Firefighters Urge Congress to Renew Zadroga Act Benefits, Parker Waichman LLP Comments

More than 70 firefighters and 60 New York Police Department (NYPD) officers have died due to illnesses related to 9/11. The Zadroga Act, due to expire next year, provides medical care and compensation to responders and survivors who became ill or injured due to the attacks.

Port Washington, New York (PRWEB) June 15, 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, comments that firefighters are urging Congress to renew the Zadroga Act, which provides medical care and compensation to responders and survivors who became ill or injured due to 9/11 attacks. According to a statement from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) on June 10, 2015, professional firefighters from New York City are in Washington, D.C. calling on Congress to reauthorize the Act. Many firefighters and other first responders helped with the recovery efforts at Ground Zero following the attacks. More than 30,000 individuals have developed chronic illnesses due to toxic dust exposure resulting from the terrorist attacks and, according to the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), over 70 firefighters and 60 police officers have died An upcoming hearing held by the House Energy and Commerce Committee will address reauthorizing the Zadroga Act.

According to Parker Waichman, renewing the Zadroga Act is crucial for many first responders who became ill due to toxic exposure. The Act established two programs: the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). The WTC Health program provides medical monitoring and treatment while the VCF provides compensation. "Renewing these benefits is crucial to the health of our 9/11 heroes," said Matthew J. McCauley, Senior Litigation Counsel at Parker Waichman LLP. "These individuals sacrificed their health and well-being at a time when their country needed them most. They and their families deserve benefits."

Parker Waichman has actively worked toward the 2010 passage of the Zadroga Act, including taking part and spearheading lobbying efforts and trips to the nation's capital led by Mr. McCauley, often, with the firm's clients. Mr. McCauley and Parker Waichman continue to support the Zadroga Act and continue to support efforts to extend the Act's timeline and its scope.

Parker Waichman comments that a number of responders may not realize that their health has suffered due to the attacks and that the Act is due to expire. "Some 9/11-related conditions may take years to manifest," said Gary Falkowitz, Managing Attorney at Parker Waichman LLP. "Extending these benefits may provide crucial medical care and compensation to these individuals and their families."

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).

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2015/06/prweb12789117.htm