Parker Waichman Applauds Senator Gillibrand for Efforts to Renew Zadroga Act
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 Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for her continued efforts to extend the Zadroga Act. According to CBS New York, Senator Gillibrand recently attended a news conference on Staten Island calling for the Zadroga Act to be extended indefinitely. “I think the biggest thing we fight against in Washington is a lack of empathy, and a lack of urgency,” she said, according to CBS New York. The Senator was joined by first responders inside the Staten Island Clinical Center.
The Zadroga Act's two programs are the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), which provides medical treatment and monitoring and compensation, respectively. These programs are due to expire starting in October unless Congress takes action. Parker Waichman comments that renewing the Zadroga Act is vital for many responders, “Many responders who helped with the rescue and recovery efforts during 9/11 suffer from serious medical conditions as a result of toxic dust exposure,” said Matthew J. McCauley, Senior Litigation Counsel at the firm. “Extending these programs will allow these individuals access to the benefits they need and deserve.”
“Our first responders answered the call of duty when our nation was under attack, and deserve to be treated by Congress as the veterans they really are,” said Gillibrand, according to CBS New York. “We cannot abandon the men and women who now suffer as a result of their sacrifice, and must pass a permanent extension of the programs they rely upon. These heroes should not have to walk the halls of the Capitol to beg for the benefits they have earned, and I will proudly walk with them until we secure the health and compensation programs they deserve.”
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 fight for extension of the Zadroga Act on behalf responders suffering from 9/11-related illnesses such as cancer and respiratory conditions,” said Gary Falkowitz, Managing Attorney at Parker Waichman. “By extending these benefits, lives may be saved.”
Parker Waichman was recently involved in the “Take Action” tool that allows responders, survivors, and advocates the ability to review Congress members' 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. 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).