By AP/KWMU
Belleville, Ill. – People who want more money from the Canadian National Railway after last year's derailment near Tamaroa will get their day in court. It's just not clear when.
Judge Michael O'Malley declared a lawsuit against the company a class action earlier this month. It will be heard in Perry County Court in Pinckneyville, although O'Malley issued his order in Belleville.
Plaintiffs' lawyer Joe Leberman says Canadian National should pay hundreds of people for exposing them to harmful chemicals when a train derailed in February 2003.
The company has said it's already paid households and businesses around $700,000 in damages.
No one at the railroad answered a telephone call seeking further comment Thursday.
Tamaroa is about 65 miles southeast of St. Louis.