"$600 Million Settlement for Ohio Train Derailment in Jeopardy: Community Outrage Grows!"

Residents of East Palestine, Ohio, are facing a frustrating setback in their recovery from a toxic train derailment earlier this year. The $600 million settlement meant to help them could be delayed by up to two years due to a recent appeal against a federal judge’s approval of the deal.

Community Reaction

The appeal has sparked anger among local residents, many of whom were counting on the settlement money to aid their recovery. Some had even planned to use these funds to relocate after the derailment released hazardous chemicals into their community.

One of the people at the center of the controversy is Rev. Joseph Sheely, whose name is on the appeal. Despite having previously challenged the settlement, Sheely asked his lawyer to exclude him from any further appeals, stating he is overwhelmed by health concerns related to the derailment and wants to step back. “I was trying to do something for the residents of East Palestine, including myself,” he explained, but added that it seems people just want the cash.

Delayed Payments

Initially, attorneys hoped to start sending out the first checks before the end of this year. However, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals must first address concerns over whether the settlement offers fair compensation and whether residents were adequately informed about its terms. Lawyers estimate that payments could be delayed by at least six to twelve months, with a possibility of even longer delays if the case goes to the U.S. Supreme Court.

“We will do everything in our power to quickly resolve this appeal,” the plaintiffs’ attorneys stated, lamenting that one person’s objections are holding up the community’s recovery.

Legal Fees and Settlement Details

The settlement aims to provide payments of up to $70,000 per household for property damage and up to $25,000 per person for injuries for those living within two miles of the derailment. However, payments decrease significantly for those living farther away, with only a few hundred dollars for residents near the 20-mile mark. The appeal will not affect the $162 million in legal fees awarded to the plaintiff’s attorneys unless the deal is overturned.

Divided Community

The appeal has further divided the town. Many residents accused Sheely of being greedy for objecting to a settlement that would deduct any compensation they’ve already received from the railroad. However, some residents argue they have deeper concerns, stating they lack information about the full extent of the chemical exposure due to limited disclosures from both the plaintiff’s lawyers and the Environmental Protection Agency.

East Palestine remains split between those eager to move on and those still grappling with health issues related to the derailment. The ongoing dispute over the appeal only adds to the tension in this already troubled community.