Judge to decide if WTC owners can demand compensation from airlines over 9/11

The World Trade Center complex after the Sept.11 attacks and Larry Silverstein (inset)
The World Trade Center complex after the Sept.11 attacks and Larry Silverstein (inset)

A trial to determine whether World Trade Center Properties – an affiliate of Silverstein Properties – can seek compensation from airlines over the Sept. 11 attacks will begin today, NBC reported.

U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein will announce his decision right after hearing witness testimony and listening to arguments in a nonjury trial that is expected to last three days, according to NBC, citing an Associated Press story.

The trial will decide whether World Trade Center Properties and its affiliates are entitled to more than the $4.9 billion they have already received since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which led to the destruction of the 110-story twin towers as well as a third building in the complex.

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Were the judge to rule in the owner’s favor, they would be able to bring a liability suit against defendants including American Airlines, United Airlines and others.

Hellerstein has already said the maximum the owners could recover from the airlines is $3.5 billion. Silverstein and its affiliates have said that the twin towers have cost more than $7 billion to replace. [NBC]  – Hiten Samtani