August 10, 2024, was the deadline to file your administrative claim with the Department of the Navy under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 (the “Act”).
Now that you or your attorney have filed your administrative claim, what is the next step?
Unless you are one of the very few who have been offered a settlement, the next step toward recovery is to file a civil lawsuit in federal court. And not just any federal court.
The Act provides the Eastern District of North Carolina (“EDNC”) with exclusive jurisdiction over any lawsuit asserting damages from injuries caused by the toxic water at Camp Lejeune.
To file a lawsuit in the EDNC, a lawyer 1) must be licensed in North Carolina, 2) have an office in North Carolina and 3) be admitted to practice before the EDNC. Lawyers who are licensed in North Carolina are required to register with the North Carolina State Bar or work for a law office that is registered to practice with the North Carolina State Bar. Lawyers licensed in a state other than North Carolina may affiliate with local counsel to file a lawsuit.
Serving as local counsel in North Carolina carries significant responsibilities. Local counsel is required to review all filings and attend all hearings. Counsel admitted pro hac vice may only do so when sponsored by an attorney admitted to practice before the EDNC and pays a fee and registers for electronic filing in the EDNC.
If you have filed your administrative claim and are seeking the assistance of an attorney authorized to practice before the EDNC, BLALOCK LLC will be pleased to assist you your local attorney.
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