LEGAL ACTION ADVANCES FOR EAST PALESTINE BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTS WHO OPTED OUT OF TRAIN DERAILMENT CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT

Residents and businesses still struggling on the second anniversary of catastrophic event

EAST PALESTINE, Ohio, Feb. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Attorneys, including Cory Watson Attorneys, representing more than 20 businesses and individuals who opted out of the $600 million class action settlement have filed nine new lawsuits and a legal motion to prioritize the work-up of their compensation claims as the damages continue to accrue. These plaintiffs are seeking remuneration for financial losses, environmental harm, and the lasting effects of the derailment for their individual circumstances beyond the claims that were addressed by Norfolk Southern.

The incident resulted in a $600 million class action settlement that successfully resolved thousands of claims. While the class action settlement ably resolved most claims, several hard-hit businesses remain without relief. The filings highlight the urgent need to address the ongoing economic and environmental devastation that has upended lives and livelihoods, including:

• Edwin Wang: Owner of CeramFab, CeramSource, and WYG Refractories. His primary business, which once supplied critical components to industries like steel mills and refineries, has been shuttered since the derailment.
• Two Kennels and Specialty Hunting Dog Breeders: Suffered catastrophic losses, including the tragic death of dozens of dogs due to contamination, and the undermining of their business reputation because of these derailment-related events
• Local Restaurants, Day Cares, and Small Businesses: Each facing hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses due to reduced business.
• Real Estate Portfolios: Damaged by contamination and community displacement, leading to long-term financial losses.

"In addition to the previously filed $500M CeramFab complaint, this week we've filed 9 more complaints for over 20 class member opt-outs. These plaintiffs made a deliberate choice to opt out of the class action settlement because their losses and damages could not be equitably addressed within the settlement's broader structure," said Jon C. Conlin, Principal Attorney for Cory Watson Attorneys.

About Cory Watson Attorneys:
Cory Watson Attorneys is a nationally recognized personal injury law firm with offices in Alabama and  Tennessee and the firm's attorneys are admitted into over three dozen state or federal courts. The firm has recovered more than $4 Billion for clients across the country. To discuss a legal concern or to learn more about the representation Cory Watson offers, contact the firm today by calling (866) 622-9906 or visiting https://www.corywatson.com.

SOURCE Cory Watson Attorneys