Railroad company Norfolk Southern has reached a $600 million settlement with victims of the February 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, according to a press release issued Tuesday.
On February 3, 2023, a south Norfolk train carrying dangerous chemicals derailed near East Palestine, releasing the chemicals into the surrounding area and causing the evacuation of towns within a one-mile radius of the incident. The evacuated town residents and neighbors subsequently launched a class action lawsuit against Norfolk Southern over the contamination, and the parties reached a settlement that guaranteed payments to affected plaintiffs. According to one report, press release From the company. (Related: Two months after harmful derailment, school still refuses to allow athletes to compete in East Palestine)
“This is another promise that Norfolk South will keep, to do what’s right for the people of Norfolk South. eastern palestine and the surrounding community.in March 2023made by the company Promises to be made “Three of our residents’ long-term concerns are drinking water, home values, and health care,” Norfolk Southern wrote in a press release. “The company has already announced the following programs. drinking water and home value guarantee. The Company will further advance this comprehensive settlement to provide individuals with additional significant financial relief, including health care, and to help eligible local businesses rebuild and continue to grow. ”
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— Henry Rodgers (@henryrodgersdc) October 12, 2023
The settlement must be approved by the court with jurisdiction over the litigation before it becomes effective. Norfolk Southern said the plaintiffs can use any compensation they see fit to recover from the incident.
“Individuals and businesses can use the settlement proceeds in any way they see fit to address the potential negative effects of the derailment, including medical needs and medical monitoring, property restoration and “This may include compensation for reduced, net operating losses,” the company said. “Additionally, individuals within 10 miles of a derailment may, at their discretion, elect to receive additional compensation for past, present, or future personal injuries resulting from a derailment.”
toxic chemicals released Hydrogen chloride gas, phosgene, benzene, and other substances flew into the surrounding area, causing people near the site to become ill. After the derailment, emergency authorities ordered a “slow burn” of some chemicals, which was criticized as unnecessary and worsened air quality in the area.
Norfolk Southern previously announced it would commit millions of dollars to other relief efforts in surrounding areas, including building regional safety infrastructure and paying first responders to incidents, according to a press release. The company’s CEO Alan Shaw also pledged to pay for university education for students in East Palestine.
federal government investigation The derailment investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is still ongoing.A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has also proposed reform Railway regulations after the incident.
The advocacy group United for East Palestine did not respond to a request for comment.
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