East Palestine Train Derailment Lawyer in Ohio
If you have concerns about possible health effects from the train derailment in East Palestine, you are not alone. The chemicals released in the train crash and resulting fire can cause severe health problems – and we don’t yet know the full extent of the damage. What we do know is that you could be eligible for compensation if you develop an illness due to the toxic pollutants released in the crash.
The team at Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law is ready to help you pursue this compensation. Our train derailment lawyers fight for regular people – not corporations or their insurers – because we know the toll a severe injury or illness can take. Toxic pollutants released in the East Palestine train disaster can cause a range of significant health conditions. You have the right to compensation if you fall ill because of the accident. Call us today or visit our contact page for a free consultation.
How the East Palestine Train Derailment Happened
According to the New York Times, a Norfolk Southern cargo train carrying toxic chemicals went off the rails in East Palestine, Ohio, on February 3, 2023. The train was 150 cars long, 38 of which derailed. The resulting train fire damaged another 12 cars.
In its initial report, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said the train likely derailed after a wheel bearing overheated and failed. The train had sensors to detect overheating bearings. However, an alarm did not sound until just before the derailment. Safety regulators called the crash “100 percent preventable.”
Effects of the Train Accident and Chemicals Released on the Environment
There are two key areas of concern regarding possible pollutants from the East Palestine train derailment. The first is the fire the derailment caused. The train’s cargo included vinyl chloride – a toxic and flammable gas that can increase cancer risk – and other pollutants. National Public Radio (NPR) reports that officials released and burned more than 100,000 gallons of vinyl chloride to help contain the fire and prevent an uncontrolled explosion.
The second major area of concern is pollutants around East Palestine. If toxic chemicals leak into the water or soil, it is easy for people to inadvertently absorb these substances into their bodies. NPR reported that at least 3,500 fish in area waterways had died because of the derailment. And while the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tested over 550 homes after the accident and said it had not found any harmful substances at “levels of concern,” these contaminants can linger invisibly for years and cause harm.
Short- and Long-Term Health Effects of the Toxic Chemicals Contaminating East Palestine After the Train Crash
According to the New York Times, the major pollutants the EPA found in the area around East Palestine include the following:
- Ethylhexyl acrylate is a clear liquid used to make plastics and paints. Exposure to ethylhexyl acrylate can irritate the eyes, lungs, and skin.
- Ethylene glycol monobutylis a colorless liquid used to make varnish and paints. Some evidence suggests that exposure to ethylene glycol monobutyl ether can cause nose irritation, vomiting, and headaches.
- Butyl acrylate is another clear liquid with industrial uses. Butyl acrylate has a fruity odor and can cause skin irritation and difficulty breathing.
- Vinyl chloride is a colorless gas used to make plastic products. Authorities consider the release of vinyl chloride the most concerning consequence of the crash – partly because it can explode and partly because of its severe health effects. In the short term, exposure to vinyl chloride gas causes dizziness, headaches, and drowsiness. Chronic exposure to vinyl chloride increases your risk of contracting cancers like liver cancer, brain cancer, lung cancer, lymphoma, and leukemia, according to the National Cancer Institute.
How Do I Know If I’m Entitled to Compensation for the East Palestine Train Derailment?
The East Palestine train derailment is a developing situation, and many residents of nearby areas have questions about Norfolk Southern’s responsibility to pay for the consequences of the company’s actions. To hold the company accountable for your health condition, you need strong evidence linking the train disaster to your illness. The best way to seek this evidence and determine whether you are entitled to compensation for the train derailment is to speak with an experienced lawyer.
What Compensation Can I Get If I’m Affected by the Train Derailment in East Palestine, Ohio?
If you suffered health effects because of the East Palestine train derailment, you could be entitled to compensation for your:
- Hospital bills and other medical costs from the incident
- Future medical costs you will likely incur due to the train derailment
- Incidental costs, such as travel expenses from medical appointments
- Lost wages from any time you miss at work due to your condition
- Losses in lifetime earning capacity due to permanent health conditions
- Subjective losses, such as your pain, suffering, and lost quality of life
What Is the Ohio Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases?
Ohio’s statute of limitations law for personal injury cases gives you just two years to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. In most cases, the clock begins ticking on the day of the injury. But in cases involving exposure to toxic substances, the two-year window begins either on the date you receive a diagnosis for your condition or when you should know through reasonable diligence that you have a condition related to the toxic exposure.
While this may give you additional time to file suit, waiting too long could jeopardize your right to demand compensation. The high stakes mean seeking legal help as soon as possible is crucial.
How Can a Train Derailment Lawyer Help?
A train derailment attorney can support you by:
- Reviewing your situation and explaining your legal options
- Investigating the causes of your health condition
- Gathering evidence to link the train derailment to your condition
- Managing important case documents, deadlines, and details for you
- Communicating with company and insurance reps on your behalf
- Negotiating aggressively to maximize the value of your settlement
- Taking your case to court and representing you at trial if necessary
Contact the East Palestine Train Derailment Lawyers at Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law
Have you been struggling with health conditions related to the East Palestine train derailment? Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law want to help you demand compensation for the harm you suffered. Our Ohio personal injury lawyers are here to provide the answers and guidance, so contact us today for your free initial consultation session.
