Residents of East Palestine, Ohio, are seeking an extension and more information before deciding on their share of a $600 million class-action settlement with Norfolk Southern. The settlement stems from last year’s train derailment disaster.
A decision from the judge on this request remains uncertain, with the deadline for claims from residents within 20 miles of the derailment approaching on Thursday. Those within 10 miles of the February 3, 2023, crash near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border must also decide on accepting up to $25,000 for personal injuries. Accepting this payment would forfeit their right to sue if severe health issues like cancer arise later due to chemical exposure.
Compensation varies based on proximity to the derailment. Residents within 2 miles could receive $70,000 for property damage, while those on the outskirts might get only a few hundred dollars. Attorney David Graham filed a motion criticizing the lack of disclosed testing results from expert Stephen Petty, who evaluated the contamination levels. Petty’s findings were initially promised to be revealed but have not been shared. Instead, another expert, Dr. Arch Carson, stated in a recent online meeting that he believes no one in town will develop cancer due to the derailment, though he did not specify the data backing this claim, aside from mentioning the Environmental Protection Agency’s tests.
East Palestine residents want more time, information before deciding to accept $600M settlement https://t.co/qCPXOQFO49
— 10TV (@10TV) August 20, 2024
Researchers monitoring health issues like respiratory problems and rashes among residents caution that the long-term impacts may take years to become clear. Dr. Erin Haynes, leading a major study in the area, disagrees with Carson’s statement, citing a lack of supporting research data.
Graham suggested that the plaintiffs’ attorneys might prioritize their potential $180 million legal fees over residents’ interests. The attorneys did not respond to the motion but have previously defended the settlement, highlighting its size and the time given for residents to evaluate it. Some residents expressed concerns that the initial opt-out deadline came shortly after a National Transportation Safety Board hearing on the investigation’s findings.
Other News Sources
- AJC reports that East Palestine residents seek more time and information before deciding on a $600 million settlement following a disastrous train derailment.(read more)
- Courthouse News Service reports that East Palestine residents seek more time and information before accepting a $600M settlement, citing concerns about the proposed agreement’s details and transparency.(read more)
- Barchart reports that East Palestine residents seek more time and information before deciding on a $600 million settlement following a train derailment.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is the deadline for East Palestine residents to decide on the settlement?
The deadline is this Thursday.
How much can residents receive for personal injuries from the train derailment?
Residents can receive up to $25,000 for personal injuries.
Who conducted the expert testing for contamination in East Palestine?
Stephen Petty conducted the expert testing for contamination.
What is the main concern of residents regarding the expert data?
Residents are concerned the expert data from Stephen Petty has not been disclosed.
What do researchers say about the long-term health effects of the derailment?
Researchers say it may take years to understand the long-term health effects.
