Environmental Law

On February 20, 2023, Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, Peiffer Wolf Carr Kane Conway & Wise, LLP, and Meyer Wilson Co., LPA filed a federal class action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio against Norfolk Southern over the February 3, 2023 derailment and toxic spill in East Palestine, Ohio on behalf of certain named individual local residents and business owners as well as a class of all others similarly affected.

The recent train derailment and ensuing massive fire and toxic spill in East Palestine, Ohio included at least 14 train cars filled with vinyl chloride and others containing equally hazardous materials, whose contents were released and exposed to fire. Many residents were forced to evacuate, while others were told to just shelter in place while the toxic plume invaded their properties and businesses.

Vinyl chloride is associated with liver cancer and other cancers. Freezing temperatures complicated response attempts as firefighters from three states joined to combat what was described as a major fire across the Ohio countryside, fire which itself further dispersed a wide variety of toxic contaminants.

Local residents report frustration and fear, as the environmental impact comes into view and questions about long-term effects linger.

If you or a family member have been affected by the Norfolk Southern train derailment, fire, and toxic spill in East Palestine, Ohio, we recommend you contact a proven environmental lawyer at Lieff Cabraser today about your case and potential recovery. Call us at 1 800 541-7358 or use the form on this page for a free, no obligation review of your Norfolk Southern toxic contamination claim.

Lieff Cabraser has been pursuing environmental and social justice since 1972. We possesses the expertise and financial resources to thoroughly investigate fires and environmental exposure cases and hold those responsible accountable. We have successfully prosecuted cases against many of the world’s most powerful corporations obtaining nearly $30 billion in recoveries, including for families, businesses and property owners throughout the U.S.