The ongoing Camp Lejeune Water Litigation saw significant developments as reported in the April 8, 2025, status update from the Plaintiffs’ Leadership Counsel. A status hearing took place on April 7, 2025, overseen by Magistrate Judge Robert Jones, with representatives from both the Plaintiffs’ Leadership and the Department of Justice (DOJ) present.
The parties reached an agreement regarding medical updates for Track 1 Trial Plaintiffs. The Plaintiffs’ Leadership Group (PLG) will provide these updates every three months. Additionally, PLG has agreed to produce medical records for Track 1 Bellwether Plaintiffs promptly upon receipt. The DOJ plans to propose a deadline for submitting these updates, acknowledging the progressive nature of the plaintiffs' conditions.
For a plaintiff recently diagnosed with a new cancer, PLG intends to update expert reports accordingly. Both parties have agreed that if PLG supplements these reports due to new diagnoses, DOJ can also provide supplemental reports.
Regarding Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs), all but two neurological exams for Parkinson’s plaintiffs are complete and scheduled for completion soon. If additional examinations are necessary due to recent diagnoses, both sides hope any extensions will be minimal.
A dispute over reliance documents and disclosure of non-retained experts has been resolved. However, disagreement remains over whether PLG’s water modeling expert should conduct a site visit at Camp Lejeune following one by Dr. Hennet from DOJ. The Court has suggested PLG file a motion on this issue.
Other matters include compliance with CMO 5 during depositions and updating disease status information for future track considerations. Both sides have committed to providing updated disease data promptly to assist in determining diseases representing the largest number of plaintiffs in upcoming tracks.
A transcript of the April 7 hearing will be available on the Plaintiffs’ Leadership Group's website once received. The next status conference is scheduled for April 28, 2025.