9/11 lawsuit “bigger than your wildest imagination”
The Boston Herald reports,
Massport could be on the hook for billions of dollars in damages as part of a lawsuit filed by the owners of the World Trade Center who accuse the agency of “abysmal” security at Logan Airport on Sept. 11, 2001, when al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked two jets and unleashed their war on America.
The suit — one of the last linked to the attacks 11 years ago today — could give the country its first courtroom airing of airport security blunders, and might end in a staggering jury award.
“This could be bigger than your wildest imagination,” said attorney Don Migliori, a partner in the Motley Rice law firm in Providence, and an expert on 9/11 litigation. “You don’t have any idea what will happen if this goes to a jury. Anything can happen.”
Lawyers for World Trade Center Properties, which holds the lease on the defunct twin towers, yesterday appealed to federal Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein in Manhattan to set a trial date immediately.
The judge has already ruled the twin towers property owners can seek $2.8 billion in damages. Double that could be awarded if interest is allowed — or even more if a jury rules the payout should be bigger.
World Trade Center Properties is asking the court to hold Massport, American Airlines [AMR], United Airlines and other aviation companies liable for the toppling of the twin towers and surrounding buildings.