9/11 Workers Accept Settlement That Could Exceed $700 Million

First responders to the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center have accepted a settlement with the City of New York that may eventually result in over $700 million in payments. The lawsuit on behalf of first responders alleged that they were not properly equipped without proper respiratory and other protection related to the toxic environment after the attack. The Plaintiff’s included Police Officers, Firefighters, and other rescue workers. They alleged damages, including blood cancers, severe asthma, and other illnesses stemming from the toxic air after following the destruction of the Twin Towers. A guaranteed payment of $625 million could be increased to over $700 million based on certain milestones. The settlement, which took several years to craft, needed approval by 95% of the plaintiff’s for approval.