Train Derailment Ohio: Losses Pile Up As Businesses Grapple with Fallout
On the evening of February 3, a Norfolk Southern train derailed near East Palestine, Ohio. Roughly 150 cars comprised the train. Of these rail cars, 38 were derailed, and 12 contained hazardous materials that pose significant risks to the nearby community.
The train cars that contained the hazardous chemicals were listed as carrying vinyl chloride, butyl acrylate, ethylhexyl acrylate, and ethylene glycol monobutyl ether. These toxic chemicals continue to release into surface soils, the air, and surface waters.
A huge fire soon followed after, sending a thick plume of smoke into the sky. A few days after the derailment, a mandatory evacuation was ordered due to the fear of a possible explosion.
With the fear of an explosion looming, crews performed a controlled chemical release from the five derailed cars. The chemicals were then set on fire. This action raised concern about the potential threats this could have on property and health risks for nearby inhabitants and first responders.
Both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are reportedly conducting investigations into the case, and a preliminary report is said to be released at the end of February.
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What Chemicals Were Released in the Ohio Train Derailment?
The most concerning of the chemicals to human health was the release of vinyl chloride, a chemical used in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials. Even short-term exposure to this substance could cause risks to public health.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources reported that the train derailment chemical spill affected about seven and a half miles of stream. The risk to livestock remains, as due to the spill of toxic materials, about 3,500 fish were killed.
On February 12th, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) divulged that East Palestine’s air quality had not yet risen to dangerous levels. After inspecting 459 homes in the area for potentially hazardous chemicals – no trace was found.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources reported that the train derailment chemical spill affected about seven and a half miles of stream. The risk to livestock remains, as due to the spill of toxic materials, about 3,500 fish were killed.
Effects of Exposure
The consequences of the train derailment Ohio are dependent on key factors such as the specific chemical released, the amount and duration of exposure, and current health status. Exposure to toxic chemicals can cause both short-term and long-term side effects.
Short term exposure to these substances may cause individuals to experience respiratory ailments, nausea, headaches, and more. Long-term exposure may put those exposed at a higher risk of developing cancer over time.
Potential Risks to Residents & Property Owners
Since the freight train derailment, many locals have reported feeling dizzy, having headaches, and a chemical odor, making it hard to go about their daily tasks. Citing that the smell of chlorine has lingered, even two weeks after the toxic train derailment.
Despite the evacuation order being lifted, residents still have high levels of concern and are hesitant to return home, fearful of the actual results regarding air and water quality.
In a town meeting held by East Palestine officials, residents questioned how safe their village is, the validity of air and water tests, and how the potential harm to health and property would be monitored in the community.
The office of Governor Mike DeWine announced that water from the municipal system was safe to consume, citing that test results from five of the system’s wells showed no contaminants of concern.
However, Ohio’s EPA still encourages local residents who collect water from private wells to have those water samples tested, as these wells may be closer to the surface than municipal wells.
Loss of Use Coverage
According to the Legal Information Institute, loss of use is defined as “the damages that occur when conduct results in the property being unavailable for use for a limited period of time”. Loss of use may be applicable when damage to property is the result of another party’s negligence.
Loss of use coverage is a form of insurance that helps protect people from the financial strain of paying for alternative living arrangements if their home becomes uninhabitable due to an insured loss.
In the case of the East Palestine chemical spill event, business owners and homeowners may be eligible for loss of use coverage if the train derailment caused their properties to become unusable or forced business owners to close their businesses temporarily or permanently.
Business owners and homeowners may be eligible for loss of use coverage if the train derailment caused their properties to become unusable or forced business owners to close their businesses temporarily or permanently.
Will the East Palestine Derailment Affect Local Businesses?
The toxic train derailment has affected and endangered not only the health of local residents but their businesses as well. Workers have complained about the discomfort felt due to the strong odors and a stinging sensation in the eyes.
In an interview with CNN, Ben Ratner, an East Palestine business owner, expressed hesitancy in expanding his business due to the long-term effects of the accident. Ratner states, “It’s hard to make an investment in something like that or even feel good about paying our mortgage whenever there might not be any value to those things in the future,” — sentiment that is echoed by many other unconvinced locals.
It is estimated that the clean-up and monitoring process could take several years, resulting in potential health risks and financial ramifications for East Palestine residents. The effects of this train derailment are unclear at this stage, yet it has all but ensured economic hardship for local families.
It is estimated that the clean-up and monitoring process could take several years, resulting in potential health risks and financial ramifications for East Palestine residents.
Ohio Train Derailment Accident: Filing A Business Claim
If you wish to be compensated for loss or damage that has occurred, a business insurance claim is the way to go. A business claim is an official statement sent out to your insurer informing them of loss or damage and requesting compensation for the loss if this is covered by your insurance policy. Here are steps on how to file a business claim:
1. Gather evidence – After an accident has caused damage to your business, it is important to collect evidence in order to effectively present the case for a successful insurance claim. Take photos of any damages that have occurred as soon as possible following the incident.
2. File a police report, if needed – In certain cases, insurance companies will request a police report in the event of a crime. For instance, if your business was looted and damaged in the height of an evacuation panic.
3. Speak with a lawyer – If your business is covered by insurance, it is crucial to seek legal counsel from an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. Your insurance lawyer will handle communications with your insurance provider and even file a business tort claim to heighten your chances of recovering compensation for any losses.
The Ohio train derailment may have caused devastating losses to your business such as destruction of property of land or structures, contamination of soil and groundwater, loss of business opportunities, and any other associated damages.
To prove any future losses, you will be required to provide evidence, proving that these losses were caused by the accident. A knowledgeable attorney will be able to assist you in presenting the necessary evidence you need to recover the compensation your business deserves.
At Ayuda California, our team is ready to discuss the details of your case and assist you in the complex process of filing a business tort.
File a business tort for loss of earnings and property value.
Is Your Business or Property Affected By the Ohio Train Derailment Accident? Contact Us Today!
Individuals impacted by this devastating event should urgently seek assistance from medical and legal experts to safeguard their rights as well as recover compensation for any losses of personal property. Furthermore, property and business owners must contact an experienced business tort lawyer at Ayuda California as soon as possible in order to identify the options available to them.Time is of the essence when it comes to seeking legal action — contact Ayuda California today and learn more about your case. As specialists in personal injury cases as well as business torts, we are confident that you will be able to secure justice for yourself and your loved ones with our help. Don’t wait any longer: reach out now and begin pursuing what’s rightfully yours!
