Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Update: Muster Roll Dispute and Discovery Battles

Camp Lejeune's water contamination crisis continues to be a hotbed of legal activity, with recent developments focusing on access to crucial evidence and the prioritization of lawsuits.

Muster roll dispute

Victims' lawyers are locked in a battle with the government over access to digitized muster rolls, which are essential for proving residency at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period (1950-1990). 

The government initially denied the need for these records, then claimed they had already been provided. However, plaintiffs' lawyers argue a separate database, the "Marine Corps Unit Diary Database" (MUDD), exists and could be more easily searched for relevant information. 

The court will decide if the government must hand over the MUDD and other requested data.

Motion to compel ATSDR water modeling project files

Plaintiffs' attorneys are also pushing for a "mirror image" copy of the ATSDR's water modeling project files. These files are critical for understanding how the contaminated water spread across the base. 

The government initially opposed this request, but plaintiffs argue it's necessary to ensure the data hasn't been compromised during electronic storage.

Multiple disease cases

Another point of contention is how to handle lawsuits involving individuals with multiple illnesses potentially caused by the contaminated water. The government wants to prioritize cases with only one disease, arguing these will be simpler and faster to resolve. 

Plaintiffs' lawyers counter that many victims have multiple conditions and these cases should be considered alongside others.

Plaintiffs seek streamlined process

Victims' lawyers are proposing a broader interpretation of the rules for filing claims, aiming to streamline the process and avoid unnecessary technical hurdles. They also want clarification on how someone can qualify as a legal representative for filing claims on behalf of others.

These recent developments highlight the ongoing struggle victims face in getting fair compensation for their illnesses. The coming months will likely see further court rulings on these issues, impacting how quickly cases progress and the types of evidence allowed.

If you or a loved one was stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1950 and 1990 and have experienced health problems, you may be eligible for compensation. To date, legal action regarding Camp Lejeune's water contamination has resulted in over 1,500 lawsuits and more than 166,000 administrative claims, with initial compensations already distributed. Legal professionals can help you in pursuing compensation and justice for any resulting health issues.