Dying Sept. 11 workers denied speedy trial

NEW YORK, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- A federal judge in New York City has refused to expedite the trials of three responders to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks suffering from lung disease.

U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein refused a request by lawyers for two New York Police Department officials and one morgue volunteer, the New York Post reported Sunday.

Hellerstein, who is administering the lawsuits of thousands of Sept. 11 responders suffering health issues, cited logistics for his reasoning, the Post said.

Attorney Paul Napoli described his clients as being "on death's door" in his request for the court to speed up the trials.

The city of New York has refused to settle the cases out of court, but has asked Congress to recompense sick responders using the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.