More than 10,000 workers who claimed injuries related to rescue, recovery and debris-removal operations at the World Trade Center are expected to receive payment. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)By Suzanne Ma
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MUNICIPAL DISTRICT — A federal judge postponed signing off on a proposed settlement worth up to $657.5 million in the cases of more than 10,000 first responders who sued the city over health problems related to rescue and clean-up at the World Trade Center site.
Federal Judge Alvin Hellerstein said on Friday afternoon that he needed a week to study the settlement, a three-inch bound book which he held up in court for everyone to see.
The settlement, which was announced late Thursday, was the result of an emotional and bitter legal battle that began six years ago when police officers, firefighters and construction workers began to come forward with ailments they attributed to toxins they were exposed to in and around Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks.
Even if Hellerstein approves the settlement, it would still need to be approved by 95 percent of the plaintiffs who have filed complaints against the city and its contractors.
The judge invited plaintiffs to speak at next week's hearing to share any comments or criticisms of the settlement.
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