$600 Million Settlement: File Your East Palestine Train Derailment Claim by August 22
According to the-sun.com, Residents and businesses affected by the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment have until Thursday night to file their claims for compensation. This is part of a $600 million settlement following the February 3, 2023, derailment of a Norfolk Southern train. Those impacted can apply for direct payments, personal injury compensation, and business loss claims.
Details of the Settlement
The settlement is intended to compensate those who experienced injuries, ailments, or losses due to the derailment. The Norfolk Southern train, known as 32N—dubbed “32 Nasty” by railroad workers due to its hazardous cargo and arrangement—was carrying five cars of oil and eleven cars loaded with over a million pounds of toxic and hazardous chemicals when it derailed 50 miles outside of Pittsburgh.
Thirty-eight of the train’s 150 cars collided and derailed, leading to a massive spill of chemicals such as vinyl chloride, butyl acrylate, isobutylene, ethylene glycol, and ethylhexyl acrylate. These chemicals leaked into the air, soil, and two small creeks, resulting in the deaths of over 43,000 fish and other wildlife by February 24.
Eligibility for Compensation
Individuals who were physically present within a 10-mile radius of the derailment site may be eligible for personal injury compensation. Those within a 20-mile radius could also qualify for compensation, depending on various factors including:
- Location at the time of the incident
- Household size
- Property damage
- Acreage
- Duration of displacement
- Chemical exposure or personal injury
Breathing in the chemicals released during the derailment can cause severe and long-lasting harm to both the environment and human health. For example, vinyl chloride exposure is linked to liver and nervous system damage and an increased risk of cancer. Butyl acrylate can cause respiratory issues and long-term liver and kidney damage. Ethylhexyl acrylate, ethylene glycol, and isobutylene exposure can lead to skin and eye irritation, nausea, sore throats, coughing, and even death.
How to File a Claim
To be eligible for a settlement payout, claims must be submitted by the August 22, 2024, deadline. Claims can be filed through the official settlement website or in person at the East Palestine Settlement Center.
If you have already filed a Direct Claim but overlooked the Personal Injury Payment for any household members, they can still participate and receive compensation.
For assistance with the claims process, the East Palestine Settlement Center is available to help. It’s recommended to schedule an appointment by calling 833-425-3400, as walk-ins will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis.
You can also reach out to the Settlement Administrator via phone at 833-425-3400 or by email at info@eastpalestinetrainsettlement.com.
Final Reminder
Whether you’re dealing with property damage, business disruptions, or personal injuries, eligible claimants are urged to act quickly before the deadline passes. Claims must be filed by August 22 at 11:59 PM ET. Don’t miss your opportunity to claim your share of the settlement.
