FDNY Firefighter Settles Suit Over 9-11 Related Cancer for $2.5 Million

An FDNY firefighter who developed 9-11 related cancer, has reached a $2.5 million settlement with the city. Brian Kevan, 53, worked for months at the World Trade Center site following 9-11.

In 2019, Kevan was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Although he could have filed a claim with the federal Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), he opted to sue the city. The suit was filed on June 4, 2020 in New York County Supreme Court. A copy of the complaint is not available.

The settlement was funded through an entity, WTC Captive Insurance Co., created by Congress to help compensate the 10,000 Ground Zero responders. The $2.5 million payment includes attorneys fees.

Compensation through the VCF is the more common route that responders take for 9-11 related compensation. Those who file suit like Kevan are prohibited from filing a VCF claim. More on the story.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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