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Beautiful sad tapestry’ of stories could bring hope in wake of derailment, attorney says

Writer's picture: Just Well LawJust Well Law

In Columbiana, Ohio, personal injury attorney Kristian Baehr meet with residents affected by the East Palestine train derailment.
At a restaurant in Columbiana, Ohio, toxic torts attorney Kristian Baehr met with residents affected by the East Palestine train derailment. (Steve Mellon/Pittsburgh Union Progress)

The East Palestine train derailment of 2023 has left heavy ramifications as families still suffer from toxic exposure.


The mothers of East Palestine, Ohio, are carrying a profound weight—one toxic torts attorney, Kristina Baehr, intimately understands. At a gathering in a small hotel lobby, they shared stories of children with inexplicable illnesses: rashes from shower water, constant sickness, and early-onset puberty. They spoke of fears for their children's futures, wondering if the toxic chemicals unleashed by the train derailment have irreparably harmed their families. These conversations echo the trauma seen in communities facing toxic exposure, a phenomenon called "the trauma of the moms." It’s the anguish of watching your children suffer without clear answers or solutions.


Kristina and her family have suffered inexplicable symptoms for years before discovering black mold in their Austin, Texas, home. They left everything behind to seek safety, draining their savings and enduring a nomadic life as they tried to rebuild. It wasn’t just about their health—it was about fighting for justice against those responsible for the harm. That fight has defined Kristina's work and brought her to East Palestine, where the urgency is clear. With legal deadlines looming, there’s no time to waste.


What drew Baehr to East Palestine wasn’t just the scope of the crisis but the resilience of the people who live there. Many have already mobilized, turning their pain into action. They’ve organized meetings, demanded answers from officials, and relentlessly pursued clarity about the health risks they and their families face. The mothers, in particular, have emerged as the heart of this movement—refusing to accept silence or inaction. Their determination is a testament to the power of community in the face of adversity.


The Just Well Law attorney met residents like R.J. Kissick, whose story underscores the ongoing pain. He moved his family to East Palestine after being told it was safe, only to face relentless illness—ruptured eardrums, pneumonia, and his fiancée’s lung nodule. His youngest son, born prematurely, is being treated for a bowel disorder. Trapped in a home worth far less than he paid for it, R.J. feels both helpless and desperate to protect his family. His story, like so many others, is part of a devastating tapestry Baehr hopes to present to a jury—a plea for accountability and meaningful change.


This isn’t just about lawsuits or settlements. It’s about standing with these families and fighting for a safer future. The mothers of East Palestine deserve to be heard. They are not just victims; they are warriors, mobilizing despite their pain to protect their children and their community. Just Well Law's mission is to amplify their voices, seek justice for their suffering, and ensure that those responsible for this catastrophe are held accountable.


Read the full story at Pittsburg Union Progress.

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Just Well Law is an Austin-based legal firm specializing in environmental toxin cases, led by national trial lawyer Kristina Baehr. We advocate for individuals and families affected by issues like toxic mold exposure and contaminated water. Contact us for help against the companies that made you sick. 

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