NY Faces Asbestos Suits for WTC

March 17, 2002

ASBESTOS $UITS LOOM: MIKE

By KIRSTEN DANIS and MAGGIE HABERMAN

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

----

NYPost.com

March 15, 2002 -- The city had better brace for a wave of asbestos-related

lawsuits in the next 10 to 15 years from workers at Ground Zero, Mayor

Bloomberg warned yesterday.

The federal government recently agreed to help cover the first $1 billion in

claims that could otherwise bankrupt the city.

Bloomberg called that " the key to this city going forward so we don't have

enormous claims " that taxpayers would have to cover.

More than 1,300 people have filed notices that they may sue the city, mostly

rescue workers preserving their right to sue in the future.

The claims total a staggering $7.2 billion.

The city has no liability insurance to cover the lawsuits.

But as part of President Bush's $21.4 billion aid package, the Federal

Emergency Management Agency will put $600 million to $700 million into a

fund to help a private firm cover the first $1 billion of insurance.

Meanwhile, the mayor held his first town hall meeting last night - at IS 172

on Staten Island - and vowed to keep the Fresh Kills landfill closed despite

the city's mounting problems finding ways to get rid of its garbage.

Recommended Posts