Last week, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) disclosed information regarding the 2012 Conrail train derailment in Paulsboro, NJ. A New Jersey Health Department survey confirmed that a vast majority of Paulsboro residents became ill and experienced numerous health issues in the days, weeks, and months following the accident that caused a chemical spillage of vinyl chloride, a colorless and flammable gas used mostly to manufacture polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes.
The symptoms of illness, caused by the noxious gas released after derailed cars fell into the creek below, ranged in severity and included upper respiratory problems, dizziness, and eye irritation. Symptoms were reported most often by residents that lived closest to the accident.
Philadelphia Personal Injury Attorneys Represent Paulsboro Residents in Action Against Conrail
Joseph L. Messa, Jr. and Thomas N. Sweeney of Messa & Associates, P.C. currently represent 27 Paulsboro residents in an action against Conrail for the sickening effects they suffered as a result of the event that took place on November 30, 2012. One of those plaintiffs is the son of Wessie Hardy, a 77-year-old woman that died after being exposed to a thick, toxic fog of vinyl chloride gas outside of her home. She was admitted to the hospital the day of the accident with severe shortness of breath, chest pains, and burning eyes and died three days later.
Other plaintiffs complained of illness much like Hardy’s; shortness of breath, scratchy throats, chest pains, headaches, dizziness, and burning, irritated eyes.
Personal Injury Attorneys in Philadelphia and New Jersey
The Philadelphia personal injury attorneys at Messa & Associates are experienced at handling cases involving toxic substances that cause injuries. Our extremely skilled team of personal injury attorneys and medical experts is dedicated to ensuring you receive proper compensation for your personal injuries. If you have been injured in a fire, burn or explosion, or have endured any other type of personal injury, contact the personal injury attorneys of Messa & Associates for a free consultation. Call toll free at 1-877-MessaLaw, or submit a free online inquiry.
