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9/11 Workers in $712.5 Million Injury Claims Settlement

in Compensation Claims, Personal Injury Claims, Workplace Compensation Claims, Workplace Injuries

An agreement has been reached for compensation for 10,000 workers claiming illnesses following the September 11, 2001, World Trade Center attack in New York City.  The rescue and cleanup workers were exposed to smoke and airborne debris. New York City has agreed on a $712.5 million injury compensation fund.
U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein has stated that victims will be  “assured of a fair deal that puts money in their hand fast”.
The compensation for victims claiming debilitating respiratory diseases who contracted severe asthma within seven months of exposure will receive awards in the range of $800,000 and $1 million. The compensation agreed for deaths is in the range of $1.5 million.
The next step in the process is for at least 95% of the plaintiffs to consent to the agreement to make it legally binding on everyone.
Some interesting aspects of the deal:

  • Workers with no specific injury but who claim fear of becoming sick have been awarded $3,250.
  • Everyone is to get a special insurance policy for $100,00 for specific blood and respiratory cancers.