Time: 2024-07-18
The flood warning continues for several rivers in Indiana and Michigan , including the Tippecanoe River above Winamac and near Ora , and the Saint Joseph River Michigan at Three Rivers and South Bend . Moderate and minor flooding is forecast in these areas , affecting multiple counties . Motorists are advised to avoid flooded roads and not drive around barricades or flooded areas to ensure safety.
Residents in the small Ohio town of East Palestine faced a 00 million class action settlement offered by Norfolk Southern following a train derailment in February 2023 . Despite some concerns raised by residents , only a small number of households opted out of the deal . The train crash spilled hazardous chemicals , leading officials to take necessary precautions , which were later deemed unnecessary by the National Transportation Safety Board.
A federal judge has given preliminary approval to the deal , with a hearing scheduled for late September to determine its final outcome . Norfolk Southern also agreed to pay a 5 million fine and make operational changes as part of a federal settlement . The community 's response to the settlement has been positive , with thousands of claims already submitted , although some residents have raised objections regarding the fairness of the settlement.
Residents near the derailment might receive varying settlement amounts based on their proximity to the incident and the impact it had on them . Additionally , the final settlement amount could be reduced by any assistance received from Norfolk Southern since the derailment . Some residents are concerned about the potential long - term health implications of the exposure to hazardous chemicals from the derailment.
Despite the positive response to the settlement , some residents have criticized the deal , believing that those most affected by the derailment might receive smaller settlements . The lack of time and information provided to residents to make an informed decision has also been a point of contention . The offset procedure in the settlement , which deducts any assistance received from Norfolk Southern , has been a concern for residents who might end up with reduced settlement amounts.
The settlement offers payments for injuries , but residents would forfeit their right to sue the railroad in the future for health conditions if they accept the personal injury payment . The lawyers involved in the settlement are expected to receive a significant portion of the settlement in legal fees if approved by the judge . Residents continue to experience health issues following the derailment , with concerns about potential long - term health consequences.
Business
