$600 million class-action settlement stemming from the 2023 East Palestine train derailment
Plaintiff(s):
Property owners, businesses and residents impacted by the derailment
Case type / claims:
G&E was appointed co-lead interim class counsel representing individuals harmed by the Feb. 3, 2023 toxic train derailment and explosion in East Palestine, Ohio that caused a mushroom cloud of carcinogenic vinyl chloride to spew into the air and leech into the ground and water over a 30-mile radius. Plaintiffs held freight operator Norfolk Southern and other defendants accountable for their alleged negligent actions, or inactions, that resulted in not only the foreseeable and preventable derailment of the tanker cars, but the harmful effects of the subsequent “controlled release” of upwards of one-million pounds of vinyl chloride, and other toxic chemicals, including phosgene, butyl acetate and benzene residue into the environment.
Defendant(s):
Norfolk Southern Corporation
Jurisdiction:
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio
Year:
2024
Outcome:
- $600 million settlement fund created to compensate residents and businesses affected by the derailment.
- Fund will cover direct payments, business loss payments and personal injury payments for those within the affected zone.
