Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee has been organized to lead the litigation In Re East Palestine
TOLEDO, OH, April 27, 2023 /24-7PressRelease/ — Personal injury attorney Wesley Merillat was appointed to the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee (“PSC”) in the consolidated class action litigation known as In Re East Palestine by the Honorable Benita Y. Pearson of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. This case involves the Norfolk Southern train derailment that occurred on February 2, 2023.
Norfolk’s train, which was carrying hazardous chemicals, derailed near East Palestine, Ohio, sending plumes of toxins over the community, onto their land and into their waterways. The derailment, which is one of the worst in history, ignited a massive disaster and has caused devastating impacts on human health and the environment. The litigation alleges that the train derailment and resulting chemical spill was the cumulation of years of the rail industry’s efforts to cut costs, slash its workforce and lobby against safety regulations.
In speaking on his appointment to the PSC, Merillat said, “I am honored to serve alongside an esteemed group of attorneys, to work together on behalf of the individuals, businesses, and community members who have been injured and impacted by Norfolk Southern’s dangerous negligence.”
Charles Boyk, whose firm has a long history of working on toxic tort and complex litigation cases, noted that “Wes’ leadership appointment is well-deserved. We are proud of Wes, his accomplishments and his dedication to holding Norfolk accountable to people affected by this disaster. Our firm will bring the necessary resources to support him in this litigation.”
In Re East Palestine, 4:23-cv-00242, Order (Appointing Interim Class Counsel and Leadership)(N.D. Ohio April 6, 2023).
About In Re East Palestine
In Re East Palestine is the consolidated class action litigation involving the Norfolk Southern train derailment, when 38 cars of a freight train carrying hazardous materials derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. Multiple railcars burned for several days, releasing toxic chemicals into the air. Residents within a 1-mile radius were evacuated, and an emergency response was put in place for select locations in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
About the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee (“PSC”)
When the court orders multi-district litigation, a Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee is organized and select attorneys are appointed as members to lead and oversee the common interests of all the plaintiffs involved. Members of the PSC are appointed based on experience, skill, and knowledge of the specific case at hand.
About Charles E. Boyk Law Offices
Charles Boyk Law is a sophisticated plaintiff injury firm that has successfully represented thousands of injured individuals in Ohio and Michigan, as well as across the United States. Our expert attorneys are committed to fighting for victims of negligence, abuse, and wrongful death arising from civil rights, medical malpractice, elder abuse, sexual assault, personal injury, and product liability.
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