Some residents of East Palestine, Ohio, are seeking more time and transparency before deciding on a $600 million settlement with Norfolk Southern for last year's train derailment.
Josh Funk reports for The Associated Press.
In short:
- Residents within 20 miles of the derailment have until this week to file claims or accept a settlement offer, with amounts varying based on proximity.
- Concerns have arisen because the plaintiffs' attorneys have not disclosed testing data promised by their expert, which could impact residents' health decisions.
- Critics suggest the attorneys may prioritize their legal fees over the residents' needs.
Key quote:
"I completely disagree with Dr. Arch Carson – there is no research data that suggests that his statement is correct."
— Dr. Erin Haynes, chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health at the University of Kentucky College of Public Health
Why this matters:
Residents need accurate information to make informed decisions about their health and financial futures. The lack of transparency may lead to long-term consequences if risks are underestimated.
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