Silverstein seeks $12.3 billion in 9/11 suit

Developer Larry Silverstein is seeking $12.3 billion in damages from the destruction of the World Trade Center in a lawsuit against airlines and airport security companies. The claim, filed in 2004, was consolidated last week with other property owners and some victims’ families. The $12.3 billion amount had not been known until now and is by far the biggest of any litigant. The claims total about $23 billion, and lawyers say the size of Silverstein’s could jeopardize claims from other businesses and property owners. Silverstein is seeking $8.4 billion for the destroyed buildings, $100 million a year in rent to the Port Authority and $300 million a year in lost rental income, along with the cost of marketing and leasing the new buildings.