Federal Judge Approves $600 Million Settlement for East Palestine Derailment Victims

The settlement compensates residents and businesses within 20 miles of the Ohio train derailment, despite lingering health concerns.

Judge Benita Pearson approved the settlement, which will benefit roughly 55,000 claimants.
Residents within 2 miles of the derailment can receive up to $70,000 per household for property damage and $25,000 per person for health issues.
Objections were raised about the settlement's adequacy and the speed of its approval, with concerns about undisclosed health risks.
Payments are expected to begin before the end of the year, with prior aid from Norfolk Southern deducted from final amounts.
The derailment in February 2023 involved hazardous chemicals, leading to a controlled burn that has since sparked health and safety debates.