Hero Fired After Sustaining Disability Following Terrorist Attack
Date: October 15, 2002
A former New York City Firefighter working as a Fire Safety Director for Cushman & Wakefield, Inc. in a building next to the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, filed suit in federal court last month against the real estate company, charging it with firing him after he became temporarily disabled following his heroic actions on 9/11.
The Plaintiff in the lawsuit, Gerard Salamone, working on September 11th at the now condemned Deutsche Bank facility at 130 Liberty Street adjacent to the WTC’s South Tower, was seriously injured on 9/11 after the first jet plane slammed into the North Tower building. During the ensuing confusion and terror, Mr. Salamone assumed control of the Fire Command Station in preparation for the evacuation of all personnel.
As the first Tower fell, the impact propelled Mr. Salamone to the floor as a large section of the WTC came crashing through the center of 130 Liberty at the 22nd floor, where it proceeded to rend the concrete and steel beams straight down to the eighth floor. Mr. Salamone remained at the site throughout this harrowing day, directing the evacuation effort and providing assistance and comfort to all those in need.
Mr. Salamone’s complaint alleges that he sustained two broken ribs in addition to exacerbating his previously existing pulmonary and vascular medical challenges, as well as severe emotional distress due to the death of hundreds of his former colleagues, all supported by medical documentation. Mr. Salamone is alleging that his former employer was obligated to “accommodate” his injuries by placing him at an alternative worksite. Cushman & Wakefield ignored his requests, directing Mr. Salamone to report back to 130 Liberty, where he was ordered to wear a special protective “space suit” in addition to a mask. When his physician refused to allow Mr. Salamone to work under these conditions, he was fired.
Mr. Salamone is seeking 2 million dollars in compensatory and punitive damages.
Tuckner, Sipser, Weinstock & Sipser, LLP is a Plaintiff’s labor and employment law firm in NYC. For more information about the case, or to obtain a copy of the state court complaint, contact Jack Tuckner or William Sipser at 212.766.9100 or jtuckner@womensrightsny.com or wjsipser@womensrightsny.com.