East Palestine Train Derailment Settlement: $600M

Anyone who lived, worked, owned property, or operated a business within 20 miles of the derailment site from February 3, 2023 to April 26, 2024.

Yes. To file a claim, you may need to provide documentation such as:

• Proof of residence, ownership, or employment within the designated area (e.g., utility bills, pay stubs)
• Documentation of losses (e.g., receipts, repair estimates)
• Medical bills and documents (for personal injury claims)
• Itemized business loss statements (for business claims)

On February 3, 2023, a Norfolk Southern freight train traveling through East Palestine, Ohio derailed. The train was carrying a variety of hazardous chemicals, and several cars became breached. Fearing an explosion, authorities initiated a controlled burn of the affected cars on February 6th.

This incident caused significant disruption and concern in the East Palestine community. Residents were evacuated from the immediate area due to fears of exposure to hazardous materials. There were also worries about long-term health effects and potential environmental contamination.

In response to the derailment and its aftermath, residents, property owners, and businesses within a 20-mile radius of the accident site filed a class action lawsuit against Norfolk Southern. The lawsuit alleged that the company's negligence led to the derailment and caused substantial losses to the plaintiffs.

To resolve the lawsuit, Norfolk Southern has agreed to a settlement of $600 million. This substantial sum will be used to compensate those affected by the derailment.

The settlement fund will be distributed based on a combination of factors, including:

• Proximity to the derailment site: Those closest to the incident will receive higher compensation to reflect the greater potential for harm.

• Damages experienced:

  • Residential claims: Payments will vary depending on the severity of the impact. This could include property damage, evacuation expenses, and health concerns. Estimates range from $70,000 for households within 2 miles of the site to $250 for those 15-20 miles away.
    
    
  • Personal injuries: Separate compensation is available for documented physical injuries and medical treatments incurred as a result of the derailment. Amounts are expected to decrease with increasing distance.
    
    
  • Business losses: Businesses can receive compensation for documented losses demonstrably linked to the derailment, such as lost revenue or property damage. The exact amount will depend on the specific claim and any prior compensation received.