This ceremony honored those selfless 9/11 heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice... Sadly, many individuals continue to suffer and die from illnesses as a result of their work at Ground Zero.
Port Washington, New York (PRWEB) June 08, 2015
Parker Waichman LLP, a national law firm that has spent many years fighting to ensure that the heroes and survivors of the 9/11 terrorist attacks are never forgotten, comments that a recent ceremony was held in Nesconset, Long Island honoring 9/11 responders. According to a News 12 Long Island article published on May 16, 2015, the names of an additional 100 people who died due to 9/11-related illnesses were added to the memorial wall at the “9/11 Responders Remembered Park.” Despite the rain, hundreds of supporters came to honor the fallen heroes at the memorial wall, which has added more than 500 names since it was first unveiled in 2011.
"The spirit of the American people shined through on a rainy day and you saw what happened, the sun came out," said John Feal of the FealGood Foundation, according to News 12 Long Island. "I believe it was for the love of their loved ones on the wall." News 12 Long Island reports that the FealGood Foundation is advocating to renew the Zadroga Act, which provides medical care and compensation to 9/11 responders and survivors who became ill or who died as a result of the attacks. Parker Waichman points out that the benefits provided under the Zadroga Act are critical for many 9/11 responders and survivors.
“This ceremony honored those selfless 9/11 heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Matthew J. McCauley, Senior Litigation Counsel at Parker Waichman. “Sadly, many individuals continue to suffer and die from illnesses as a result of their work at Ground Zero.”
Parker Waichman has actively worked toward passage of the Zadroga Act, which was passed in 2010. The firm’s actions include, in part, lobbying efforts and trips to the nation’s capital led by Mr. McCauley, often, along with the firm’s clients. Mr. McCauley and Parker Waichman continue to support the Zadroga Act, continue to support efforts to extend the Act’s timeline and its scope, and continue to drive efforts to ensure the growing list of 9/11 heroes is always remembered.
The park’s location on Long Island is a poignant reminder of just how much the surrounding communities gave to the rescue and recovery efforts. These communities not only gave financially but many residents on Long Island gave their health and lives to the rescue and recovery efforts. Parker Waichman, with its National Headquarters based on Long Island, supported the inauguration of the park and continues to do so. “This wall, and the park, provide a place of solace for the families and loved ones of these heroes. The wall also ensures that every hero who sacrificed his or her life that day will never be forgotten,” Mr. McCauley said. “This wall reminds us that many of these heroes continue to suffer more than one decade later and that we will, very sadly, see more names added to the memorial wall.”
Parker Waichman comments that the Zadroga Act's benefits will expire next year unless Congress takes action. The Act established the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program, which provides medical treatment and monitoring to survivors who developed illnesses related to toxic dust exposure, such as asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease, and gastrointestinal reflux disease. The Zadroga Act also provides benefits to survivors afflicted with different types of cancer. The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) was reopened through the Zadroga Act in 2010 and provides compensation to survivors and their families and the families of those who have died.
The attorneys at Parker Waichman have represented many individuals who have been exposed to toxic substances and hazardous chemicals that may lead to serious injury and death. “This ceremony was another reminder that we must never forget the heroes who came to the rescue without any regard for their own safety,” said Gary Falkowitz, Managing Attorney at Parker Waichman. “They and their families deserve to receive benefits, which is why it is so important to reauthorize the Zadroga Act.”
Parker Waichman, which worked, and continues to fight, alongside Ground Zero first responders, survivors, and their advocates, to help ensure passage of the Zadroga Act and its amendments, vows to continue its efforts to safeguard these heroes and ensure that they receive all of the Zadroga Act compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one are eligible for compensation under the Zadroga Act, and would like assistance with your claim, or if you or a loved one have been injured as a result of toxic exposure, please visit Parker Waichman's website or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).