Norfolk Southern Train Derailment Threatens Safety of East Palestine Residents
On February 3rd, 2023, a mechanical issue with a Norfolk Southern rail car axle caused the fiery derailment of about 50 freight cars in East Palestine, Ohio. Ten cars contained hazardous materials. Five of the cars contained vinyl chloride and were burned after residents were asked to evacuate. Burning vinyl chloride sends phosgene, a toxic gas that was used as a weapon during World War I, and hydrogen chloride into the air.
Although state and federal officials have told residents it is safe to return home, residents are fearful the derailment and resulting environmental crisis will hurt their property values forever and small businesses may never recover. Children are becoming sick, and adults are walking around with rashes on their skin. Residents fear that the Ohio River and groundwater will be contaminated and breathing the air will create lasting health implications.
Currently, Norfolk Southern is offering a $1,000 “inconvenience fee” to residents affected and has previously promised that accepting the offering wouldn’t disqualify residents from future settlements. However, the company will not put that promise into writing.
Do not sign any sort of settlement with rail company Norfolk Southern without consulting a lawyer first. Before accepting any compensation, it is important to seek out more medical opinions and to conduct air monitoring to determine the impact of chemical exposure.
There are negative consequences of the derailment that will pop up in the years to come in the form of bodily injury and property devaluation and loss. These impacts are not currently known or immediately apparent. Accordingly, it is important to speak to our lawyers before accepting any compensation.
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At Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, we only represent consumers. We fight for regular people who have been seriously hurt in accidents. We fight for people who are being crushed by overwhelming debt and need a fresh start. We fight for individuals and families. Never businesses. Never insurance companies. We are loyal to the consumer.
