East Palestine Train Derailment and Toxic Chemical Exposure

On February 3, 2023, a Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed. As reported by the National Transportation Safety Board, there were 20 total hazardous material cars, 11 of which derailed. In order to avoid catastrophic explosion, some chemicals were burned off on February 6, 2023, in a “controlled explosion”, which prompted a temporary evacuation of a one-by-two mile area around East Palestine. Five of the derailed cars were carrying vinyl chloride, a chemical that can cause respiratory symptoms like shortness of breath, along with neurological symptoms like headaches and dizziness upon inhalation. Burning vinyl chloride can cause the production of other toxic chemics including hydrogen chloride and phosgene. Furthermore, chronic exposure to high levels of vinyl chloride has been linked to liver damage and cancer.

If you live or work near East Palestine, or if you or your loved ones have been affected by the Toxic Train Derailment Accident that occurred on February 3, 2023, you may have a legal claim.

Other hazardous chemicals on the train include ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylhexyl acrylate and isobutylene, all associated with causing irritation or neurological symptoms. The train also transported butyl acrylate, which can cause headache, dizziness, nausea and irritation to the nose, throat, and lungs. Some residents have reported headaches and rashes since the derailment, and despite official reassurances that the water and air is safe, they report that they still feel unsafe.

What injuries may be compensable?

Compensable injuries include harm suffered to one’s person or property as a result of the train derailment. This includes exposure by working, owning, renting, and/or residing within property that was subject to the train derailment evacuation order or its surrounding areas.
Harm may include:

Personal injuries
Loss and contamination of property
Loss of livestock

What should I do next?

If you, a family member, or loved one, were exposed to or otherwise affected by East Palestine’s Toxic Train Derailment, contact us today for a free consultation and case evaluation. You can reach us by chatting with us live on this website, or calling now.

Who are we?

At Zoll & Kranz, LLC, you are the priority. Our Toledo, Ohio-based law firm has been standing with individuals to seek change, ensure accountability, and promote the safety of individuals everywhere for more than 30 years.

We bring our extensive national experience representing individuals harmed by exposure to toxic or harmful substances to our representation of our friends and neighbors in Ohio. Michelle Kranz, a founding partner of Zoll & Kranz, has not only been a plaintiff’s lawyer over 20 years, but also raises, markets, and shows beef cattle and understands the struggle of protecting the health and safety of livestock. She is an active and longtime member of both the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association and Wood County Beef Producers, including a past term as President of the WCBP.