Posted: July 21, 2016
Congress voted to extend The James L. Zadroga 9/11 Health & Compensation Act, providing much-needed medical coverage to individuals with Ground Zero-related health illnesses for the next 75 years. Enacted by President Barack Obama in 2011, the act ensures that the heroes of 9/11 continue to receive treatment services for chronic health problems related to toxic exposure in lower Manhattan in the months following the World Trade Center attacks.
The House and the Senate also renewed the Victims Compensation Fund, which allows those are who still suffering from 9/11-related health issues to file claims for economic damages due to physical injury or death.
Many first responders and volunteer rescue workers who helped in the aftermath of 9/11 have been diagnosed with chronic issues including pulmonary fibrosis, asthma and gastric reflux. Since the attacks, doctors have identified some 50 types of cancer caused by the extremely toxic dust of the collapsed twin towers.
The Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act covers anyone who worked or lived under Canal Street from 9-11-2001 through July 2002. Individuals who have been diagnosed with any type of cancer from 2014 through 2020 are eligible to receive compensation from the fund, and are entitled to medical benefits through 2090.
Compensation for Ground Zero illnesses
Electronic equipment, furniture, concrete and other building materials were pulverized and spread out over the lower Manhattan area when the twin towers fell. This lethal dust – which contained trace amounts of lead and mercury as well as the carcinogen asbestos – continued to infiltrate the World Trade Center area for months, leading to a host of Ground Zero related illnesses.
Since 9/11, more than 2,500 World Trade Center rescue workers have been diagnosed with cancer, with the majority suffering from esophageal, prostate, thyroid, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Thousands more are grappling with chronic respiratory disease and other health ailments.
The Zadroga Act was in danger of disappearing when it was set to expire, but determined lobbying efforts from those affected by 9/11 illnesses helped push the legislation through Congress in 2015.
“Passing the Zadroga bill was a long hard fight for the brave cops, firefighters and construction workers who put their lives and health on the line at Ground Zero. They deserve the very best medical care and treatment and I was proud to be part of this successful effort,” NY Republican Rep. Peter King told NBC News just days before the Act was reauthorized.
Zadroga 9/11 claims
The health care segment of the Zadroga Act has been extended through 2090, while the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund is valid until 2020, augmenting claims payouts by an additional $4.6 billion.
The law firm of Eisbrouch Marsh helps those who have been affected by Ground Zero illnesses file a claim for compensation under the Zadroga Act. Our team remains dedicated to advocating on behalf of 9/11 recovery and rescue workers and can assist by handling all documents and paperwork in an expedited manner.
Call 201-342-5545 to begin the process with a free consultation.
Resources
- NY Daily News, Zadroga Act reauthorization finally passes through Congress; health care program extended 75 years for 9/11 first responders http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/zadroga-act-reauthorization-finally-passes-congress-article-1.2470110
- NYC.gov, James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act http://www1.nyc.gov/site/911health/enrollees/your-care.page
