Reauthorizing the Zadroga Act will give these individuals the time needed to access benefits
Port Washington, New York (PRWEB) July 29, 2015
Parker Waichman LLP, a national law firm that has spent many years fighting to ensure that the heroes of the 9/11 terrorist attacks are never forgotten, applauds Congressman Frank Pallone (Democrat-New Jersey) and other legislators who support reauthorizing the Zadroga Act. The Act created the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). The WTC Health Program provides medical treatment and monitoring and the VCF provides compensation to responders and survivors suffering from 9/11-related illnesses. NJTV News reports that Congressman Pallone called for the Act to be reauthorized prior to a hearing before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee. “We started to realize that in the immediate aftermath and as time went on that many people who responded and who were there for several days—weeks even—were negatively impacted in terms of their health and that was the impetus for the 9/11 James Zadroga legislation,” said Pallone. Renewal is intended to be permanent, he noted, adding that, “The other thing is exemption from sequestration. Almost everything in the federal government over the past few years has been subject to across-the-board cuts. We don’t want this to be subject to across-the-board cuts, so we’re exempting it.”
Parker Waichman comments that many first responders are suffering from respiratory illnesses, cancer, and other serious medical conditions due to toxic dust exposure at Ground Zero. “By renewing the Zadroga Act, we are able to help ensure that these individuals receive the help they need and deserve,” said Matthew J. McCauley, Senior Litigation Counsel at Parker Waichman. “Keeping these benefits available will help save lives.”
According to Parker Waichman, many 9/11-related illnesses take years to develop. “A number of responders and survivors may not even realize that they have developed a 9/11-related condition for years to come,” said Gary Falkowitz, Managing Attorney at Parker. “Reauthorizing the Zadroga Act will give these individuals the time needed to access benefits.”
Parker Waichman actively worked toward the 2010 passage of the Zadroga Act, including taking part in lobbying efforts and trips to the nation's capital, often along with the firm's clients—other responders and survivors.
The firm continues to support the Zadroga Act and remains dedicated to fighting for the rights of responders and survivors. In fact, Parker Waichman was recently involved in the “Take Action” tool that allows responders, survivors, and advocates the ability to review their Congresspersons' activities concerning the upcoming expiration of the James Zadroga Act. Parker Waichman assisted with the research on, and creation of, the Tool, which may be accessed at: Renew 911 Health Organization's website.
Parker Waichman continues to fight, alongside Ground Zero first responders, survivors, and their advocates, to help ensure passage of Zadroga Act amendments, and 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 Act, and would like assistance with your claim, please visit Parker Waichman's website or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).