Parker Waichman LLP

New $712.5 Million Settlement in WTC Rescue Worker Lawsuits Reported

Various media outlets are reporting that a new settlement agreement has been reached in World Trade Center emergency responder lawsuits. Attorneys for thousands of injured Ground Zero rescue workers are slated to meet with Federal Judge Alvin Hellerstein in New York City today to present the new proposal. Since 2003, upwards of 10,000 firefighters, police […]

Various media outlets are reporting that a new settlement agreement has been reached in <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/world_trade_center_emergency_workers">World Trade Center emergency responder lawsuits. Attorneys for thousands of injured Ground Zero rescue workers are slated to meet with Federal Judge Alvin Hellerstein in New York City today to present the new proposal.

Since 2003, upwards of 10,000 firefighters, police officers, construction workers and emergency responders have filed lawsuits against 90 defendants over illnesses they say were caused by exposure to toxic dust at Ground Zero following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. They allege that the defendants, including New York City, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and construction companies, failed to adequately supervise and protect them with safety equipment during rescue and clean-up efforts.

A $657.5 million settlement announced in March would have paid individual plaintiffs anywhere from $3,200 to $2 million, before attorney fees, in exchange for dropping their suits. Payouts for the settlement were to come from WTC Captive Insurance, an entity created with $1 billion federal grant that provides insurance coverage to the City of New York and its debris-removal contractors.

When it was proposed, Judge Hellerstein objected to some of its provisions and ordered the settlement to be renegotiated. Among other things, he said legal fees had to be lowered and paid by WTC Captive over and above what was paid to injured plaintiffs.

The New York Times is reporting that the new settlement amounts to $712.5 Million. NBC New York is reporting that attorneys have agreed to reduce their fees from 33 percent to 25 percent of the settlement, while WTC Captive Insurance has agreed to add a minimum of $50 million more to the pot for victim compensation. That number could go up to $100 million depending on how many clients agree to accept the settlement, the report said.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Responsiveness
Thomas Caragliano
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I just wanted to say thank you. My nurse,Joanne is always making sure I'm good and my attorneys at Parker/Waichman are extremely thorough and understanding. So compassionate. Thank you.
Jezebel Gallardo
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Great attorneys
Doug Whitman
2 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038