East Palestine derailment victims to receive payments amid appeal

In East Palestine, Ohio, residents affected by the train derailment last year are set to receive personal injury payments despite an ongoing appeal regarding a $600 million class action settlement with Norfolk Southern railroad. The settlement is currently on hold as some residents, led by Rev. Joseph Sheely, have raised concerns about its adequacy and fairness. While the appeal process unfolds, provisions in the settlement allow for personal injury payments to be disbursed, although the exact amount each claimant will receive remains uncertain. The plaintiffs' attorneys have not disclosed how many of the approximately 55,000 claims pertain to personal injuries versus property damage, nor the specific amounts for each claim. The appeal has sparked division within the community, with some residents expressing frustration over potential delays in receiving their settlement checks. Sheely, who initially questioned the settlement, later distanced himself from the appeal, while four other residents have stepped forward to support it. Their attorney, David Graham, argues that the appeal is necessary to ensure the settlement adequately addresses the community's needs, particularly concerning health issues arising from the derailment. The legal fees associated with the settlement have been approved at $162 million, which will remain unchanged unless the settlement is overturned. Residents are concerned that the personal injury payments may not cover their medical expenses, especially if they develop serious health problems due to exposure to hazardous materials during the incident. The situation remains fluid as the community grapples with the implications of the appeal and the ongoing review of claims.