While 9/11 may have gone from the elephant in the room to the passe of societal interest, it is still a major concern for those left victimized from the tragedy. According to asbestos victims’ groups in New York City and the surrounding area, the collapse of the World Trade Centers released tons of toxic asbestos fibers into the atmosphere, harming the rescue and recovery teams invovled by inflicting respiratory ailments. Similar claims have been suggested about incidents such as Hurricane Katrina.
A group of sponsors in legislation for compensation to U.S. asbestos victims claimed on May 26, 2006 that a bill has been expanded to include those who have been injured by asbestos due to such incidents as 9/11 or hurricanes like Hurricane Katrina. Efforts are currently being revived for a Senate vote on the bill aiming to create a $140 billion fund for those injured by asbestos.
While this motion is undeniably beneficial to those injured by asbestos exposure by way of tragic disaster, there may be some question as to whether the trust fund will be able to properly support the incredible mass of people who have been injured by asbestos, now amplified with the inclusion of more victims. There is also some speculation as to whether the bill’s new acceptance would cause more severely injured victims, such as those who have been exposed to the substance for long durations of time, to be denied the total of their former compensation with the influx of prospects. If asbestos injury suits are removed from the courts in course of this accepting but limited fund, many injured people may not be able to argue their case to receive their full compensation.
If you or someone you know has been injured by asbestos poisoning, feel free to contact a personal injury lawyer such as Silberstein, Awad, and Miklos in New York, New York for a consultation.
