on the NARA’s Military Service Records webpage highlights the situation and mentions that although the Navy JAG doesn’t initially require service records to support claims, they may request records from claimants at a later stage. This process is expected to be time-consuming and frustrating, with typical response times for service record requests being 3-5 months. Despite the delay in obtaining military records, lawyers can continue pushing forward with toxic water claims.

The update also mentions that more news on Camp Lejeune legislation is available for those interested in tracking the history of the path leading to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022.

Note: The answers provided above are for general informational purposes and should not be considered legal advice. It is recommended to consult with a qualified attorney for personalized guidance regarding your specific situation.