A Pennsylvania couple is suing Norfolk Southern Railway for $5 million claiming the February 3, 2023, train derailment, chemical spill, and fire ruined their business.

Kelly Likovich and Terry Berresford, residents of New Galilee, PA, filed the lawsuit in Columbiana County Court alleging that the railroad was negligent and disregarded safety measures, causing the derailment, and resulting in the release of toxic chemicals into the environment.

The couple claims that the incident has had a profound and lasting impact on their lives, including loss of income by forcing the closure of their business, the State Line Tavern, and rendered their rental property uninhabitable.

The couple's property line is right near the train tracks. The wife told 21 News she is still waiting for Norfolk Southern crews to clean up her property. Trucks and Equipment can be seen lined up in State Line Tavern parking lot.

"They lost their clientele, they lost their good will, they lost their income from a rental home on the property. Everyone is afraid to be there, first and foremost, but secondly, this was used as ground zero by the defendants," said Lynn Sfara Bruno, attorney representing the couple.

Bruno claims that the environmental contamination has significantly diminished the value of their property and caused them to experience severe emotional trauma, including anxiety, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorder. She also claims the derailment is making the couple start over.

"They devoted decades of their life to their business, their home, their rental property, and now at the stage where they should be considering retirement, everything they have is basically lost," said Bruno. "They haven’t been able to do a thing since the derailment, so, their lives are shut down, permanently."

The lawsuit seeks compensation for lost income, property damage, medical expenses, and emotional distress.

Railroad officials have not yet responded to the complaint.

Common Pleas Court Judge Scott Washam has scheduled a March 12 hearing to review the case.

The complaint may be seen below: