Ground Zero workers torn over settlement

NEW YORK, March 13 (UPI) -- Workers injured in the cleanup of Ground Zero in New York say they have mixed feelings about a settlement deal with the city worth as much as $657 million.

"It seems to me that what they're trying to do is basically buy us off and push us under the rug because it's hitting the 10-year mark, and they pretty much want us to go away," said Mike Taoiento, 48, a retired police officer who says he developed throat cancer from working at the site after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

A federal judge and 95 percent of the 10,000 affected workers still need to OK the settlement. The deal would pay lawyers nearly $200 million in legal fees and millions more in expenses, but provides no long-time healthcare for injured workers, The New York Daily News reported Saturday.

Maurice Davis, 44, who volunteered at the site, urged approval of the deal so he could finish treatment for a dust-scarred uvula and throat that obstructs his breathing.

"Let me get my surgery," Davis said. "What's more money going to do for me if I don't wake up in the morning?"