YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO, April 5, 2023 – Herzfeld, Suetholz, Gastel, Leniski and Wall PLLC (HSGLaW) is pleased to announce that partner Alyson Steele Beridon has been appointed to the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee representing a consolidated group of residents, property owners and businesses suing Norfolk Southern for its role in the February 3 train derailment and toxic chemical spill in in East Palestine, Ohio, which caused a mass environmental disaster impacting the lives and properties in the surrounding communities.  Ms. Beridon was appointed as part of a slate of attorneys primarily practicing out of Ohio and Pennsylvania that had filed similar cases against East Palestine.  In reaching her decision, U.S. District Judge Benita Y. Pearson held that Ms. Beridon’s group would best serve the interests plaintiffs in the litigation, and have demonstrated that they “are dedicated to committing substantial economic and legal resources to represent the putative class.”  The suits seek damages, medical monitoring and environmental testing, and other relief on behalf of the consolidated class.

About HSGLaW

Founded by Tricia Herzfeld, Dave Suetholz, Ben Gastel, Joe Leniski, and Mike Wall, HSGLaW focuses on complex civil litigation, Union-side labor law, civil rights and advising public utilities.  For over twenty years, our lawyers have provided legal services aimed at vindicating individuals and entities subjected to corporate malfeasance, protecting those injured by negligence, supporting and advocating for workers’ rights, guiding public utility companies, and fighting to ensure that people’s civil rights are protected.