Over a year after a Norfolk Southern (NYSE: NSC) freight train derailment caused a major chemical spill in East Palestine, Ohio, the rail company has agreed to a $600 million settlement to resolve related class action lawsuits.
The settlement, announced on Tuesday, April 9, will compensate residents and businesses within a 20-mile radius of the February 2023 derailment. It will also cover personal injury claims for those located within a 10-mile radius.
Norfolk Southern stressed that the settlement “does not include or constitute any admission of liability, wrongdoing, or fault” on the company’s part. However, attorneys representing the plaintiffs described it as a “fair, reasonable and adequate result for the community.”
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The funds are intended to help address a range of impacts from the incident, including healthcare needs, property damage, and business losses. Plaintiffs’ lawyers aim to begin issuing initial payments by the end of this year.
Some local residents remain skeptical, however, questioning whether the settlement amount will be sufficient to cover long-term health issues and environmental contamination, much less the loss of homes and jobs, and the psychological impact on the residents.
Related: Norfolk Southern: What Will The Financial Impact From The Ohio Derailment Be?
The rail company has previously pledged to address the community’s concerns around drinking water, home values, and healthcare following the derailment. This settlement represents an effort to resolve the outstanding lawsuits quickly, although some challenges may linger — and the agreement still requires court approval.
Related: Norfolk Southern Told To Clean Up Contaminated Air, Water By EPA
The agreement is expected to be submitted to the US District Court for the Northern District of Ohio for preliminary approval later this month. Meanwhile…
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