Residents in nearby East Palestine, Ohio, are currently eligible to receive up to $25,000 for personal injuries resulting from the Norfolk Southern train derailment. This event, which occurred on February 3, 2023, has resulted in a $600 million class action settlement. The deadline to file claims is August 22, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. ET
The derailment incident, followed by the controlled burn of five rail cars on February 6, 2023, affected residents, homeowners and businesses within a 20-mile radius of the incident. Norfolk Southern Corporation and Norfolk Southern Railway Company were sued for the losses and damages caused.
Under the class action settlement, all claims for direct payment, personal injury and business losses must be filed by the deadline. Persons physically present within a 10-mile radius of the derailment qualify for additional personal injury payment in exchange for a release of these claims.
Last Days to File Claims for the Derailment in Ohio Settlement
The settlement establishes a $600 million fund to cover valid claims. The amount each individual or family can receive depends on several factors, including:
- Place of residence
- Home size
- Acreage
- Travel length
- Damage to property
- Exposure or personal injury
- Compensation Details
Residents can receive up to $25,000 for personal injuries. This amount is in addition to the $70,000 available for property damage to families living within two miles of the derailment site. Payments progressively decrease toward the outer limit of the 20-mile radius covered by the agreement.
Claim Requirements — Get Up to $25,000 if Eligible
To obtain payment for injuries, residents within ten miles of the site must give up the right to sue the railroad or any other related entity in the future, even if they develop serious illnesses such as cancer later.
Adam Gomez, one of the plaintiffs’ attorneys, commented on the adjustment of the compensation amount: “We are not looking to over-promise or under-deliver in any way to the class.”
Lawyers have organized a Zoom call for Thursday evening, intended to explain the increases in health payments and the reasons behind the new amount established.
East Palestine Train Derailment — Damage and Injury Claims Open Until August
It is crucial to file a claim by August 22, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. m. (US Eastern Time) to be eligible to receive the benefits of this settlement. Those who have already filed a direct claim may still include a household member personal injury claim.
For more information, interested parties can contact the agreement administrator or visit the East Palestine Settlement Center.
Getting Help to File as a Plaintiff
The East Palestine Settlement Center has been established to assist in the process of filing claims arising from the Norfolk Southern train derailment. However, it is strongly recommended not to send claim forms or correspondence directly to the center.
To receive personalized assistance, those interested should schedule an appointment by calling 833-425-3400. It is important to make an appointment, as those who arrive without an appointment will be taken care of on a first-come, first-served basis.
The East Palestine Settlement Center is located at 191 East Rebecca Street, East Palestine, OH 44413. Starting July 27, 2024, the center will be open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., all during U.S. Eastern time. USA.
You can visit the official settlement website here: https://eastpalestinetrainsettlement.com/
