(10/17/06) YONKERS - Thousands of first responders to ground zero received hope Tuesday when a federal judge refused to grant immunity to New York City, the Port Authority and its contractors.

David Worby is a White Plains attorney representing thousands of workers who say they have been affected by the poor air quality at ground zero. He says with this judge?s ruling he and his clients are ready to go to court. U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein says even if only some of the 8,500 plaintiffs acquired respiratory damage it is worth seeing the case go forward. City lawyers say they wanted legal immunity. They say in the aftermath of 9/11, the decisions they made about working conditions led to enormous good.

The city adds 9/11 responders have access to free medical programs. Worby counters that billions more dollars are needed to extend health care to those now sick. According to a recent Mt. Sinai study, more than 70 percent of ground zero workers became ill because of the poor air quality.