US judge slams WTC settlement

Federal judge Alvin Hellerstein has criticised the WTC Captive settlement over clean-up operations at the World Trade Centre following the 11 September terrorist attacks in 2001.

Speaking about the proposed US$ 658 million deal, judge Hellerstein said, "Injured workers should be able to know the approximate value of the cash award they might receive before deciding whether or not they should accept the settlement."

The judge is concerned that too much of the final sum could be eaten up by legal fees, thus limiting individual awards. He believes the award being tabled is insufficient and wants further negotiations to ensure a fair deal is reached.

"I will not preside over a settlement that is based on fear or ignorance," he said.

Judge Hellerstein has also criticised the time frame associated with the award. "The current deal has taken years to negotiate, yet clean-up workers have been given just 90 days to accept it. This is not enough time for the plaintiffs to make a decision of such importance."