BINGHAMTON, NY – Binghamton University alumnus William H. Groner ’77, will discuss his journey that led to his representing 10,000 individuals in a lawsuit that culminated in an $800 million award to his clients. He will speak about "Ground Zero Dust: Its Mysterious Medical Consequences and the Resulting Epic First-Responders Litigation," at the Binghamton University Forum luncheon program, Thursday, Nov. 14. The luncheon will begin at noon at Traditions at the Glen, 4101 Watson Boulevard, Johnson City, followed by the presentation at 12:30 p.m.

A personal injury attorney with the law firm Worby Groner Edelman, LLP, Groner spent nine years representing the first-responders, construction workers and volunteers who worked at the 9/11 ground zero site for months without any protective equipment to shield them from the toxic dust particles that seeped into their bodies. The result for thousands of these individuals was any one of a multitude of illnesses including respiratory problems, cancers and gastrointestinal disorders.

"We were feeling good about ourselves as lawyers," Groner said, reflecting on his experience. "On a gut level, we knew these people had the injuries from the exposures on the pile. We thought we could win. But we had a certain ignorance about what we were up against."

Groner is a frequent statewide lecturer on all aspects of personal injury practice and law. He has made numerous radio and TV appearances including on ABC’s 20-20, CNN (Worldwide), Good Day New York, Fox 5, CBS and NBC. He is founder and president of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association Westchester/Lower Hudson Chapter and frequent contributor to the "Premises Liability" chapter of the Trial Lawyers’ annual Decisions book and program.

Groner’s practice expertise includes the areas of personal injury, product liability, medical malpractice and toxic exposure. He received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Binghamton University in 1977 and his law degree from Boston University Law School in 1980. For more information, visit: http://binghamton.edu/magazine.

The Binghamton University Forum is a membership organization comprised of business, professional and community leaders that brings nationally known authorities to speak at functions throughout the year. For more information, call the Forum office at (607) 777-4390.