People near the East Palestine train derailment have a decision to make about their possible portion of the $600 million settlement from Norfolk Southern. 

Anyone who lived, worked or owned a business within 20 miles of the train derailment site after February 3, 2023 is automatically included and will get a letter of notification from the Kroll Settlement Administration in the next few weeks. 

If a resident or businesses owner wants to opt-out it needs to be in writing.

Letters to opt-out of the settlement must include:

  • The case name (In re: East Palestine Train Derailment, No. 4:23CV0242 (N.D. Ohio)
  • Your full name, current address, and address of the Settlement Class member seeking exclusion
  • A clear statement that the Settlement Class Member desires to be excluded from the Settlement Class
  • A Signature by the Settlement Class member seeking exclusion

The letter must be mailed to the Settlement Administrator at the address specified in the Notice received by mail. It also must be postmarked no later than July 1, 2024.

Some East Palestine residents told 21 News they won’t opt-out and will take the compensation for their suffering - others are looking for more than just money.

“I believe that health insurance is a must, that's one of my top priorities there,” Susan Reynolds the owner of East Palestine businesses Dunes Tanning Salon, Muscle Work and Suzie Studio said. “As a small family owned business in a small town of this nature we have yet to decide whether we're opting in or out because we have to investigate all options.”

If you opt-IN to the settlement, you will be waiving your rights to file a lawsuit in the future against Norfolk Southern.

Once the notices are sent out, attorneys will be set up at the old Norfolk Southern Family Assistance Center on East Rebecca Street to answer questions. 

The final approval will be decided at a hearing on September 25, 2024.