Lawyers 'mislead' Ground Zero responders on 9/11 fundsBy SUSAN EDELMAN
Last Updated: 9:31 PM, October 2, 2010
Posted: 9:28 PM, October 2, 2010
The law firm representing nearly 10,000 Ground Zero responders sent out a “misleading” mass e-mail last week saying they could “only” apply for compensation under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation passed by the House of Representatives if they accept a proposed court settlement with the city.
The arm-twisting tactic outraged World Trade Center responders who accused the lawyers of twisting the facts to get clients to accept the deal with the city, so the attorneys can get paid more than $150 million in fees.
The e-mail by Worby Groner Edelman & Napoli Bern, using bold print and underlines for emphasis, says: “If you have sued the city and/or contractors, etc, you can only apply for Zadroga compensation if you settle and release all claims.”
It goes on, “Therefore, if you want to protect your future rights to any compensation you may be entitled to under Zadroga, you must opt-in to the settlement with the city and contractors immediately.”
A written summary of the bill by Rep.Carolyn Maloney's office says those who do not accept the settlement can apply for Zadroga compensation if they withdraw their lawsuits. Those who settle before the bill becomes law can still file a claim for additional funds, as the bill is currently written.
The lawyers’ e-mail is “the furthest thing from the truth,” fumed cancer-stricken retired FDNY firefighter Kenny Specht, who is opting out of the proposed maximum $712 million deal with the city. “They are a fountain of information that works in their favor.”
Law firm member Bill Groner said yesterday, "We are reviewing our communications to see if any clarification is required."
The deadline for 95 percent of plaintiffs to “opt-in” was moved from Sept. 8 to Nov. 8 when only 50 percent had signed on.
Read more:
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/ground_zero_responders_misled_on_jVo5BEIYNclMKpUVXLCIXM?CMP=OTC-rss&FEEDNAME=#ixzz11GQGqpoB
