Norfolk Southern Settles East Palestine Derailment Lawsuit For $600 Million

Norfolk Southern will pay $600 million to settle a class-action lawsuit related to last year’s train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, the company announced Tuesday, following complaints from residents who said they were affected by the incident after hazardous chemicals leaked into the nearby water, air and soil.

The settlement, if approved by the court, will resolve all class action claims from a 20-mile radius of the derailment and personal injury claims within a 10-mile radius for those who choose to participate, Norfolk Southern said.

Compensation from the settlement can be used to address any “potential adverse impacts” from the derailment, the company said, including healthcare needs, property restoration and any business losses.

People within 10 miles of the derailment can choose to receive additional compensation for any previous or future personal injury caused by the derailment.