The owner of the World Trade Center wants billions more in compensation from the airlines whose planes were flown into the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001.
Larry Silverstein is trying to collect $3.5 billion from United Airlines, US Airways and American Airlines, in addition to nearly $5 billion he has already received from his insurance company, The Daily Mail reported.
Attorney Roger Podesta, who represents the airlines, said an $8.5 billion total recovery would be more than 2 1/2 times the fair value of the buildings that fell.
Attorney Richard Williamson, who represents Silverstein’s World Trade Center Properties, said experts assessed damages of at least $7.2 billion from the Sept. 11 attacks, The Mail reported.
“This did not just come out of a hat,” he said of the figures.
U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein in Manhattan is expected to rule as soon as several witnesses conclude testifying in the trial expected to last about three days, The Mail said. Arguments began on Monday.
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One World Trade Center, which became the third-tallest building in the world, cost an estimated $3.9 billion and is slated to open in early 2014, The Mail reported.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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