Lawyers from Hagens Berman are suing Norfolk Southern after a train containing hazardous chemicals derailed. They have won lawsuits against tobacco companies in the past and have paid $260 billion to victims.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has allowed rail carrier Norfolk Southern Railway Company to be fined $70,000 per day for an accident that caused a chemical spill in Ohio. Michael Miguel, director of insurance claims law firm McKool Smith, told Insider on Feb.
The amount of fines could increase due to tightening federal regulations on cleaning chemicals and the large number of lawsuits filed by residents of the affected eastern Palestinian city of Ohio. The EPA says Norfolk Southern is responsible for the transportation and spillage of ultrahazardous materials. Insurers may soon sue the company.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) submitted a report on the causes of the accident. He says the wheel bearing of the train’s wheelset is overheating to 122 degrees. As a result, 38 wagons, 11 of them carrying hazardous chemicals, were derailed.
“We call incidents accidents. There are no accidents, any incident can be prevented,” said NTSB chief Jennifer Homendy.
Norfolk Southern has pledged to comply with government requirements and has already paid the city $25,000. Those living within a radius of approximately 2 kilometers can receive compensation of $1,000.
Law firms Johnson and Johnson and Hagens Berman have sued Norfolk Southern for allegedly causing harm to people through negligence. Management is responsible for paying compensation to people and covering health expenses.
Lawyers from Hagens Berman represented Ohioans in a 1998 lawsuit against major tobacco companies that resulted in a $260 billion settlement.
“Writing a bunch of checks for $1,000 isn’t going to end Norfolk Southern’s obligations,” Miguel promised.
Accident in Ohio – train full of dangerous goods derails
The Norfolk Southern train, containing more than 100 cars, derailed on February 3 near the city of eastern Palestine, Ohio. About 20 wagons contained dangerous chemicals.
Rescuers had to release the contents of 5 tanks containing vinyl chloride – this substance is used in the manufacture of plastic. About 5 thousand people live in the city, some of which are already returning.
More and more people are reporting strange smells and seeing dead animals. Hundreds of dead fish were seen in one of the rivers, and photos of dead dogs and foxes were posted on social networks.
Experts are confident that it may take several months to accurately determine the causes of the disaster.
Focus has previously written about the negative impact of PFAS chemicals on human health. Water-repellent coatings on fabrics, non-stick coatings on dishes and protective packaging on products cover a group of substances.
According to scientists, PFAS can cause diabetes, fertility problems, thyroid disease and various types of cancer.
The scientific publication Science Alert wrote that the rapid melting of Arctic ice has led to the leaching of more harmful chemicals.
Source: Focus
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