It’s been eight and a half years since Sept. 11, 2001 changed America forever.
While most of us were simply affected emotionally by the tragedy, rescue and cleanup workers were affected in myriad ways — including suffering from major health problems linked to their time at Ground Zero.
For years, these workers have been locked in a drawn-out legal battle with the city of New York, but finally, on Thursday, the two sides hammered out an agreement.
According to the New York Daily News, the settlement is worth at least $575 million and could aid at least 10,000 workers.
The deal, which must be approved by a judge and at least 95 percent of the plaintiffs, offers payouts on a sliding scale depending on the severity of a person’s injuries.
For instance, a family that lost a loved one due to a 9/11-related illness could collect $2 million or more, while someone who is not sick but has a “fear of cancer” sometime in the future, may receive a minimum payment of what’s expected to be $3,200.
To be sure, the deal isn’t making everyone ecstatic, but after years of legal wrangling, most seem satisfied that some resolution has been reached.
“If this allows some of the people to go on with their lives, if this allows my family to have some security, then I guess I’ll take it because I just don’t know how long I’ll survive,” retired firefighter Kenny Specht told the Daily News.
Marc Bern, a lawyer representing 9,000 workers, also praised the deal.
“This is a good settlement and we are gratified that these heroic men and women who performed their duties without consideration of the health implications, will finally receive just compensation for their pain and suffering,” he said.
He makes a good point. It does seem gratifying that the city can hopefully close this painful chapter and provide some financial comfort and piece of mind for the thousands of people who aided at Ground Zero after this unimaginable tragedy.
Photo by Cezary Piwowarski via Wikimedia Commons.
