7:23-cv-00897
E.D.N.C.Jul 18, 2025Background
- The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 (CLJA), as part of the PACT Act, provides a cause of action for persons exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.
- The United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina has exclusive jurisdiction for CLJA claims; over 3,397 lawsuits and about 401,000 administrative claims are currently pending or filed.
- The court previously appointed a Plaintiffs' Leadership Group (PLG) in July 2023 to manage and coordinate the multi-district litigation process.
- PLG appointments were originally for one year, with processes in place for periodic reappointments based on member applications and performance.
- As of July 2025, the court has extended the PLG appointments for an additional six months, with a new reappointment process set before February 2026.
- The PLG is critical for efficiently litigating threshold issues, conducting bellwether mediations and trials, and enabling case valuation for potential global settlement.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reappointment of PLG | Continuity and experience benefit litigation | N/A | PLG reappointed for six months |
| Efficient case management | PLG necessary for coordination of complex MDL | N/A | Court affirms importance of PLG |
| Administrative exhaustion | Must file claim with Navy before lawsuit | N/A | Requirement reaffirmed |
| Procedure for next term | Follow established reappointment protocol | N/A | Next process due before Feb 2026 |
Key Cases Cited
No key cases with official reporter citations were cited in the opinion.