Boyk Law Attorney Appointed to Plaintiffs’ Committee in Ohio Train Derailment Case
Boyk Law’s Wesley Merillat was appointed to the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee (“PSC”) in the consolidated class action litigation involving the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
On February 2, 2023, a Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed in East Palestine, 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 cases like this – where there are a significant number of suits filed and a huge number of people and businesses impacted, Federal Courts can appoint a team of select attorneys to coordinate and lead the litigation and oversee the common interests of all the plaintiffs involved.
The U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Ohio considered attorneys with significant experience with complex litigation, and with skills and knowledge to handle this type of litigation. “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,” said attorney Wes Merillat.
Charles Boyk, whose firm has a long history of working on toxic tort and complex litigation cases, noted that “Wes Merillat‘s leadership appointment is well-deserved. We are proud of his accomplishments and dedication to holding Norfolk Southern accountable to people affected by this disaster.”
