COLUMBUS, Ohio —  A $600 million, class-action settlement involving Norfolk Southern is expected to get approved Wednesday in the fallout of the train derailment that affected East Palestine more than a year ago.

What You Need To Know

  • The class-action settlement will result in a $600 million payout from Norfolk Southern

  • East Palestine could also make a personal injury health claim for up to $25,000

  • Payout details have not been outlined 

The community of East Palestine is still recovering after the February 2023 train derailment. The settlement is for those impacted by derailment, as well as the events that occurred afterward. The settlement was something households had to opt out of by July 1st of this year, but the majority of residents decided to settle.

The train derailment spilled hazardous chemicals, including vinyl chloride. Officials decided to do a vent and burn process in order to prevent the cars from blowing up, but after further investigation, the National Transportation Safety Board said that it was likely unnecessary. Many that still live in East Palestine are concerned about the long-term health effects this incident could have.

Along with the class-action claim, residents could also add a personal injury claim to receive up to $25,000, but it leaves no room for people to sue down the line if they develop cancer or other life-threatening illnesses that could be related to the derailment. 

Jess Conard, who has been actively fighting for transparency through this process, criticized the fact that Norfolk Southern didn't release the final report and findings until two weeks after the “opt out” deadline passed. She filed an objection to the settlement with the hopes of testifying on grounds of lack of transparency, but was ultimately not picked to testify. 

She, along with the rest of the community, awaits the amount of money they will receive and hope to move forward. 

“Every piece of new information that comes out just continues to devastate us every day,” said Conard. “We want this to go away, too, but we certainly don't want it to go away unjustified.”

Conard said she wants to see change in policy with legislation like the Rail Safety Bill. 

Earlier this year, the federal government ordered Norfolk Southern to pay a $15 million fine in addition to the hundreds of millions the train company has agreed to pay in current and future clean up efforts as well as community health concerns. 

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