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Resident Files Lawsuit Over Alleged Negligence In Paulsboro Train Derailment

By Cherri Gregg

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - It's been less than 10 days since a freight train derailed in Paulsboro spilling hazardous chemicals into the air.

A mother of three who says she is experiencing breathing problems because of the spill, has already filed suit.

The suit was filed in New Jersey federal court in Camden on Friday. In the Complaint, Plaintiff Alice Breeman makes a host of allegations against Conrail, Norfolk Southern Railway Company and CSX Transportation, claiming they were negligent for failing to inspect the bridge and for allowing hazardous chemicals to cross the bridge despite a red signal telling the train not to pass.

"It's a horrendous situation that shouldn't have occurred," said Breeman.

Mitche Kaye represents Breeman and her three children who claim they suffered injuries after breathing in vinyl chloride, following during the derailment.

"The effects of it are coughing, breathing problems. But what is a major concern is the unknown. What does the future hold for this young woman 32-years-old and her children."

The lawsuit seeks more than $10 million in damages.

A spokesperson for Conrail, Michael Hotra, says the company will address the lawsuit at an appropriate time and place and says their focus right now is managing the derailment site and helping people return to their homes.

Hotra says Conrail is cooperating fully with the NTSB's investigation into the derailment.

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