Norfolk Southern settles class action East Palestine train derailment lawsuit for $600 million

Norfolk Southern Corporation announced Tuesday that it has reached a $600 million agreement in principle to resolve a consolidated class action lawsuit relating to the East Palestine derailment. If approved by U.S. District Court Judge Benita Pearson., the agreement will resolve all class action claims within a 20-mile radius from the derailment and, for those residents who choose to participate, personal injury claims within a 10-mile radius from the derailment.

What Norfolk Southern is saying about the East Palestine train derailment settlement

According to a statement from Norfolk Southern, “This agreement does not include or constitute any admission of liability, wrongdoing, or fault. It was reached through extensive negotiations with court-appointed class counsel and with the expert assistance of former federal district judge Layn Phillips, a nationally renowned neutral mediator. It is expected to be submitted for preliminary approval to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio later in April 2024. Subject to final court approval, payments to class members under the settlement could begin by the end of this year. The actual allocations and payments to households, businesses, and individuals will be determined by court-appointed class counsel. Class members will soon receive additional details about the settlement, including contact information for a settlement administrator to whom they can direct any questions and information regarding a Claims Assistance Center in East Palestine.”

This story was originally published April 9, 2024 at 9:02 AM.