Markhoff & Mittman Blog

9/11 Workers and Volunteers: Know Your Rights!

Were you or anyone you know working or volunteering during the events of 9/11?  Were you hurt – or do you think you will suffer in the future because of the work you performed?

If you were hurt or are sick now is the time to register with the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board so you can file for medical and wage replacement benefits.  If you are worried that your health could be compromised in the future, you should definitely register so that you don’t lose out on any benefits should you indeed become ill.

There is one year left for Ground Zero workers and volunteers involved in rescue, recovery or cleanup to register.  The deadline for registration with the Board is September 11, 2010.  Unfortunately, many people who bravely worked long hours in dangerous conditions were not from New York City, and aren’t aware that they could be eligible for benefits.  They also aren’t aware that they are vulnerable to developing 9/11-related health conditions in the future.

Workers and volunteers who want to register with the Board do not have to meet any residency or citizenship requirements.  Immigration status does not affect eligibility, either.  The bottom line is that anybody brave and selfless enough to help during and after 9/11 deserves to be compensated if they have suffered as a result of their work.

Anyone who performed paid or unpaid rescue, recovery or cleanup work in lower Manhattan south of Canal or Pike Streets sometime between September 11, 2001 and September 11, 2002 can register.  Workers at the Staten Island landfill, the New York City morgue, temporary morgues, or on barges between Manhattan and Staten island are also eligible.

If you or someone you know is eligible – protect your rights and register TODAY.