Parker Waichman Comments on Hispanic Workers Support of Renewal of the Zadroga Act
Port Washington, New York (PRWEB) April 14, 2015 -- Pa rker Waichman LLP, a national law firm that has spent many years fighting to ensure that the heroes of 9/11 are never forgotten, comments on recent news involving the Zadroga Act. Voice of New York reported on April 9, 2015 that Hispanic 9/11 first responders, represented by the group United We Stand, support reauthorization of the Zadroga Act. In fact, Alex Sanchez, one of the group’s founders, will advocate for renewal of the Zadroga Act in Washington on April 14th.
Parker Waichman notes that the firm was actively involved in working toward passage of the Zadroga Act, which provides medical treatment, monitoring, and compensation to individuals who were injured as a result of September 11th terrorist attacks. These actions include, in part, lobbying efforts and trips to Washington DC by Matthew J. McCauley, Senior Litigation Counsel at Parker Waichman, often, with the firm’s clients. Mr. McCauley and Parker Waichman continue to support the Zadroga Act and efforts to extend its timeline and scope.
The Zadroga Act was passed in 2010 and created the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), according to Parker Waichman. Both the WTC Health Program and the VCF are due to expire in October 2015 and October 2016, respectively.
Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (Democrat-New York) and Kelly Ayotte (Republican-New Hampshire) will introduce reauthorization of the act for another 25 years. Sanchez will speak in Washington DC in support of these efforts, Voices of NY indicated.
Parker Waichman points out that, exposure to the toxic dust that remained in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks allegedly caused many rescue workers and survivors to develop respiratory illnesses, cancer, and other serious conditions. The VCF and WTC Health Program are a vital part of providing valuable assistance to our 9/11 heroes. The VCF provides compensation to 9/11 victims who developed eligible illnesses as a result of exposure to the toxic dust clouds that developed following the attacks. The WTC Health Program provides medical treatment and monitoring to victims and serves almost 70,000 first responders, other rescue workers, and survivors.
Sanchez is among the 500 other temporary workers who were part of a building maintenance company's team that assisted in recovery efforts following the September 11th terrorist attacks. Today, Sanchez takes 14 different medications for six physical ailments each day. “We do not have the powerful apparatus that unions have. They hired us temporarily without warning us of the risks,” said Sánchez, according to Voices of New York. “Our hope right now is to have the Zadroga Law reauthorized.”
“Illnesses related to the 9/11 attacks may not manifest for many years. Extending coverage of the Zadroga Act will help provide aid to rescue workers who are diagnosed with cancer and other conditions related to the attacks,” notes Mr. McCauley. “As a firm that has fought for the rights of 9/11 heroes and survivors since the beginning, we understand how crucial the Zadroga Act is for first responders,” Mr. McCauley added. “We support and applaud efforts to extend the Zadroga Act.”
According to Parker Waichman, it is vital that rescue workers diagnosed with conditions related to the terrorist attacks receive appropriate care. “As a firm that has never stopped supporting our 9/11 heroes, we continue to work to ensure that all 9/11 survivors and their families receive the help they need to cope with illness and injuries related to the attacks,” Mr. McCauley added.
Parker Waichman LLP worked, and continues to fight, alongside Ground Zero first responders, survivors, and their advocates to help ensure passage of the Zadroga Act. The firm vows to continue its efforts to safeguard these heroes and survivors 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, or filing a disability claim, and would like assistance with your claim or filing, please visit Parker Waichman's Zadroga Act claims page at yourlawyer.com, or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).
Gary Falkowitz, Parker Waichman LLP, http://yourlawyer.com, +1 (800) 529-4636, [email protected]
Share this article