Order Approving Settlement in Re World Trade Center Lower Manhattan Disaster Site Litigation

{\rtf1 \ansi
{\colortbl;
\red0\green0\blue0;
\red255\green255\blue255;
}
{\fonttbl {
\f0 Arial;}{
\f1 Symbol;}{
\f2 Times New Roman;}{
\f3 georgia;}{
\f4 sans-serif;}
}
{\*\generator Apache XML Graphics RTF Library;}
\fet0 \ftnbj \paperw12240 \paperh15840 \margt1800 \margb1080 \margl1080 \margr10
80 \headery720 \footery720 \itap0 \cols2
\sectd {\header {
{\trowd \ltrrow \trleft0
\clpadb60 \clpadfb3 \clpadl400 \clpadfl3 \clbrdrt \clbrdrl \clbrdrr \trql \clver
talb \clwWidth9380 \cellx9380
\intbl
{\li0 \f0 \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \qc \i0
{\f0 \strike0 \ul0 \b0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
}
{\f0 \b1 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\f0 \strike0 \ul0 \b1 \sa0 \sb0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
Conk, George
}
}
}
{\f0 \b1 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
5/19/2015
}
}
\par
}
}
{\li0 \f0 \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \qc \i0
}
{\f0 \b1 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
For Educational Use Only
}
}
}
}\f0 \li0 \strike0 \ul0 \b0 \sa0 \sb0 \fs18 \ri0 \cf1 \i0 \qc \intbl \cell \row
}
\clpadb60 \clpadfb3 \clpadl400 \clpadfl3 \clbrdrb \brdrw20 \brdrcf17 \brdrs \clb
rdrl \trql \clvertalb \clwWidth9380 \cellx9380
\clpadb60 \clpadfb3 \clpadl400 \clpadfl3 \clbrdrb \brdrw20 \brdrcf17 \brdrs \clb
rdrr \trql \clwWidth700 \cellx10080
\intbl
{\li0 \f0 \b0 \ql \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
}
{\f0 \b1 \fs18 \cf18 \i0
In re World Trade Center Lower Manhattan Disaster Site..., --- F.Supp.3d ---- (2
015)
}
}
}
}\f0 \li0 \strike0 \ul0 \b0 \sa0 \ql \sb0 \fs18 \ri0 \cf1 \i0 \intbl \cell \intb
l
{\li0 \f0 \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \qr \i0
}\f0 \li0 \b0 \fs18 \ri0 \cf1 \i0 \qr \intbl \cell \row }
{\trowd \lastrow \trleft0
\clbrdrb \clbrdrl \trql \clwWidth10080 \cellx10080
\intbl
{\li0 \f0 \b0 \ql \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
2015 WL 1262283
}
}\f0 \li0 \strike0 \ul0 \b0 \sa0 \ql \sb0 \fs18 \ri0 \cf1 \i0 \intbl \cell \row
}}\par }{\footer {
\clpadl60 \clpadfl3 \clbrdrt \brdrw20 \brdrcf17 \brdrs \clbrdrb \clbrdrl \trql \
clvertalb \clwWidth9300 \cellx9300
\clpadl60 \clpadfl3 \clbrdrt \brdrw20 \brdrcf17 \brdrs \clbrdrb \clbrdrr \trql \
clwWidth700 \cellx10000
\intbl
{\li0 \f0 \b0 \ql \ri0 \fs20 \cf17 \i0
}
{\*\shppict {\pict \pngblip \picw78 \pich10 \picwgoal1170 \pichgoal150 89504e470
d0a1a0a0000000d494844520000004e0000000a08030000002dbd985500000300504c5445fffffff
ffdfbfffcf9fdfdfdfafafafffffefffcf8f6f6f6f3f3f3fffdfae2e2e2fff5e8fffaf3fff7ecffa
631bbbbbb7f7f7f7676766b6b6bffca849e9e9ef8f8f8ffbf6afffefdff9712fcfcfca4a4a496969
6ff9202ffb452fff5e6ff970dfefefeffad41e1e1e1ffe9cd949494ffe6c5fff6e96f6f6fffe6c6f
febd0fff1e0d2d2d2ffd399ff950efff9f2ff9f26fff3e3fff9f0ffd092fff2e1ffb555ffe7c7fff
3e4ff8500ffe0b8ffb6558b8b8bffce8dffebd1ff9408929292ffddb0ff9c19ff9811ffb95cfff8e
effecd3cccccc8e8e8effeed8ffa42d626262c9c9c9666666ffe2bcddddddfffbf7ffa32aff970ee
aeaea686868dadadaffab3a9a9a9a6d6d6effe8c9878787e3e3e3ff9f20f5f5f5b7b7b7efefef868
686ffc77cffe4c1ff9912ffc272ff93056c6c6cffeed7ffd296ffab3d818181ff930aff9e1effaf4
7fffbf5fff0dbff9100cfcfcfff930cffeacf7a7a7affcf90f7f7f7fbfbfbffa835ff9814ffa32ef
fe9cc676767ffc67afff2e2ffb048ff9509ffdbade0e0e0ffa939ffe5c3dcdcdcffc170ffe8cab3b
3b3ffb047f1f1f18c8c8cfffefeffecd4feedd7e8e8e8ffb656ffe2bbfff1df898989ff9b17ffcd8
affefdac3c3c3bdbdbdffe1baffc06cffa431fff7edf9f9f9ecececffaf44fff0dd787878ff9919d
9d9d9ff8f01ffd8a4727272737373e5e5e5ffe2bdffd9a7646464fffaf2ffdbab686b6effc172ffe
9caffe3c0ffdcafffc374ffc477ff981dfffdf9f5f4f2ffb34efff3e2ffe4bfff9e22ffa227fefdf
dffc578f1eae1ffeccf6a6a6bff9102ff9201ff9101fffcf775797e7c7c7cff9203dedede5d5d5d6
b6c6dffbb60ffbc62707070ffa42bffd49bff9f29ffb04affefdcfff7ebf2f2f2ff950af6f2eeffd
fb4696969ffd298ffddb2ff9916ffe1bcff9a0bffa128ffa329b0b0b0ff9d20ff9d23bfbfbfb4b4b
4ffb24bff9409ffd49c727375ffa62fffe3bedbdbdbb9b9b96a6a6a6e72776e6e6effaa39ffa024f
fa324fffefcfff4e5ff9c29ffb351ff9f2bffe3bc919191ff8d03ffa42eff8f02fffaf4fffaf5ff9
000ffa22b9843d85d000000097048597300000b1300000b1301009a9c18000002f94944415478da6
33e95a6ba9b6145fce75b0c8c738f7e674000469effff94ef474d674003a271ebfb81141777f0656
46196999b9925be30c9143d6260ed71b36060d04fb444960f2b656160adb364c000f5698140d2396
b2d8aa8583d83c63757e6edfd8f8eb05c2aaa5af07572e68975da33e57731743dc9f30b5e7f2aaa7
a26b7d495df7e29d2e9b7dfae7b739fc159faf93fc67d39cf24d77b5c665067bcf487c39fe9d35fa
5ee4d0ca52f1c623803b74ebdc4747dc56606dd4927eee9306cd1fb9af989e9ee62d68d2c3d812bf
6b0787c946766906678f274bf5f95fb79a0cf1c1975189ce55e687e137eadc060f6eef732f9a267d
9ecca65920c4bf74edc55a9323d7e373343cd8aaf5bb927685c78e2c7fd756b72b7c4cde52fc2d64
e79bee2bfc8835d7c375efd4edefb60e7f4af6aff2eb19ee438d12a9075eff6f92d4a93e73a099c3
c6a5d2078ad74b7a2dbe55b1322f53608b77e616066d065babd73d7fbfedddedf9cf75dfb15fa826
d8d22efcb775ffe4c906afe23f6ebc7ef4382761ef2f14bbb27adcd79b8e0b7f6b1b2a2e2afcf56f
df35862567859239d71fe8be737ecfc03ff7dfcb2ea0b03d0b853bdc7f337ff3ac117579ba8f4496
fd59f5b3c17aee60845ef7c789bf7a5e217e1b7d6cf04ef4f17b9bf76eb937ce5ab562a522553eef
efcedf38d3175d3aa3dc5ff8b6fdcfdf76163ea7f063ed6770c20e3fe5b4a1dbef35754fe586ad41
99949b3167e7ff8f6997d6c6f8cc67df19b7c4b767cf9a3b9e7c9ec2fa72e4eb812de7ff7cccf49c
b3453b632dc15fac5cc7d67f12bf7947bffb9ae9b38ec6510fffe196cdcbfcf776c0e00d3c549a34
de5ef3ebd60e4fb94f76fbe3aefde93fa4f1ff3eb1dac3a96bc6d91afec8c4dcbf62de08cb8f8f65
95154ea4f86bffcb378a630fefc732cf2c674068b1ad675d3755245affe071ac7a0b1f5d01186af1
62577775c559338eb20bf37fba9e4b4036b3a6ae51edd3eb5a780e3fc5d0fd588fab5ea978318645
6dc3c75fb8bc86d0686f7ed2b0e04293cb0d9df59fee5c45bd5363115a309e5071800dbb45cde95f
0d3420000000049454e44ae426082}}
\u169\'3f 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.
}
}\f0 \li0 \strike0 \ul0 \b0 \sa0 \ql \sb0 \fs20 \ri0 \cf17 \i0 \intbl \cell \int
bl
{\li0 \f0 \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf17 \qr \i0
{\b0 \i0 \ul0 \fs20 \f0 \chpgn }
}\f0 \li0 \strike0 \ul0 \b0 \fs20 \ri0 \cf17 \i0 \qr \intbl \cell \row }}\par }
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \par}\sect\sbknone\pgncont\cols2{ \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\*\bkmkstart co_document_1}{\*\bkmkend co_document_1}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\*\bkmkstart I4323b409cf4a11e4b86bd602cb8781fa_Target}{\*\bkmkend I4323b409cf4a
11e4b86bd602cb8781fa_Target}
\par
}
{\li0 \f3 \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \qc \i0
2015 WL 1262283
\par
}
}
{\li0 \f3 \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \qc \i0
{\li0 \f3 \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \qc \i0
Only the Westlaw citation is currently available.
\par
}
}
}
{\li0 \f3 \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \qc \i0
}
{\li0 \f3 \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \qc \i0
{\li0 \f3 \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \qc \i0
{\li0 \f3 \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \qc \i0
United States District Court,
\par
}
}
S.D. New York.
\par
}
}
}
{\li0 \f3 \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \qc \i0
}
{\li100 \f3 \b0 \ri100 \fs20 \cf19 \qc \i0
{\li100 \f3 \b0 \ri100 \fs20 \cf19 \qc \i0
{\li100 \f3 \b0 \ri100 \fs20 \cf19 \qc \i0
In re WORLD TRADE CENTER LOWER MANHATTAN DISASTER SITE LITIGATION.
\par
}
}
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \qc \i0
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f3 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
No. 21 MC 102(AKH).
}
}
}
{\f3 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f3 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
|
}
}
{\f3 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
Signed March 18, 2015.
}
}
{\f3 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0

|
}
}
{\f3 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
Filed March 19, 2015.
\par
}
}
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b1 \ri0 \fs20 \cf19 \i0
{\*\bkmkstart co_synopsis_1}{\*\bkmkend co_synopsis_1}
Synopsis
\par
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
Background:
}
}
Cleanup workers brought actions against various building owners for alleged res
piratory and gastrointestinal illnesses sustained while cleaning up buildings lo
cated near the site of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Actions were
consolidated, and settlements were reached. Workers moved to approve settlement
s.
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\field {\*\fldinst HYPERLINK "#co_anchor_F92035650775_1" }{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf5 \i0
[Holding:]
}
}}}
The District Court,
}
{\field {\*\fldinst HYPERLINK "http://www.westlaw.com/Link/Document/FullText?fin
dType=h&pubNum=176284&cite=0116863401&originatingDoc=I4323b409cf4a11e4b86bd602cb
8781fa&refType=RQ&originationContext=document&vr=3.0&rs=cblt1.0&transitionType=D
ocumentItem&contextData=(sc.UserEnteredCitation)" }{\fldrslt
Alvin K. Hellerstein
}}}
, J., held that settlements were fair and reasonable.
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
Motion granted.
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\*\bkmkstart co_headnotes_1}{\*\bkmkend co_headnotes_1}
\par
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf19 \i0
{\*\bkmkstart co_headnoteHeader_1}{\*\bkmkend co_headnoteHeader_1}
\par
{\li100 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri200 \fs20 \cf19 \i0
West Headnotes (9)
\par
}
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\*\bkmkstart co_expandedHeadnotes_1}{\*\bkmkend co_expandedHeadnotes_1}
\par
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\*\bkmkstart co_anchor_2035650775001_1}{\*\bkmkend co_anchor_2035650775001_1}
\par
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0 {
\clpadt30 \clpadft3 \clpadr30 \clpadfr3 \clbrdrt \clbrdrl \trql \clwWidth600 \ce
llx600
\clpadt30 \clpadft3 \clpadr30 \clpadfr3 \clbrdrt \clbrdrr \trql \clwWidth4040 \c
ellx4640
\intbl
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\*\bkmkstart co_anchor_F12035650775_1}{\*\bkmkend co_anchor_F12035650775_1}
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\*\bkmkstart co_anchor_headNote_[1]_1}{\*\bkmkend co_anchor_headNote_[1]_1}

{\field {\*\fldinst HYPERLINK "#co_anchor_B12035650775_1" }{\fldrslt
{\super \f2 \strike0 \ul0 \b1 \sa0 \sb0 \fs20 \cf5 \i0
[1]
}\f2 \super \strike0 \ul0 \b1 \sa0 \sb0 \fs20 \cf5 \i0 }}
\par
}
}
}
}\f2 \li30 \b1 \ql \fs20 \ri30 \cf1 \i0 \intbl \cell \intbl
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\field {\*\fldinst HYPERLINK "http://www.westlaw.com/Browse/Home/KeyNumber/89/V
iew.html?docGuid=I4323b409cf4a11e4b86bd602cb8781fa&originationContext=document&v
r=3.0&rs=cblt1.0&transitionType=DocumentItem&contextData=(sc.UserEnteredCitation
)" }{\fldrslt
Compromise and Settlement
}\f2 \strike0 \ul0 \b1 \sa0 \sb0 \fs20 \cf5 \i0 }}
}
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
\par
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}
{\*\shppict {\pict \pngblip \picw28 \pich16 \picwgoal210 \pichgoal120 89504e470d
0a1a0a0000000d494844520000001c0000001008020000008aad88b80000001974455874536f6674
776172650041646f626520496d616765526561647971c9653c000002e34944415478da9c545d4854
4114be737fdc7bddd6c515b4754dd3f52f220343594b4bb01efa219f2b1f82900884a09e82887e88
5e0a0a7ae9cd1284a2872228a1b25283224d89c872575d4cb3d48dd55deedc75efcc74e6deddad87
24edc0cc7c67eedc6fbe3973ce20c69890361c9d7dd3758450260a02cc06daba9c7945c2da0d6548
e3f313a33d172bab9672dc1a7046a3e4ddebd95dc71f389c9eb5928af6c0189d1a7ae42b8cb87d65
c8b99fb99adc1b9a6b1bcac2ef7bfe43698a7461fc2d9eefcd2ff61183527191ea5fa8fed9e95ef7
73ec61b0fff65a4965682faf3541bfb9a15a921c4cad10a9db3413943109b1adf539e1c9519234fe
1d47248a72560abfb8da58d752a2e5ef887d1b74ba65334921168c521e12c6904007eef7ad5260cd
e1ce82eae69452db865f8dd900f61028a50cd8f906f507b609901096cb272901cc5deef1c6181118
a126f9d07db47cdf95d2c0214e4a96f5f8f4530081f67bc1de1ba171b2d11784a592a2c5e6425e7f
d52a957afdfe67dd67288e7052d388a702ec70157a46e0c83ca49424710c26a7c666890923d765e9
25964cf01924b3aa201121f882314522f357158726c29c3469c46cce819b7b61d8b4c564f6192901
37383295d13239836c50ea632bcc44b79f7a6c9126e05a84f2ca65594ec0452531e56a2c21b2e6f8
f380edb7262c11f1ce93353651dbf58f181bbaae3fb9b453aa39d1b8a735168ba1e8d791e1bb1d3c
22ebf56c354e89049723589704202b57fb34146d391be28e005923653648a40debd848189228a99a
ea72b99cd9d9a932fd3eda3bd37f214f9b839ff9a199556454c44a8552d25add7ccc26a23cd504d3
3431c6c9b429b2ac6a9aaaaa8a0250fe5dfb8c98cf2f5778f33d9ab49812cb7840c30b74f7b9c974
2933a00046e8092122c89624396d08a1bf3c28c6d28f81eb81028f5ba13a57aae44c2f446a3b0673
73530f8a6919d001b645a1b4adf84af130c523774ed765dc83e7fb0abc459905c00818d48146ab2e
d14a09fb4b800100952bb3962ee31a410000000049454e44ae426082}}
}
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\field {\*\fldinst HYPERLINK "http://www.westlaw.com/Browse/Home/KeyNumber/89k6
1/View.html?docGuid=I4323b409cf4a11e4b86bd602cb8781fa&originationContext=documen
t&vr=3.0&rs=cblt1.0&transitionType=DocumentItem&contextData=(sc.UserEnteredCitat
ion)" }{\fldrslt
Particular Applications

\par
}
}
}
}\f2 \li30 \b0 \ql \fs20 \ri30 \cf1 \i0 \intbl \cell \row }
\clpadt30 \clpadft3 \clpadr30 \clpadfr3 \clbrdrb \clbrdrl \trql \clwWidth600 \ce
llx600
\clpadt30 \clpadft3 \clpadr30 \clpadfr3 \clbrdrb \clbrdrr \trql \clwWidth4040 \c
ellx4640
\intbl
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}
}
}\f2 \li30 \strike0 \ul0 \b0 \ql \fs20 \ri30 \cf1 \i0 \intbl \cell \intbl
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
Courts confronted with mass tort cases have an obligation to ensure the fairness
of settlements entered into by the parties.
\par
}
}
}
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\*\bkmkstart co_headnoteId_203565077500120150519_1}{\*\bkmkend co_headnoteId_20
3565077500120150519_1}
{\field {\*\fldinst HYPERLINK "http://www.westlaw.com/Link/RelatedInformation/Do
cHeadnoteLink?docGuid=I4323b409cf4a11e4b86bd602cb8781fa&headnoteId=2035650775001
20150519&originationContext=document&vr=3.0&rs=cblt1.0&transitionType=CitingRefe
rences&contextData=(sc.UserEnteredCitation)" }{\fldrslt
Cases that cite this headnote
\sb200
\par
}
}
}
}\f2 \ul0 \b0 \qj \ql \ri30 \i0 \li30 \strike0 \sa200 \sb0 \fs20 \cf1 \intbl \ce
ll \row }}\par
}
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
\par
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0 {

llx600
ellx4640
\intbl
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
[2]
\par
}
}
}
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
)" }{\fldrslt
}
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
\par
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}
0a1a0a0000000d494844520000001c0000001008020000008aad88b80000001974455874536f6674
776172650041646f626520496d616765526561647971c9653c000002e34944415478da9c545d4854
d14a09fb4b800100952bb3962ee31a410000000049454e44ae426082}}
}
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
ion)" }{\fldrslt
Fairness, Adequacy, and Reasonableness
\par
}
}
}
llx600
ellx4640
\intbl
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}
}
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
Because the court has inherent authority to supervise attorneys representing mul
tiple, differently situated plaintiffs, it has the duty to ensure that the settl
ements among plaintiffs are fair.
\par
}
}
}
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
3565077500220150519_1}
\sb200
\par
}
}
}
ll \row }}\par
}
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
\par
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0 {
llx600
ellx4640
\intbl
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
[3]
\par
}
}
}
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
)" }{\fldrslt
}
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
\par
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}
0a1a0a0000000d494844520000001c0000001008020000008aad88b80000001974455874536f6674
776172650041646f626520496d616765526561647971c9653c000002e34944415478da9c545d4854
d14a09fb4b800100952bb3962ee31a410000000049454e44ae426082}}
}
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
/View.html?docGuid=I4323b409cf4a11e4b86bd602cb8781fa&originationContext=document
&vr=3.0&rs=cblt1.0&transitionType=DocumentItem&contextData=(sc.UserEnteredCitati
on)" }{\fldrslt
Nature and Requisites
\par
}
}
}
llx600
ellx4640
\intbl
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}
}
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
There is a strong public policy in favor of the settlement of complex litigation
.
\par
}
}
}
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
3565077500320150519_1}

\sb200
\par
}
}
}
ll \row }}\par
}
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
\par
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0 {
llx600
ellx4640
\intbl
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
[4]
\par
}
}
}
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
)" }{\fldrslt
}
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
\par
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}

0a1a0a0000000d494844520000001c0000001008020000008aad88b80000001974455874536f6674
776172650041646f626520496d616765526561647971c9653c000002e34944415478da9c545d4854
d14a09fb4b800100952bb3962ee31a410000000049454e44ae426082}}
}
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
ion)" }{\fldrslt
\par
}
}
}
llx600
ellx4640
\intbl
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}
}
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
Courts reviewing settlement agreements consider two aspects for fairness: the pr
ocess utilized in reaching the settlement and the substantive terms of the settl
ement.
\par
}
}
}
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
3565077500420150519_1}
\sb200
\par
}
}
}
ll \row }}\par
}
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
\par
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0 {
llx600
ellx4640
\intbl
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
[5]
\par
}
}
}
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
)" }{\fldrslt
}
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
\par
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}
0a1a0a0000000d494844520000001c0000001008020000008aad88b80000001974455874536f6674
776172650041646f626520496d616765526561647971c9653c000002e34944415478da9c545d4854
d14a09fb4b800100952bb3962ee31a410000000049454e44ae426082}}
}
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
ion)" }{\fldrslt
\par
}
}
}
llx600
ellx4640
\intbl
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}
}
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
Courts consider several factors in determining the procedural fairness of a sett
lement: the settlement should be the result of arm\rquote s length, hard-fought
negotiations rather than the collusion of otherwise adversarial parties, counsel
conducting the negotiations should be experienced in similar cases, and settlem
ent should come at a time when sufficient discovery has been conducted, enabling
counsel and the parties to accurately assess the strengths and weaknesses of th
eir cases.
\par
}
}
}
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
3565077500520150519_1}
\sb200
\par
}
}
}
ll \row }}\par
}
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
\par
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0 {
llx600
ellx4640
\intbl
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
[6]
\par
}
}
}
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
)" }{\fldrslt
}
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
\par
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}
0a1a0a0000000d494844520000001c0000001008020000008aad88b80000001974455874536f6674
776172650041646f626520496d616765526561647971c9653c000002e34944415478da9c545d4854
d14a09fb4b800100952bb3962ee31a410000000049454e44ae426082}}
}
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
ion)" }{\fldrslt
\par
}
}
}
llx600
ellx4640
\intbl
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}
}
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
Once a settlement proponent establishes that the settlement was reached as a res
ult of a fair process, there is a presumption that the terms of the settlement a
re also fair and reasonable.
\par
}
}
}
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
3565077500620150519_1}
\sb200
\par
}
}
}
ll \row }}\par
}
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
\par
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0 {
llx600

ellx4640
\intbl
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
[7]
\par
}
}
}
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
)" }{\fldrslt
}
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
\par
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}
0a1a0a0000000d494844520000001c0000001008020000008aad88b80000001974455874536f6674
776172650041646f626520496d616765526561647971c9653c000002e34944415478da9c545d4854
d14a09fb4b800100952bb3962ee31a410000000049454e44ae426082}}
}
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
ion)" }{\fldrslt
\par
}
}
}
llx600
ellx4640
\intbl
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}
}
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
Courts consider several aspects of the substantive terms of a settlement for fai
rness including: the complexity, expense, and duration of the litigation; the st
rengths and weaknesses of the plaintiffs\rquote cases; the attendant risks of b
ringing the case to trial; and the possible defenses of the defendants.
\par
}
}
}
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
3565077500720150519_1}
\sb200
\par
}
}
}
ll \row }}\par
}
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0

}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
\par
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0 {
llx600
ellx4640
\intbl
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
[8]
\par
}
}
}
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
)" }{\fldrslt
}
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
\par
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}
0a1a0a0000000d494844520000001c0000001008020000008aad88b80000001974455874536f6674
776172650041646f626520496d616765526561647971c9653c000002e34944415478da9c545d4854
d14a09fb4b800100952bb3962ee31a410000000049454e44ae426082}}
}
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
ion)" }{\fldrslt
\par
}
}
}
llx600
ellx4640
\intbl
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}
}
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
Settlement amounts should not be compared to a possible recovery in the best of
all possible worlds; rather, there is a range of reasonableness with respect to
a settlement range which recognizes the uncertainties of law and fact in any par
ticular case and the concomitant risks and costs necessarily inherent in taking
any litigation to completion.
\par
}
}
}
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
3565077500820150519_1}

\sb200
\par
}
}
}
ll \row }}\par
}
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
\par
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0 {
llx600
ellx4640
\intbl
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
[9]
\par
}
}
}
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
)" }{\fldrslt
}
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
\par
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0

}
0a1a0a0000000d494844520000001c0000001008020000008aad88b80000001974455874536f6674
776172650041646f626520496d616765526561647971c9653c000002e34944415478da9c545d4854
d14a09fb4b800100952bb3962ee31a410000000049454e44ae426082}}
}
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
ion)" }{\fldrslt
Particular Applications
\par
}
}
}
llx600
ellx4640
\intbl
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}
}
{\li30 \ri30
{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
Cleanup workers\rquote settlements with various building owners, for respirator
y and gastrointestinal illnesses sustained while cleaning up buildings located n
ear the site of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, were fair and reaso
nable; workers\rquote attorneys had considerable experience in mass tort litiga

tion, their negotiations with owners were adversarial, they allocated settlement
amounts using a database, which took into account factual and legal differences
, trial would be risky, long, and expensive, and the settlements compared favora
bly with previously approved settlements arising out of the terrorist attacks.
\par
}
}
}
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
3565077500920150519_1}
\sb200
\par
}
}
}
ll \row }}\par
}
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}
}
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}
}
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i0
{\*\bkmkstart co_headnotesEnd_1}{\*\bkmkend co_headnotesEnd_1}
\par
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b1 \ri0 \fs20 \cf19 \i0
{\*\bkmkstart co_opinion_1}{\*\bkmkend co_opinion_1}
\par
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\*\bkmkstart co_anchor_I1d6ce96efdf111e498db8b09b4f04}{\*\bkmkend co_anchor_I1d
6ce96efdf111e498db8b09b4f04}
\par
{\li0 \f2 \b1 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \qc \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
ORDER AND OPINION APPROVING SETTLEMENTS IN 78 CASES
\par
}
}
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
dType=h&pubNum=176284&cite=0116863401&originatingDoc=I4323b409cf4a11e4b86bd602cb
8781fa&refType=RQ&originationContext=document&vr=3.0&rs=cblt1.0&transitionType=D
ocumentItem&contextData=(sc.UserEnteredCitation)" }{\fldrslt
ALVIN K. HELLERSTEIN
}}}
\sa200
\sb200
, District Judge:
\par
}
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\*\bkmkstart co_pp_sp_999_1_1}{\*\bkmkend co_pp_sp_999_1_1}
*1
}
}
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 spawned one of the largest and most
complex mass tort litigations in history. The final stage involves the claims o
f over 1,000 individuals who worked in the buildings surrounding the World Trade
Center site and allegedly developed various respiratory and gastrointestinal il
lnesses as a result of their work. 78 of the plaintiffs represented by the law f
irm Worby Groner Edelman & Napoli Bern LLP (\u8220\'3fWGENB\u8221\'3f) have agre
ed to settle their claims against most,
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs16 \cf1 \i0
{\*\bkmkstart co_footnoteReference_B00112035650775_ID0}{\*\bkmkend co_footnoteRe
ference_B00112035650775_ID0}
{\field {\*\fldinst HYPERLINK "#co_footnote_B00112035650775_1" }{\fldrslt
1
}}}
}
but not all, defendants and move for the Court\rquote s approval. For the follo
wing reasons, the motion is granted and these settlements are approved.
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\*\bkmkstart co_anchor_I1d6ce96ffdf111e498db8b09b4f04}{\*\bkmkend co_anchor_I1d
6ce96ffdf111e498db8b09b4f04}
\par
{\li0 \f2 \b1 \ql \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
I. BACKGROUND
\par
}
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
On September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked and crashed two commercial airplanes
into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center. The collapse of the W
orld Trade Center towers left a five-story pile of twisted metal, pulverized con
crete, and assorted rubble. The collapsing towers also spewed a cloud of toxic d
ust that infiltrated hundreds of buildings throughout downtown Manhattan. To res
tore lower Manhattan in the weeks, months, and years following the attacks, thou
sands of individuals performed rescue, recovery, and debris removal at the site
of the World Trade Center and in the surrounding buildings. These individuals su
bsequently filed over 11,000 claims in state and federal court, seeking compensa
tion for various respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions allegedly developed
as a result of the work.
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
Pursuant to the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act, the Unit
ed States District Court for the Southern District of New York has exclusive jur
isdiction over all claims arising from, or related to, the terrorist-related air
craft crashes of September 11, 2001.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
dType=Y&serNum=2022443119&pubNum=0004637&originatingDoc=I4323b409cf4a11e4b86bd60
2cb8781fa&refType=RP&fi=co_pp_sp_4637_538&originationContext=document&vr=3.0&rs=
cblt1.0&transitionType=DocumentItem&contextData=(sc.UserEnteredCitation)#co_pp_s
p_4637_538" }{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
In re Sept. 11 Litig.,
}
}
723 F.Supp.2d 534, 538 (S.D.N.Y.2010)
}}}
. The cases were consolidated before me.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See id.
}
}
In order to adjudicate efficiently the vast number of claims brought by the reme
diation workers, the cases were divided into three dockets. The 21\u8211\'3fmc\u
8211\'3f100 docket comprised claims brought by individuals who worked at the Wor
ld Trade Center site; the 21\u8211\'3fmc\u8211\'3f102 docket comprised claims br
ought by individuals who worked in the surrounding buildings; and the 21\u8211\'
3fmc\u8211\'3f103 docket comprised claims brought by plaintiffs working at both
locations, which were later consolidated with the 21\u8211\'3fmc\u8211\'3f102 do
cket. I declined to certify a class for the claims in any of the dockets, holdin
g that each individual claim involved materially different facts related to expo
sure, causation, and damages.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See, e.g.,
}
}
p_4637_499" }{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
In re World Trade Ctr. Disaster Site Litig.,
}
}
598 F.Supp.2d 498, 499 (S.D.N.Y.2009)
}}}
.
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\*\bkmkstart co_anchor_I1d6ce970fdf111e498db8b09b4f04}{\*\bkmkend co_anchor_I1d
6ce970fdf111e498db8b09b4f04}
\par
{\li0 \f2 \b1 \ql \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
A. The TCDI Database and the Selection of Representative Test Cases
\par
}
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
The complex nature of the litigation posed significant problems for the manageme
nt of discovery, motion practice, and trial. This was not a typical mass tort ac
tion, in which a single product or event injured plaintiffs in a substantially s
imilar way. Rather, the plaintiffs were exposed to the World Trade Center dust o
ver extended, and varying, periods of time; they worked in different areas and b
uildings for employers utilizing different safety standards; many had pre-existi
ng conditions or a history of smoking; and the plaintiffs alleged a wide variety
of conditions to varying degrees of severity. To cope with the unprecedented co
mplexity, the Court appointed Special Masters Aaron D. Twerski and James A. Hend
erson, Jr. to organize the fundamental facts of the case in a manageable way.
}
The Special Masters and the parties developed a set of 360 narrowly-tailored que
stions seeking case-crucial information.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs16 \cf1 \i0
ference_B00222035650775_ID0}
2
}}}
}
The information received from the plaintiffs was then organized and housed in a
\u8220\'3fcore discovery\u8221\'3f database (the \u8220\'3fTCDI Database\u8221\
'3f). The Special Masters and the parties then categorized the plaintiffs in a t
iered ranking system based upon the severity of the injuries as reflected in sta
ndard medical tests.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs16 \cf1 \i0
ference_B00332035650775_ID0}
3
}}}
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
Decl. Christopher R. LoPalo Supp. Pls.\rquote Mot. Court Approval Settlements
(\u8220\'3fLoPalo Decl.\u8221\'3f), Exh. C. Based upon the information collected
in the TCDI Database, the parties and the Court (assisted by the Special Master
s), selected test cases to proceed to intensive discovery, dispositive motions,
and trial. This method was initially applied to the 21\u8211\'3fmc\u8211\'3f100
cases and, later, to the 21\u8211\'3fmc\u8211\'3f102 cases.
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
*2
}
}
While the initial purpose of the TCDI database and tiered ranking system was to
analyze criteria for selecting representative cases to proceed to intensive dis
covery and trial, the system and process has played an essential role in settlem
ent. In June 2010, the plaintiffs in the 21\u8211\'3fmc\u8211\'3f100 docket and
the WTC Captive Insurance Company, Inc. (\u8220\'3fWTC Captive\u8221\'3f), the C
ity of New York\rquote s FEMA-funded insurer, reached a settlement of approximat
ely $716 million in exchange for the dismissal of thousands of claims against th
e City of New York and its contractors (the \u8220\'3fFinal Settlement Agreement
\u8221\'3f). Ancillary settlements with the Port Authority of New York and New J
ersey, and with other defendants, brought the figure to approximately $810 milli
on.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
2cb8781fa&refType=RP&originationContext=document&vr=3.0&rs=cblt1.0&transitionTyp
e=DocumentItem&contextData=(sc.UserEnteredCitation)" }{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
}
}
No. 21\u8211\'3fmc\u8211\'3f100, 2010 WL 4683610, at *1\u8211\'3f2 (S.D.N.Y. No
v. 15, 2010)
}}}
. Pursuant to the settlement agreements, a neutral third party, aided by a medic
al panel, determined whether the medical evidence supported each plaintiffs\rquo
te alleged injuries, and their corresponding tiered ranking, in order to calcul
ate the settlement amount to be awarded and disbursed to each eligible plaintiff
. On December 30, 2010, I approved that settlement, finding it to be \u8220\'3ff
air and reasonable.\u8221\'3f
}
p_4637_267" }{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
}
}
871 F.Supp.2d 263, 267 (S.D.N.Y.2012)
}}}
;
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
}
}
762 F.Supp.2d 631 (S.D.N.Y.2010)
}}}
.
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
6ce971fdf111e498db8b09b4f04}
\par
{\li0 \f2 \b1 \ql \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
B. The 21\u8211\'3fmc\u8211\'3f102 Docket
\par
}
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
The 21\u8211\'3fmc\u8211\'3f102 docket is made up of approximately 1,000 claims
brought by cleanup workers who, following the 9/11 attacks, cleaned over 100 pri
vately-owned buildings in lower Manhattan. In total, the plaintiffs represented
by WGENB brought their claims against 345 building owners, managing agents, tena
nts, environmental consultants, general contractors, and subcontractors that own
ed, leased, and performed work in the buildings. The variety of defendants and w
orksites injected a level of complexity into the litigation that was not present
in the 21\u8211\'3fmc\u8211\'3f100 docket, in which the plaintiffs brought suit
primarily against the City of New York and its contractors for work performed a
t the World Trade Center site and Fresh Kills Landfill.
\par
}
}
}

\u160\'3f
\par
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
To manage this complexity, the parties first conducted substantial docket-wide,
written discovery in response to the 360 questions intended to elicit case-cruci
al information as previously described. Plaintiffs then served document requests
on all 345 defendants and deposed their representatives. In addition, plaintiff
s\rquote counsel deposed treating physicians and other representatives of the M
t. Sinai WTC Health Program, which had conducted studies of the health effects o
f the World Trade Center dust on workers.
}
The parties also engaged in expert discovery with respect to experts designated
in the fields of toxicology, industrial hygiene, occupational safety, and epidem
iology. In total, counsel took part in approximately 600 depositions.
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
In addition to the docket-wide discovery, the parties also conducted discovery w
ith respect to 33 representative plaintiffs selected by the Court for \u8220\'3f
fast-track discovery\u8221\'3f (\u8220\'3fFast\u8211\'3fTrack Plaintiffs\u8221\'
3f). As with the 21\u8211\'3fmc\u8211\'3f100 docket, discovery was ordered for t
his group of plaintiffs in order to develop the strengths and weaknesses of repr
esentative cases and to potentially facilitate settlement discussions for all th
e cases. For many of the Fast Track Plaintiffs, the parties exchanged thousands
of documents and data relating to their work history and medical treatment. Depo
sitions were conducted of the plaintiffs and of the non-party witnesses such as
co-workers and treating physicians.
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
6ce972fdf111e498db8b09b4f04}
\par
{\li0 \f2 \b1 \ql \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
C. Methodology Used in Reaching the 21\u8211\'3fmc\u8211\'3f102 Settlements
\par
}
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
*3
}
}
Plaintiffs\rquote counsel applied the methodology developed in the 21\u8211\'3
fmc\u8211\'3f100 docket to facilitate the settlements in the 21\u8211\'3fmc\u821
1\'3f102 docket, for which they now seek approval. As discussed above, each plai
ntiff was required to submit, under oath, discovery responses to the TCDI databa
se that provided relevant information including,
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
inter alia,
}
}
the buildings in which they worked, their alleged injuries, and any pre-existin
g medical conditions. Plaintiffs\rquote counsel used this information to catego
rize each plaintiff according to the tiered ranking system used in the 21\u8211\
'3fmc\u8211\'3f100 settlement.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs16 \cf1 \i0
ference_B00442035650775_ID0}
4
}}}
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
LoPalo Decl., Exh. C. The amounts disbursed to similarly-situated plaintiffs in
the 21\u8211\'3fmc\u8211\'3f100 cases were then adjusted based upon the percent
age of time a plaintiff spent in a particular building, the defenses available t
o a particular defendant, and other relevant considerations tending to affect a
plaintiff\rquote s potential recovery and the strength of a defendant\rquote s d
efense against potential liability.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs16 \cf1 \i0
ference_B00552035650775_ID0}
5
}}}
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
Using this methodology, Plaintiffs\rquote counsel engaged in settlement negotia
tions with representatives for each defendant. Settlements have now been reached
between various defendants and 78 plaintiffs represented by WGENB.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
LoPalo Decl., Exh. B. For each plaintiff, WGENB has provided the Court with inf
ormation relevant to the settlements, including,
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
inter alia,
}
}
the plaintiffs\rquote age, job title, alleged injuries, tiered ranking, pre-ex
isting conditions, smoking history, and disabilities.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See id.
}
}
The submission also provides the buildings in which the plaintiff worked and the
time spent in each, as well as both the settlement amount and the estimated hyp
othetical recovery under the settlement terms reached in the 21\u8211\'3fmc\u821
1\'3f100 docket.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See id.
}
}
Based upon this information, the Plaintiffs now seek the Court\rquote s approval
of the settlements.
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
6ce973fdf111e498db8b09b4f04}
\par
{\li0 \f2 \b1 \ql \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
II. DISCUSSION
\par
}
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
[1]
}}}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i0
{\*\bkmkstart co_anchor_B12035650775_1}{\*\bkmkend co_anchor_B12035650775_1}
}
}
[2]
}}}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i0
}
Courts confronted with mass tort cases have an obligation to ensure the fairnes
s of settlements entered into by the parties.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See In re World Trade Ctr. Disaster Site Litig.,
}
}
No. 21\u8211\'3fmc\u8211\'3f100, ECF No. 2091 (S.D.N.Y. June 23, 2010);
}
p_4637_491" }{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
In re Zyprexa Liability Litig.,
}
}
424 F.Supp.2d 488, 491\u8211\'3f92 (E.D.N.Y.2006)
}}}
. Because of multiple representations by counsel of differently situated plainti
ffs, individual settlements can raise issues of conflicts of interest, as betwee
n plaintiffs\rquote attorneys and the differently situated plaintiffs those att
orneys represent.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs16 \cf1 \i0

ference_B00662035650775_ID0}
6
}}}
}
An aggregate settlement may be the result of arm\rquote s length negotiations, b
ut the allocations to individuals tend to be directed by counsel without negotia
tions.
}
Because the Court has inherent authority to supervise such attorneys,
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
see
}
}
2cb8781fa&refType=RP&fi=co_pp_sp_506_125&originationContext=document&vr=3.0&rs=c
blt1.0&transitionType=DocumentItem&contextData=(sc.UserEnteredCitation)#co_pp_sp
_506_125" }{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
}
}
754 F.3d 114, 125\u8211\'3f26 (2d Cir.2014)
}}}
(\u8220\'3f[T]he courts have inherent authority to police the conduct of attorn
eys as officers of the court.\u8221\'3f), it has the duty to ensure that the set
tlements among plaintiffs are fair. Accordingly, I ruled by Order dated July 25,
2014 that all settlements in the 21\u8211\'3fmc\u8211\'3f102 docket would be su
bject to review by this Court for fairness and reasonableness.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
Order Regulating Settlement Procedures and Granting, in Part, Motion to Preserv
e Confidentiality of Settlements, No. 21\u8211\'3fmc\u8211\'3f102, ECF No. 5340,
at 1\u8211\'3f2 (S.D.N.Y. July 25, 2014).
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0

}
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
*4
}
}
}
[3]
}}}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i0
}
}
[4]
}}}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i0
}
There is a \u8220\'3fstrong public policy\u8221\'3f in favor of the settlement
of complex litigation.
}
_506_138" }{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
In re PaineWebber Ltd. P\rquote ships Litig.,
}
}
147 F.3d 132, 138 (2d Cir.1998)
}}}
. Courts reviewing settlement agreements consider two aspects for fairness: the
process utilized in reaching the settlement and the substantive terms of the set
tlement.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See, e.g.,
}
}
_506_116" }{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1

Wal\u8211\'3fMart Stores, Inc. v. Visa U.S.A. Inc.,
}
}
396 F.3d 96, 116 (2d Cir.2005)
}}}
(\u8220\'3fA court determines a settlement\rquote s fairness by looking at both
the settlement\rquote s terms and the negotiating process leading to settlement
.\u8221\'3f). Given the current litigation\rquote s similarity to complex class
actions, the factors considered by courts in deciding the fairness of class sett
lements provide a useful guide.
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
[5]
}}}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i0
}
Courts consider several factors in determining the procedural fairness of a set
tlement. The settlement should be the result of arm\rquote s length, hard-fought
negotiations rather than the collusion of otherwise adversarial parties.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
_506_803" }{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
McReynolds v. Richards\u8211\'3fCantave,
}
}
588 F.3d 790, 803\u8211\'3f04 (2d Cir.2009)
}}}
. Counsel conducting the negotiations should be experienced in similar cases.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
_506_247" }{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Charron v. Wiener,
}
}
731 F.3d 241, 247 (2d Cir.2013)
}}}
. Furthermore, settlement should come at a time when sufficient discovery has be
en conducted, enabling counsel and the parties to accurately assess the strength
s and weaknesses of their cases.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
2cb8781fa&refType=RP&fi=co_pp_sp_506_85&originationContext=document&vr=3.0&rs=cb
lt1.0&transitionType=DocumentItem&contextData=(sc.UserEnteredCitation)#co_pp_sp_
506_85" }{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
D\rquote Amato v. Deutsche Bank,
}
}
236 F.3d 78, 85\u8211\'3f86 (2d Cir.2001)
}}}
.
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
[6]
}}}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i0
}
}

[7]
}}}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i0
}
}
[8]
}}}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i0
}
Once the proponent establishes that the settlement was reached as a result of a
fair process, there is a presumption that the terms of the settlement are also
fair and reasonable.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
_506_803" }{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
McReynolds,
}
}
588 F.3d at 803
}}}
(\u8220\'3fWe have recognized a presumption of fairness, reasonableness, and ad
equacy as to the settlement where a class settlement [is] reached in arm\rquote
s-length negotiations between experienced, capable counsel after meaningful disc
overy.\u8221\'3f) (internal quotations omitted). Nonetheless, courts consider se
veral aspects of the substantive terms of a settlement for fairness. These consi
derations include the complexity, expense, and duration of the litigation; the s
trengths and weaknesses of the plaintiffs\rquote cases; the attendant risks of
bringing the case to trial; and the possible defenses of the defendants.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
_506_247" }{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1

Charron,
}
}
731 F.3d at 247
}}}
. Settlement amounts should not be compared to a \u8220\'3fpossible recovery in
the best of all possible worlds.\u8221\'3f
}
_344_191" }{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
In re IMAX Secs. Litig.,
}
}
283 F.R.D. 178, 191 (S.D.N.Y.2013)
}}}
. Rather, \u8220\'3fthere is a range of reasonableness with respect to a settlem
ent\u8212\'3fa range which recognizes the uncertainties of law and fact in any p
articular case and the concomitant risks and costs necessarily inherent in takin
g any litigation to completion.\u8221\'3f
}
_506_119" }{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Wal\u8211\'3fMart Stores, Inc.,
}
}
396 F.3d at 119
}}}
.
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
6ce974fdf111e498db8b09b4f04}
\par
{\li0 \f2 \b1 \ql \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0

A. Procedural Fairness of the 21\u8211\'3fmc\u8211\'3f102 Settlements
\par
}
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
[9]
}}}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i0
}
The considerations favoring the approval of settlement clearly were present her
e.
}
WGENB is a competent law firm with considerable experience in mass tort litigati
ons, including the 9/11 litigation from almost its inception in 2002. Their nego
tiations with the defendants were adversarial, there is no evidence of collusion
and resolution came at a time when discovery was sufficiently advanced to permi
t the parties to fairly evaluate the value of the lawsuits they filed.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
p_4637_267" }{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
In re Bear Stearns Cos. Secs. Derivative & ERISA Litig.,
}
}
909 F.Supp.2d 259, 267 (S.D.N.Y.2012)
}}}
(finding settlement procedurally fair where parties \u8220\'3fconducted extensi
ve investigations, obtained and reviewed millions of pages of documents, and bri
efed and litigated a number of significant legal issues\u8221\'3f because partie
s had the ability to \u8220\'3fgauge the strengths and weaknesses of their claim
s and the adequacy of the settlement\u8221\'3f). The parties conducted nearly 60
0 depositions of fact and expert witnesses; reviewed documents from approximatel
y 350 defendants as well as numerous third party witnesses and experts; and brie
fed and argued significant legal issues, including the relevant scope of the New
York Labor Law, and the risks and force of potential expert testimony. In addit
ion, the parties\rquote use of the TCDI database and the settlement amounts dis
bursed in the 21\u8211\'3fmc\u8211\'3f100 cases, taking into account relevant fa
ctual and legal differences with those cases, was an efficient and reasonable me
thod for allocating fair settlement amounts to individual cases.
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
6ce975fdf111e498db8b09b4f04}
\par
{\li0 \f2 \b1 \ql \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
B. Substantive Fairness of the 21\u8211\'3fmc\u8211\'3f102 Settlements
\par
}
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
*5
}
}
Because the settlements are the result of a fair process, the consideration to
be paid is presumably also fair, adequate, and reasonable.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
_506_803" }{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
McReynolds,
}
}
588 F.3d at 803
}}}
. The cases present difficult complexities regarding the conditions of the workp
laces, the safety protections extended, and the causal nexus between the ambient
atmosphere and the diseases complained of by the workers. Plaintiffs acknowledg
e that trial itself will be risky, long, and expensive, made longer and more com
plicated by the presence of numerous defendants. I am particularly persuaded of
the fairness of the settlements because they compare favorably, in the aggregate
and individually, with the previously approved settlement of the 21\u8211\'3fmc
\u8211\'3f100 cases.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
LoPalo Decl., Exh. B. Accordingly, I find that the settlement terms are well wi
thin the \u8220\'3frange of reasonableness\u8221\'3f reflective of the \u8220\'3
funcertainties of law and fact\u8221\'3f and the \u8220\'3fconcomitant risks and
costs\u8221\'3f of litigating the cases through trial.
}
_506_119" }{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Wal\u8211\'3fMart Stores, Inc.,
}
}
396 F.3d at 119
}}}
. I therefore approve the settlements and grant Plaintiffs\rquote motion.
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
6ce976fdf111e498db8b09b4f04}
\par
{\li0 \f2 \b1 \ql \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
III. CONCLUSION
\par
}
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
Plaintiffs\rquote motion to approve the settlements is GRANTED. The Clerk shall
mark the motion (Doc. No. 5711) terminated. The approved settlements result in
the resolution of all the claims brought by 26 of the 78 settling plaintiffs. Ac
cordingly, the Clerk shall dismiss with prejudice the Complaints of those 26 pla
intiffs and close their cases (Case Nos. 06 Civ. 8764, 06 Civ. 11552, 06 Civ. 11
828, 06 Civ. 11968, 06 Civ. 12813, 06 Civ. 13880, 06 Civ. 14488, 06 Civ. 14671,
06 Civ. 14909, 06 Civ. 15135, 07 Civ. 1534, 07 Civ. 1680, 07 Civ. 5434, 07 Civ.
5554, 07 Civ. 8287, 07 Civ. 10756, 07 Civ. 10804, 08 Civ. 00653, 08 Civ. 2257, 0
8 Civ. 2264, 08 Civ. 2310, 08 Civ. 2319, 08 Civ. 2326, 08 Civ. 2634, 08 Civ. 267
9, and 08 Civ. 2732).
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
The remaining 52 settling plaintiffs have settled with many, but not all, defend
ants against whom they have filed claims. The settling and non-settling defendan
ts in these 52 cases will be identified in a chart labeled Exhibit A, attached t
o a supplemental order to be issued at a later date.
}
The Clerk shall dismiss with prejudice the Complaints of the 52 plaintiffs again
st the settling defendants identified in Exhibit A. Plaintiffs shall file an Ame
nded Complaint by April 8, 2015, consistent with this Order and Opinion, droppin
g the settling defendants from the caption and the allegations, but retaining th
e paragraph numbering of the existing complaint. Defendants\rquote Answers need
not be amended.
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
SO ORDERED.
\par
}
}
}
}
}
}
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}
}
{\li0 \f4 \b0 \ql \ri0 \fs24 \par}\sect\sbknone\pgncont\cols1{ \cf1 \i0 {
\clpadl200 \clpadfl3 \clbrdrt \clbrdrl \trql \clwWidth10080 \cellx10080
\intbl
{\li0 \ri0
{\li0 \f4 \b0 \ql \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
Footnotes
\par
}
}
}\f4 \li0 \strike0 \ul0 \b0 \sa0 \ql \sb0 \fs20 \ri0 \cf1 \i0 \intbl \cell \row
}
\clbrdrl \trql \clvertalt \clwWidth600 \cellx600
\clbrdrr \trql \clwWidth9480 \cellx10080
\intbl
{\li0 \ri0
{\li0 \f4 \b0 \ql \ri0 \fs24 \cf1 \i0
{\f4 \b0 \fs24 \cf1 \i0
{\*\bkmkstart co_footnote_B00112035650775_1}{\*\bkmkend co_footnote_B00112035650
775_1}
{\field {\*\fldinst HYPERLINK "#co_footnoteReference_B00112035650775_ID0" }{\fld
rslt
1
\par
}
}
{\li0 \ri0
{\li0 \f4 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f4 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f4 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
26 of the 78 settling plaintiffs have settled their claims against all of the de
fendants originally sued. The remaining 52 settling plaintiffs have settled thei
r claims against most, but not all, defendants originally sued. In aggregate, th
e 78 settling plaintiffs have settled their claims with 134 defendants.
\par
}
}
}
}
}\f4 \li0 \strike0 \ul0 \b0 \qj \sa0 \sb0 \fs18 \ri0 \cf1 \i0 \intbl \cell \row
}
\intbl
{\li0 \ri0
{\li0 \f4 \b0 \ql \ri0 \fs24 \cf1 \i0
{\f4 \b0 \fs24 \cf1 \i0
775_1}
rslt
2
\par
}
}
{\li0 \ri0
{\li0 \f4 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f4 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f4 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
Such information included the plaintiffs\rquote pedigree, medical history, toba
cco use, alleged injuries, medical tests, diagnoses, symptoms, treatments, worke
rs\rquote compensation recoveries, hours worked, location of work, safety equip
ment worn, and training received.
}
{\f4 \b0 \fs18 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
Hellerstein, Hon. Alvin K., Henderson, James A., & Twerski, Aaron D.,
}
2cb8781fa&refType=LR&originationContext=document&vr=3.0&rs=cblt1.0&transitionTyp
{\f4 \b0 \fs18 \cf5 \i1
The 9/11 Litigation Database: A Recipe for Judicial Management,
}
}
90 Wash. U.L.Rev. 653 (2013)
; Hellerstein, Hon. Alvin K., Henderson, James A., & Twerski, Aaron D.,
}
{\f4 \b0 \fs18 \cf5 \i1
Managerial Judging: The 9/11 Responders\rquote Tort Litigation,
}
}
98 Cornell L.Rev. 127 (2012)
.
\par
}
}
}
}
}
\intbl
{\li0 \ri0
{\li0 \f4 \b0 \ql \ri0 \fs24 \cf1 \i0
{\f4 \b0 \fs24 \cf1 \i0
775_1}
rslt
3
\par
}
}
{\li0 \ri0
{\li0 \f4 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f4 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f4 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
The criteria used for categorizing plaintiffs\rquote injuries was based upon th
e diagnostic system established by the American Medical Association and the Amer
ican Thoracic Society.
}
{\f4 \b0 \fs18 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
p_4637_503" }{\fldrslt
{\f4 \b0 \fs18 \cf5 \i1
}
}
598 F.Supp.2d 498, 503 (S.D.N.Y.2009)
.
\par
}
}
}
}
}
\intbl
{\li0 \ri0
{\li0 \f4 \b0 \ql \ri0 \fs24 \cf1 \i0
{\f4 \b0 \fs24 \cf1 \i0
775_1}
rslt
4
\par
}
}
{\li0 \ri0
{\li0 \f4 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f4 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f4 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
As noted above, this methodology and the resulting settlement in 21\u8211\'3fmc\
u8211\'3f100 were previously held by this Court to be \u8220\'3ffair, reasonable
, adequate, just and in the best interests of the parties.\u8221\'3fOrder Approv
ing Modified and Improved Agreement of Settlement, No. 21\u8211\'3fmc\u8211\'3f1
00, ECF No. 2091, at 3\u8211\'3f4 (S.D.N.Y. June 23, 2010);
}
{\f4 \b0 \fs18 \cf1 \i1
see also
}
}
p_4637_267" }{\fldrslt
{\f4 \b0 \fs18 \cf5 \i1
}
}
871 F.Supp.2d 263, 267 (S.D.N.Y.2012)
;
}
{\f4 \b0 \fs18 \cf5 \i1
}
}
762 F.Supp.2d 631 (S.D.N.Y.2010)
.
\par
}
}
}
}
}
\intbl
{\li0 \ri0
{\li0 \f4 \b0 \ql \ri0 \fs24 \cf1 \i0
{\f4 \b0 \fs24 \cf1 \i0

775_1}
rslt
5
\par
}
}
{\li0 \ri0
{\li0 \f4 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f4 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f4 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
Such facts included,
}
{\f4 \b0 \fs18 \cf1 \i1
inter alia,
}
}
a defendant\rquote s legal status and the corresponding legal duty owed to a pl
aintiff to provide a reasonably safe workplace; the nature of the work performed
by the plaintiff and the corresponding legal protections for such work; and the
sufficiency of the evidence with respect to causation and damages.
\par
}
}
}
}
}
\clbrdrb \clbrdrl \trql \clvertalt \clwWidth600 \cellx600
\clbrdrb \clbrdrr \trql \clwWidth9480 \cellx10080
\intbl
{\li0 \ri0
{\li0 \f4 \b0 \ql \ri0 \fs24 \cf1 \i0
{\f4 \b0 \fs24 \cf1 \i0
775_1}
rslt
6
\par
}
}
{\li0 \ri0
{\li0 \f4 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f4 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f4 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\f4 \b0 \fs18 \cf1 \i1
See generally
}
}
{\f4 \b0 \fs18 \cf5 \i1
}
}
No. 21\u8211\'3fmc\u8211\'3f100, \u8211\'3f\u8211\'3f\u8211\'3f F.Supp.3d \u821
1\'3f\u8211\'3f\u8211\'3f\u8211\'3f, \u8211\'3f\u8211\'3f\u8211\'3f\u8211\'3f, 2
015 WL 437758, at *4 (S.D.N.Y. Jan. 16, 2015)
; Erichson, Howard M.,
}
{\f4 \b0 \fs18 \cf5 \i1
The Role of the Judge in Non\u8211\'3fClass Settlements,
}
}
90 Wash. U.L.Rev. 1015 (2013)
.
\par
}
}
}
}
}}\par
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}
}
{\li0 \f4 \b0 \ql \ri0 \fs24 \par}\sect\sbknone\pgncont\cols1{ \cf1 \i0 {
\clpadt24 \clpadft3 \clpadl100 \clpadfl3 \clpadr24 \clpadfr3 \clbrdrt \brdrw10 \
brdrcf20 \brdrs \clbrdrb \clbrdrl \trql \clwWidth4320 \cellx4320
\clpadt24 \clpadft3 \clpadl100 \clpadfl3 \clpadr24 \clpadfr3 \clbrdrt \brdrw10 \
brdrcf20 \brdrs \clbrdrb \clbrdrr \trql \clwWidth5760 \cellx10080
\intbl
{\li24 \ri24
{\li24 \f4 \b1 \ql \ri24 \fs16 \cf20 \i0
End of Document
\par
}
}
}\f4 \li24 \strike0 \ul0 \b1 \sa0 \ql \sb0 \fs16 \ri24 \cf20 \i0 \intbl \cell \i
ntbl
{\li24 \ri24
{\li24 \f4 \b0 \ri24 \fs16 \cf20 \qr \i0
\u169\'3f 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.
\par
}
}
}\f4 \li24 \strike0 \ul0 \b0 \sa0 \sb0 \fs16 \ri24 \cf20 \i0 \qr \intbl \cell \r
ow }}\par
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}
}\sect }

Order Approving Settlement in Re World Trade Center Lower Manhattan Disaster Site Litigation

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Order Approving Settlement in Re World Trade Center Lower Manhattan Disaster Site Litigation

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

{\rtf1 \ansi

{\f3 \strike0 \ul0 \b0 \sa0 \sb0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0

{\\bkmkstart co_anchor_headNote_[1]_1}{\\bkmkend co_anchor_headNote_[1]_1}

}\f2 \strike0 \ul0 \b0 \sa0 \sb0 \fs20 \cf5 \i0 }}

\clpadt30 \clpadft3 \clpadr30 \clpadfr3 \clbrdrt \clbrdrl \trql \clwWidth600 \ce

}\f2 \strike0 \ul0 \b0 \sa0 \sb0 \fs20 \cf5 \i0 }}

{\*\shppict {\pict \pngblip \picw28 \pich16 \picwgoal210 \pichgoal120 89504e470d

\clpadt30 \clpadft3 \clpadr30 \clpadfr3 \clbrdrt \clbrdrr \trql \clwWidth4040 \c

{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0

{\f2 \strike0 \ul0 \b0 \sa0 \sb0 \fs20 \cf5 \i0

{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0

nable; workers\rquote attorneys had considerable experience in mass tort litiga

{\f2 \strike0 \ul0 \b0 \sa0 \sb0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0

{\f2 \b0 \fs16 \cf1 \i0

{\f2 \strike0 \ul0 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0

{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1

{\field {\*\fldinst HYPERLINK "#co_anchor_F72035650775_1" }{\fldrslt

{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1

{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0

{\\bkmkstart co_footnote_B00552035650775_1}{\\bkmkend co_footnote_B00552035650

You might also like

Order Approving Settlement in Re World Trade Center Lower Manhattan Disaster Site Litigation

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Order Approving Settlement in Re World Trade Center Lower Manhattan Disaster Site Litigation

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

{\rtf1 \ansi

{\f3 \strike0 \ul0 \b0 \sa0 \sb0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0

{\*\bkmkstart co_anchor_headNote_[1]_1}{\*\bkmkend co_anchor_headNote_[1]_1}

}\f2 \strike0 \ul0 \b0 \sa0 \sb0 \fs20 \cf5 \i0 }}

\clpadt30 \clpadft3 \clpadr30 \clpadfr3 \clbrdrt \clbrdrl \trql \clwWidth600 \ce

}\f2 \strike0 \ul0 \b0 \sa0 \sb0 \fs20 \cf5 \i0 }}

{\*\shppict {\pict \pngblip \picw28 \pich16 \picwgoal210 \pichgoal120 89504e470d

\clpadt30 \clpadft3 \clpadr30 \clpadfr3 \clbrdrt \clbrdrr \trql \clwWidth4040 \c

{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0

{\f2 \strike0 \ul0 \b0 \sa0 \sb0 \fs20 \cf5 \i0

{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0

nable; workers\rquote attorneys had considerable experience in mass tort litiga

{\f2 \strike0 \ul0 \b0 \sa0 \sb0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0

{\f2 \b0 \fs16 \cf1 \i0

{\f2 \strike0 \ul0 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0

{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1

{\field {\*\fldinst HYPERLINK "#co_anchor_F72035650775_1" }{\fldrslt

{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1

{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0

{\*\bkmkstart co_footnote_B00552035650775_1}{\*\bkmkend co_footnote_B00552035650

You might also like

{\\bkmkstart co_anchor_headNote_[1]_1}{\\bkmkend co_anchor_headNote_[1]_1}

{\\bkmkstart co_footnote_B00552035650775_1}{\\bkmkend co_footnote_B00552035650