Zadroga Act Claims

Helping rescue and recovery workers gain peace of mind

In 2011, Congress reopened the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund through the passage of the Zadroga Act. Prior to this, many responders and rescue and recovery workers who developed delayed-onset illnesses and injuries as a result of their work at the WTC and other 9/11 sites could not qualify for compensation or benefits. But through the Zadroga Act — named for an NYPD detective who died from respiratory ailments in 2009 — Congress recognized the government’s continuing responsibility to care for those who developed chronic conditions due to their service following 9/11. The attorneys of Barasch McGarry Salzman & Penson are committed to helping ill and injured responders pursue Zadroga claims expeditiously to obtain the medical care and compensation they so fully deserve and desperately need.

Medical care and compensation under the Zadroga Act

The James L. Zadroga Health and Compensation Act provides free medical care to 9/11 responders for injuries and illnesses resulting from their service in or around the World Trade Center site, as well as to civilians who lived and worked in the area. Moreover, the Act reopens the previously closed 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund and expands eligibility to those who developed an illness or injury outside of the first 72 hours following the attack.

Under the Zadroga Act and the new Victim Compensation Fund, individuals who were present at a 9/11 crash site between September 11, 2001 and May 30, 2002 and suffered an injury or illness as a direct result may qualify for compensation. Workers at the WTC, as well as those who lived or worked in the area, may also qualify for medical treatment under the WTC Health Plan. The new Victim Compensation Fund reopened on October 3, 2011, and responders who knew or should have known of their injury or illness prior to that date were required to file a claim by October 3, 2013. Eligible parties who had their illnesses diagnosed later have two years from the date of diagnosis to file. However, all claimants must register and file by October 3, 2016. For specific details about upcoming VCF deadlines, click here.

Barasch McGarry Salzman & Penson — helping set things right

At Barasch McGarry Salzman & Penson, we are committed to serving the responders who gave so much in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. While we know that no amount of money could ever make up for your pain and losses, we strongly believe that everyone injured, made ill or bereaved by the catastrophe of September 11 should receive as much financial support as possible. Our attorneys work hard to help claimants receive the compensation and medical care they so rightly deserve. Please contact us online or by phone at 888.351.9421 to determine eligibility for WTC compensation or to start the process of applying for Zadroga Act benefits.