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Scranton Personal Injury Lawyer > Blog > Personal Injury > Western Pennsylvania Residents Are Suing For Toxic Exposure: Here’s Why

Western Pennsylvania Residents Are Suing For Toxic Exposure: Here’s Why

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The modern world is filled with deadly chemicals. The truth is that we need these chemicals to run our society, and our high standard of living comes at the cost of using various toxins on a daily basis. But that doesn’t mean that the average person should be exposed to deadly chemicals. Companies and government agencies responsible for transporting these toxins should exercise care not to spill or leak these chemicals into the environment. People are at serious risk for health problems if they become exposed. Unfortunately, this is what many residents of Western Pennsylvania are now experiencing after a train derailment in Ohio.

How Did the Ohio Train Derailment Affect Western Pennsylvania? 

Two plaintiffs in Beaver County are asking the Norfolk Southern Railway to pay for medical monitoring of all residents within a 30-mile radius of East Palestine, Ohio – the site of a recent train derailment that spilled toxins in the environment. The lawsuit states that:

“(Those in the radius) have been exposed to toxic substances, toxic fumes and carcinogens and thereby suffer and will continue to suffer a significantly increased risk of serious injury and diseases. This increased risk makes periodic diagnostic medical testing and examinations necessary.” 

The chemical fire burned for three full days before an emergency response team was able to deal with the issue. There was also a risk of an explosion, and the response team had to carefully deal with five tanks of vinyl chloride. A controlled burn was the only way to deal with the issue, and this caused a mushroom cloud to form over the Ohio town. This cloud contained high concentrations of phosgene and hydrogen chloride.

All of these chemicals are linked to various health issues, including numerous cancers. Phosgene is known for causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues, while hydrogen chloride can affect the skin and eyes. The situation was dire enough to warrant an evacuation of the immediate area. People have since returned to the area, but some have noticed health issues such as those mentioned above. People are also noticing dead animals who have apparently died under suspicious circumstances. The real question now is whether the derailment was caused by negligence – and whether the plaintiffs can prove this. As of this writing, the residents have little financial support other than a $10,000 GoFundMe page.

Where Can I Find a Qualified, Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in Pennsylvania?

If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced Scranton personal injury attorney, look no further than the Needle Law Firm. We know how serious toxic exposure can be, and we’re ready to help you fight for your rights effectively. If you think you’ve been exposed to certain chemicals, you may have the opportunity to hold negligent parties accountable. Book your consultation today to discuss your legal options and take your first steps towards justice.

Source: 

triblive.com/local/regional/lawsuit-thousands-of-western-pa-residents-at-risk-after-ohio-train-derailment/

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