Four separate lawsuits have been filed against Norfolk Southern in U.S. District Court in Youngstown, alleging that the railroad’s cost-cutting practices contributed to the February 3, 2023, East Palestine derailment and the subsequent release of toxic chemicals.

The lawsuits, filed by individuals, businesses, and a kennel, all claim that Norfolk Southern’s “Precision Scheduled Railroading” strategy, prioritized profits over safety, and led to staff reductions, longer and heavier trains, and tighter schedules. They contend that these changes directly contributed to the train's derailment.

The operators of a Doberman breeding and training facility on Taggart Road in Darlington, Pennsylvania, say the derailment cut off access to their business for a year and forced them to relocate their dogs and their business. The complaint alleges that contamination from the spill and chemical burn resulted in the deaths of at least 116 puppies and three adult dogs.

In addition to the deaths, the business owners say that puppies born following the derailment had multiple deformities, including one puppy born with a single body but two heads.

The owners of Birdoghill Kennel say that, after operating for twenty years in East Palestine, they were forced to relocate due to the derailment, which occurred less than five miles from their Hamilton Road business. Chase and Cheryl Kinder allege contamination concerns after the derailment tarnished their kennel's reputation.

Their complaint alleges that current and potential clients no longer trusted purchasing dogs or having their dogs trained and housed at the business. In addition, the Kinders said that employees quit, and dogs suffered illnesses including unsuccessful pregnancies, stillborn puppies, and other health issues due to exposure to chemicals caused by the derailment.

Daniel and Drew Huff, who own and operate eighty-five rental properties in the East Palestine area, claim to have suffered catastrophic losses from the derailment and burn. Since the derailment, the Huff brothers say they have experienced an uptick in vacancies and tenant turnovers. They allege that many tenants were either displaced due to the derailment's aftermath or unable to sustain tenancy due to job losses, reduced work hours, and the need to vacate for health reasons.

In addition to the decreased occupancy rates, the complaint claims that potential new tenants were deterred due to the surrounding environmental concerns.

Robert and Paula Howe, who own Unity Tube, claim the derailment hurt their tube manufacturing business on State Route 165 by causing staffing shortages because potential employees did not want to live or work in East Palestine. The Howes also blame the derailment for a decrease in existing and potential customers due to contamination concerns. The Howes also claim they have been subjected to intense emotional distress as their business, life's work, and livelihoods were irreparably harmed.

The complaints, all of which were filed by the personal injury law firm Cory Watson of Birmingham, Alabama, allege that the train had multiple ignored safety issues, including a dangerously overheated wheel bearing. The derailment resulted in the release of toxic chemicals, including vinyl chloride. The lawsuits further claim that the “controlled burn” of chemicals exacerbated the contamination.

The suits accuse Norfolk Southern of lobbying against safety regulations and failing to maintain equipment properly. Each lawsuit seeks damages exceeding $75,000 and a jury trial.

Norfolk Southern has yet to file a reply to the complaints.