Ground Zero Worker Receives Compensation Check for Zero Dollars
31st July 2011
Cancer-stricken Ground Zero worker Edgar Galvis has finally received a compensation check — for zero dollars, the New York Post reported Sunday.
The 51-year-old Queens man, who suffered sinus problems and then throat cancer after months of removing toxic debris from the World Financial Center, was relieved to get a check in the mail for his court settlement with Merrill Lynch, whose offices he had cleaned.
But he was stunned when he saw the amount: $0.00.
His award had been $10,005, but his lawyers at the firm Worby, Groner, Edelman & Napoli Bern lopped off $2,579 for unitemized legal expenses. Then they took a 33.3 percent fee of $2,124. They also subtracted $352, a fee to the lawyer who referred him.
The remaining $4,950 was withheld for unspecified “liens,” the letter says.
No wonder people hate lawyers.
July 31st, 2011 at 20:04
Well, I certainly hate lawyers, and this just serves to reinforce my disdain for them.
August 1st, 2011 at 11:15
“No wonder people hate lawyers.” Please, Tim! This story doesn’t even get into the top 100 of that list!
But since we’re talking about groups to hate, let me point out that the “unspecified liens” mentioned is probably his insurance company. If you get a settlement of any kind, they expect to be reimbursed for any money they shelled out for medical treatment. I have no idea who let them know that he got a settlement, but if I were to guess, it would involve f*ing lawyers.