New York City has reached a $625 million settlement with more than 10,000 people who became ill after working at the site of the World Trade Center terrorist attack in 2001.
After two hijacked airliners crashed into the twin skyscrapers in New York on September 11, 2001, thousands of workers came to help police and firefighters search the scene of the disaster. Many remained through a cleanup that lasted for months.
Over time, a significant number of cancers and other serious illnesses afflicted those who worked at the disaster site. Victims contend the ash, smoke and soot that filled the air contained toxic substances that caused their ailments, and they eventually sued the city.
New York City agreed to pay out the $625 million settlement in varying amounts according to the severity of each victim’s illness.
Although more than 10,000 workers accepted the settlement, about 500 others declined the offer, so New York may face further legal claims in the future.
All would remain eligible to get additional payments under a bill being considered by the U.S. Congress.
Some information in this story was provided by AP.
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