Kroll is proud to serve the community affected by the Ohio train derailment disaster by administering the $600 million settlement. Our dedicated efforts have not only brought much-needed relief to the residents and businesses affected but also been commended by the court for the quality of our notice and administration program.
The Northern District Court of Ohio in Youngstown issued an order dated September 27, 2024, Approving Plaintiffs’ Motion for Award of Attorneys’ Fees and Expenses and Service Award. In the court order, Judge Benita Pearson highlighted the significant impact of Kroll’s work. Upon learning that the claims rate was over 90% in East Palestine and the claims rate within a five-mile radius of the derailment was almost 87%, the court observed that “Class Members overwhelmingly support the settlement” and commended class counsel and Kroll’s efforts in the matter.
“Unlike the majority of settlements in which claims administration is done from afar, here the Parties acknowledged the importance of presence in the community. The claims center was originally open five days a week—and then extended to six days a week with expanded hours in light of the extraordinary interest and participation in the settlement—and was staffed with Class Counsel and Kroll employees, who were available to answer questions and assist Settlement Class Members with their claim forms. In total, the Claims Center was visited by more than 11,000 people.”
Judge Pearson
Further, the court observed, “The success of the Notice Plan and claims process are reflected in the Settlement’s historic participation, which has to date seen over 54,000 filed claims. These unprecedented claims rates are perhaps the greatest evidence that the process ensured that a vast majority of the Class Members would receive relief.”
Kroll’s Settlement Administration Team is pleased to share that our efforts and especially the dedication of our employees in the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment case are effectively assisting the community. The high claims rate and positive feedback from the court underscore the expertise and quality of Kroll’s notice and administration services, as well as our commitment to supporting those affected by this disaster.
Learn more about our Settlement Administration services here. For more information about the East Palestine Train Derailment Settlement, please visit the case website here.
