New lawsuit aimed at Norfolk Southern, EPA, among others
Just Well Law founder Kristina Baehr is spearheading a lawsuit against Norfolk Southern, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the CDC, as well as state and local government agencies nearly two years after a train derailment rocked the village.
Baehr landed in Ohio back in December, speaking to residents who are still impacted by the disaster.
"As soon as I started investigating the claims I realized that the EPA was one of many bad actors here," said Baehr.
What initially started with a couple of families, quickly grew to well over 700 people. This is not a class action lawsuit but individuals and families being represented.
Those who opted out of the recently settled class-action lawsuit with Norfolk Southern, still retain the right to sue the railroad. While those who opted in will have their sights set on other agencies.
"Almost everyone worked with the railroad and allowed the railroad to direct the recover and that was like allowing the wolf to guard the hen house."
Baehr is also taking issue with information or lack thereof that was relayed to the residents in the aftermath of the derailment and subsequently the vent and burn in addition to concerns about the testing.
Ultimately, she wants to present this this case to an Ohio Jury who would dictate the compensation, but more importantly to prevent disaster like this one from happening in other communities.
The lawsuit is expected to filed within the coming days.