Law Firm in NY Explains the History of H.R. 847 — The Zadroga Act
Case was instrumental in bringing benefits to WTC responders
Today, first responders and cleanup workers who believe they are ill due to the time they spent at the polluted World Trade Center site have a bit of hope and some financial relief through H.R. 847 — The James L. Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010.
But in the months that followed the 9/11 terrorist attacks, those responders who first believed their sudden illnesses were related to their Ground Zero work were alone and felt abandoned by their employers, their city and their government. NYPD Detective James Zadroga, a client of Barasch McGarry Salzman & Penson, for whom the Zadroga Act is named, was repeatedly denied health and disability benefits. Thousands of others were, too.
Expanding help for post-9/11 victims
H.R. 847 was introduced in early 2009, three years after Zadroga’s death at the age of 34. He was the first NYPD officer whose death was attributed to his contact with toxic debris during his 450 hours of work at the WTC site.
Sponsored by Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-NY, with 115 co-sponsors, H.R. 847 was intended to reopen the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.
The bill went through numerous political machinations and garnered much media attention before the House approved it on Sept. 29, 2010. The Senate finally approved the Act on December 22. President Barack Obama signed it into law in January, 2011.
Using H.R. 847 to help brave victims
The Zadroga Act created the World Trade Center Health Program within the Department of Health and Human Services to provide medical monitoring and treatment benefits to eligible emergency responders, recovery and cleanup workers, and residents and other building occupants in the affected areas of New York City. The following services are included in the WTC Health Program:
- Long-term medical monitoring of enrolled responders
- Initial health evaluation
- Follow-up monitoring and treatment, and payment for all medically necessary health and mental healthcare expenses
- Establishment of an education and outreach program
- Collection and analysis of health and mental health data
- Establishment of a research program on health conditions resulting from the terrorist attacks
In 2012, the Act was amended to expand assistance for those suffering from post-9/11 illnesses to include victims of cancers caused by 9/11.
Putting the Zadroga Act to work for you
The attorneys at Barasch McGarry Salzman & Penson in New York advocated on James Zadroga’s behalf and continue to do so on behalf of thousands of others who suffer because of their heroism. We helped put the law on the books. We know it inside and out. We can help you file a Zadroga claim that maximizes your benefits.
Let our experience bring the relief you need
No one should feel alone in the quest for benefits under the Zadroga Act. Barasch McGarry Salzman & Penson can ease the stress and frustration inherent in government processes. We are on your side and hope to make a difference in the lives of those who sacrificed so much. Do not hesitate to contact our firm online or at 888.351.9421 to speak for free with a lawyer who can help.
