A New York Police Department Detective, James Zadroga, spent a lot of time at Ground Zero helping to clean up after 9/11. Despite government assuring volunteers and workers that the air around the World Trade Center was safe, James Zadroga died from exposure to toxic chemicals. He was 34 years old.
Death benefits for the families of recovery workers of Ground Zero were expanded by Governor George Pataki. On a federal level, US Representative Carolyn Maloney of NY and Senator Robert Menendez of NJ introduced a bill in 2006 which would have given recovery workers financial aid and health monitoring if they were sick due to exposure at Ground Zero. This bill did not pass.
Congress approved $4.3 billion in funds to compensate the first responders on the scene for Ground Zero efforts. Of that, $1.8 billion is covering health monitoring of long-term effects of clean up efforts and medical treatment for many ailments experienced by the workers are covered under the Act.
The Act also reopens the original Victim Compensation Fund which was passed immediately after the 9/11 attacks in 2011 and provided compensation for lost future wages for family members who survived those who were killed during the collapse of the towers. The Victim Compensation Act was closed in 2003, but many recover workers had not yet been diagnosed with health complications that could be linked to the chemicals and toxins found at Ground Zero.
Of the $4.3 billion in funds from the Zadroga Act, $2.5 billion is set aside for the Victim Compensation Fund which will compensate anyone who has a long-term injury or illness coming from exposure to the elements of Ground Zero.
If you or someone you love was a 9/11 first responder or clean up worker who experienced health problems, mental anguish, or injuries as a result of the WTC attacks, you may be entitled to monetary compensation under the Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. For more information or to discuss your situation, contact Markhoff & Mittman at 866-205-2415 to schedule a free consultation with a New York Zadroga Act attorney.
