A federal judge is reviewing a proposed settlement between New York City and about 10,000 first responders who say they got sick breathing air at Ground Zero in the days and months following 9-11.
For months after 9-11, first responders and volunteers virtually lived at ground zero - searching for bodies , removing debris - all the while, many say, breathing in toxic dust that damaged their health.
The proposed settlement - which could amount to $657 million would wipe out legal claims of those who blame the city for not providing them with respirators and other protective gear.
Many first responders call it vindication that they haven't been crying wolf for the past 8 and half years.
Civil trials were set to start this spring, and some believe that played a role in the settlement.
Under the terms of the deal, a claims administrator would determine whether a plaintiff has a valid claim and how much compensation they would receive, which could range from thousands of dollars to more than a million.
The settlement would only take effect if at least 95 percent of the plaintiffs accept it. They have 90 days to opt out and file their own individual claims.
That's what Mike McCormack plans to do.
McCormack worked at Ground Zero. He says he lost his job as a member of the U. S. Air Force Search and Rescue Squadron because of respiratory and back problems.
He claims there won't be enough money for survivors after money is paid to families of first responders who have died and the lawyers. He said many of those responders haven't worked since 9-11, and are living off social security and workman's compensations.
The settlement also establishes an insurance fund to take care of first responders who are not sick now but may fall ill in the future.
