YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — In the latest twist on lawsuits stemming from the derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, a prison inmate is suing Norfolk Southern and its CEO, Alan Shaw, over alleged exposure to chemicals as a result of the Feb. 3 incident.
Reuters reports that Joshua Turner, incarcerated at the Ohio State Penitentiary in Youngstown, some 25 miles from the derailment site, filed suit in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. His 14-page handwritten complaint says he is experiencing breathing issues, consistent headaches, skin rashes, and “a cough that won’t stop.”
The complaint alleges his 8th Amendment rights against cruel and unusual punishment have been violated by exposure to the chemicals. He seeks $25 million in damages, plus financial support for future health problems.
The railroad does not comment on pending litigation.
The railroad is facing a myriad of lawsuits, including from the U.S. Department of Justice, the Ohio Attorney General, multiple school districts in the East Palestine area, local residents and businesses, and shareholders suing over the loss of stock value as a result of the derailment.
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