12-06-2025
East Palestine train derailment settlement administrator replaced amid complaints
EAST PALESTINE, Ohio (WKBN) – A court order has terminated the appointment of a settlement administrator for those impacted by the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine.
The court order from U.S. District Court Judge Benita Y. Pearson comes after complaints and an investigation that uncovered calculation errors.
Pearson cited issues with Kroll's calculations based on a point system for settlement awards. Awards were based on proximity to the train derailment site, specific losses and other criteria.
'The Court finds sufficient reason to believe that Kroll has not fulfilled its obligation to adequately administer the Settlement and related Court Orders including, but not limited to, the Court's Order approving and implementing the Plan of Distribution,' the court order stated.
The order stated that it was believed that Kroll overpaid some class members to the detriment of others.
Epiq Class Action and Claims Solutions has been named as the replacement settlement administrator. Norfolk Southern did not object to Kroll's removal.
Meanwhile, an audit of Kroll will continue.
The settlement agreement resolves claims within a 20-mile radius of the derailment and, for those who participated, personal injury claims within a 10-mile radius of the derailment.
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