Feds probe Sept. 11 insurance fund

[underpants]

Source: AP/Yahoo

WASHINGTON - Federal officials said Monday they will investigate why a $1 billion Sept. 11 insurance fund created by Congress to cover claims of sick ground zero workers is fighting the cases in court rather than distributing money.

The World Trade Center Captive Insurance Company has come under increasing scrutiny from Congress and the federal government, as roughly 8,000 individual claims await judgment in the federal court system.

The inspector general for the Homeland Security Department indicated he intends to examine the issue, telling Congress in a report that his inquiry will determine why the insurance company "has chosen to litigate all claims instead of settling whenever possible."

According to documents sent to Congress and due to be released later this week, the inspector general's review will also determine "what procedures have been established to receive, review and pay medical, hospital, surgical and disability benefits to injured persons," as well as benefits to the relatives of those killed.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071204/ap_on_go_ot/attacks_health;_ylt=Aj99P9LjirIyOAcbT1MtRLayFz4D