Camp Lejeune Water Lawsuits Take Major Step With Joint Status Report
Parties Agree on Key Items to Streamline Litigation
WILMINGTON, NC - The plaintiffs and defendant United States have submitted a joint status report and proposed case management order to advance the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits. The joint report shows agreement on major steps to consolidate and streamline these mass tort cases while moving them closer to bellwether trials.
The status report was signed by the Plaintiffs' Leadership Committee, including Lead Counsel J. Edward Bell III, Co-Lead Counsel Zina Bash, Robin Greenwald, Elizabeth Cabraser, W. Michael Dowling, James A. Roberts, III, and Mona Lisa Wallace.
Short Form Complaint to Allow New Plaintiffs to Join
A key item agreed on by both sides is use of a Short Form Complaint to allow new plaintiffs to join the litigation easily. The proposed Short Form Complaint is attached to the joint status report. This will avoid each new plaintiff having to file a full complaint and duplicate previous legal and factual allegations.
Discovery Coordination
The parties also agree on coordinating discovery to avoid repetitious requests for documents and witness interviews. This is essential for efficiency in cases with thousands of plaintiffs located across the country.
Proposed Bellwether Trial Process
While disagreeing on specifics of the timeline, both sides agree to a bellwether trial process to allow select cases to be prepared for early trial dates. This will help establish evidence and liability factors that may promote future settlements.
Areas of Disagreement
The joint report acknowledges two key areas where the plaintiffs and defendant differ in their proposals. This includes how plaintiffs are selected for bellwether trials and the overall timeline for discovery and getting to trial.
The plaintiffs generally seek a speedier schedule to ensure older or ill plaintiffs have their day in court. Meanwhile, the government wants a longer timeline to prepare for the complex litigation. Each side has submitted its preferred language for the discovery and trial plan section of the proposed case management order.
Case Moves Closer to Trials
Despite some disagreements, the joint status report shows substantial progress in streamlining the mass litigation and moving it closer to initial bellwether trials. Thousands of former Camp Lejeune residents allege toxic chemicals in the base's drinking water caused cancers and other diseases.
After years of waiting, these claims appear to be advancing steadily through pre-trial case management. The presiding judge will likely schedule a hearing soon to resolve any disputes between the parties on case administration details. This marks major momentum toward bringing the first cases to trial and establishing liability.
