'Ref' eyed in toxic 9/11 suits

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/r...2nCMs2gEG6c5RJ

By SUSAN EDELMAN
Last Updated: 2:09 PM, October 4, 2009

The judge tackling 9,500 toxic-injury lawsuits by World Trade Center rescue and recovery workers may appoint 9/11 compensation czar Kenneth Feinberg to try to mediate settlements.

While lawyers in the cases have yet to report any settlement talks, Manhattan federal Judge Alvin Hellerstein told them he'd like to recruit Feinberg or another top lawyer, Sheila Birnbaum. Each has agreed to serve as a "special master."

"The people who have suffered from injuries, they want to have a recovery and still enjoy a recovery," Hellerstein said.

Feinberg doled out $7 billion from the federal September 11th Victim Compensation Fund to families that lost loved ones in the terror attacks.

Birnbaum steered $500 million in settlements to 92 families that sued the airlines, calling the job "heart wrenching."

Hellerstein has scheduled the first trials for the sickest 9/11 cops, firefighters and other workers to start in May.

The city has so far fought the toxic torts, spending more than $200 million on lawyers and administrative costs. The money comes from an insurance fund awarded by Congress.