Ground Zero Workers to Get up to $815M in 9/11 Settlement

The City of New York was sued for its failure to provide the proper equipment to rescue and cleanup workers following 9/11. After years of sickness (including asthma and blood cancers from continued exposure to toxic dusts) and legal complaints, the much publicized 9/11 settlement has been reached.

Those individuals that opted into the Ground Zero class action, 10,043 in total, settled for up to $815 million -- a group that represents cops, firefighters, and to emergency workers. 95.1% of the plaintiffs approved of the settlement figure that took over two years to negotiate.

"This settlement is a fair and just resolution of these claims, protecting those who came to the aid of the city when we needed it the most," the New York Daily News quotes Mayor Bloomberg.

Factors such as the severity of an individuals' illness will be taken into account when determining individual payouts. Many workers have had mounting medical bills since 9/11 and the timing of the settlement, although years later, will serve as a chance to recover both financially and physically.

In the wake of 9/11 there was tremendous generosity by rescue workers offering to help in a range of capacities. This settlement is a recognition of the city's appreciation to the workers.

Related Resources:

• 9/11 Settlement Gets OK (Wall Street Journal)
• The Issues Raised By Recent Proposal To Reopen 9/11 Victims Compensation Funds (FindLaw's Writ)
• Toxic Torts (FindLaw)