Time Is Running Out For 9/11 Survivors; Congress Must Act to Extend Zadroga Act

The Zadroga Act, which created the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) and the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program, will expire unless Congress takes action.

Long Island, USA – September 15, 2015 /PressCable/ —

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, comments that the future of Zadroga Act benefits remains unclear as the 14th anniversary of the attacks is here. The Zadroga Act created the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program, which provides medical treatment and monitoring, and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), which provides compensation. Many responders and survivors are unsure what will happen to their medical care if the programs end, according to a September 10, 2015 The Seattle Times report. Advocates recently renewed the push to renew benefits.

The Seattle Times shared the story of Charles Diaz, a retired Sanitation Department police captain who developed cancer related to toxic dust exposure. He currently depends on the WTC Health Program to pay for Sprycel, an anti-leukemia medication that may cost $10,300 per month. Mr. Diaz told The Seattle Times he “has no idea” how he will afford the drug if the benefits expire. Federal data reveals that the WTC Health Program treated 21,600 people last year, but it is unclear how many will be left without medical care should the program end, as scheduled, next year.

Parker Waichman comments that the Zadroga Act is vital to many responders and survivors. “If Congress does not extend these benefits, our ailing 9/11 heroes will lose access to crucial medical care and compensation,” said Matthew J. McCauley, Senior Litigation Counsel at Parker Waichman. “These individuals sacrificed everything at a time when their country needed them most and they deserve 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 comments that Zadroga benefits help responders and survivors nationwide. Claimants reside in all 50 states and in 429 of the 435 Congressional districts. WPXI news recently reported that close to $2.5 million was awarded to 10 people at the Pentagon or the Flight 93 crash site. “Responders and survivors across the country rely on these life-saving benefits,” said Gary Falkowitz, Managing Attorney at Parker Waichman. “The Zadroga Act needs to remain open for them and their families.”

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 the Renew 911 Health Organization’s website.

Parker Waichman continues to fight, alongside Ground Zero first responders, survivors, and advocates, to help ensure passage of Zadroga Act amendments, and vows to continue its efforts to safeguard these heroes and ensure all of the Zadroga Act compensation is received. To determine eligibility for compensation under the Act, or assistance with a claim, please visit Parker Waichman’s website or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).

For more information about us, please visit http://www.yourlawyer.com/long-island

Contact Info:
Name: Parker Waichman
Organization: Parker Waichman LLP
Address: 6 Harbor Park Drive Port Washington, NY 11050
Phone: 516-466-6500

Release ID: 91144