Lawyers Report Number of Claims Filed in Derailment Settlement

EAST PALESTINE, Ohio – Nearly 55,000 claims were filed seeking to benefit from the $600 million agreement with Norfolk Southern, according to lawyers representing residents and business owners affected by the Feb. 3, 2023, train derailment in the village.

After the claims filing deadline ended Aug. 22, 54,925 claims had been counted by Sept. 3, a news release states. More than 97% of East Palestine residents filed a claim for the voluntary exposure payment.

Besides the voluntary exposure payments, claimants also could file for business loss payments and direct payments.

More than 11,000 class members visited the East Palestine Settlement Centers, and more than 7,600 claim forms were submitted through the two facilities.

The settlement still has another hurdle before any money will be distributed. The final approval hearing is scheduled for Sept. 25 in U.S. District Court for the Northern District in Ohio.

“As someone whose life and work were deeply affected by the derailment, I hope the settlement receives final approval and that money can begin flowing into our area as soon as possible,” said Dave Anderson, who lives in Pennsylvania just outside East Palestine and serves as one of the class representatives for the settlement. “This result brings a sense of justice and accountability to Norfolk Southern for the damage done to our community. While no amount of money can fully undo the harm, this resolution offers us the resources we need to rebuild our lives.” 

Attorneys who are part of the court-appointed class counsel issued a statement Monday regarding the number of claims filed.

“It is deeply satisfying that this community overwhelmingly supports this settlement,” the statement reads. “This result would not have been possible without their resolve and determination to hold Norfolk Southern accountable. We believe the agreement merits final approval, and we look forward to its benefits reaching the community as soon as possible.”

Only 0.083% of the estimated 450,000 eligible households opted out of the settlement, according to the statement.

Pictured at top: This photo taken with a drone on Feb. 4, 2023, shows portions of a Norfolk Southern freight train that derailed Feb. 3 in East Palestine, Ohio. (AP Photo | Gene J. Puskar, File)

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.