9/11 responders can sue

Court says Port Authority not immune from injured workers’ lawsuits

Andrew Garib, METRO New York | Link | PDF | NEW YORK. John Feal said it was a step in the right direction, but he wasn’t thrilled that a federal court yesterday allowed lawsuits against the Port Authority on behalf of fellow sick and injured 9/11 responders.

The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of appeals said there was not enough information to justify immunity for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey from injured workers’ suits. Nearly 8,000 emergency responders can now file lawsuits claiming they weren’t properly protected while working on Ground Zero after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 2001.

“It doesn’t mean they’ll be compensated any time soon,” he said of the responders. “They’re dying today.” The plaintiffs’ lawyers said that lawsuits would not be ready for court for years despite today’s ruling.

Feal’s organization, The FealGood Foundation, helps 9/11 responders claim government benefits for their injuries and distributes public donations to the workers. Feal’s foot was crushed during cleanup at Ground Zero.

“I’m mad at the terrorists who did this, but I’m more mad at the government for not protecting us,” Feal said. About 150 workers a year approach Feal’s foundation for help claiming benefits, he said; many are unable to work and struggle to get by financially.

David Worby, attorney for the plaintiffs, said he was “elated” at the decision. End.