Parker Waichman LLP

Congress to Take Up WTC Health Bill Again

In the days surrounding the anniversary of the tragic World Trade Center (WTC) attacks, the House is, again, looking into a bill that would provide about $7.4 billion to sickened <“https://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/world_trade_center_emergency_workers”>WTC rescue and recovery workers, said the Associated Press (AP), citing New York lawmakers. Similar measures are pending in the Senate, noted the AP. According […]

In the days surrounding the anniversary of the tragic World Trade Center (WTC) attacks, the House is, again, looking into a bill that would provide about $7.4 billion to sickened <“https://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/world_trade_center_emergency_workers”>WTC rescue and recovery workers, said the Associated Press (AP), citing New York lawmakers. Similar measures are pending in the Senate, noted the AP.

According to US Representatives Carolyn Maloney and Jerrold Nadler, democrats from the House will present the bill when Congress returns from its summer break next week, noted the AP. If passed, the bill will allow Rescue and Recovery workers sickened after their work at the WTC site, to receive free health care and compensation, said the AP. The bill did not receive the required two-thirds majority in July in a 255-to-159 vote.

According to the AP, the vote failed this summer due to party line issues. An argument between Peter King (Republican) and Anthony Weiner (Democrat), both Congressmen from New York, during the floor debate prior to the vote is being blamed, said the AP. “The gentleman is providing cover for his colleagues rather than doing the right thing,” yelled Weiner, quoted the AP. “Republicans wrapping their arms around Republicans rather than doing the right thing on behalf of heroes. It’s a shame, a shame,” Weiner added. King, who backs the bill, said Democrats created a “charade,” wrote the AP.

It was a decision, taken up by Democrats, to adopt the 2/3rds majority rule that sparked the event, explained the AP; the procedure would, in effect, block possible amendments. According to Maloney and Nadler, a simple majority is all that is now needed, said the AP.

Democrats were “petrified,” said King, to vote on amendments, specifically one to stop assistance to illegal immigrant rescue and recovery Workers, said the AP. The comment spurred anger with Democrats who accused Republicans, especially King, of not supporting the bill, said the AP.

The legislation is named after James Zadroga, a police detective who, say supporters, died as a result of respiratory disease developed due to his work at Ground Zero; however, the NY City medical examiner maintains the lung disease was due to prescription drug abuse, wrote the AP. Zadroga was 34. There are challenges in proving some illnesses because of a dearth of peer-reviewed information linking some diagnoses to Ground Zero toxins, said the Post. Little is known about the large mix of carcinogens and other toxins at the site.

Many feel the rescue and recovery workers are being slighted, with some of the seriously ill workers receiving significantly less in a settlement that been called “unfair and illogical,” quoted the New York Post previously. For instance, said the Post, one worker, diagnosed with asthma, could receive about 30 times more in financial compensation versus another worker dying of cancer.

Also, secret negotiations seem to be excluding some rescue and recovery workers over a technicality under which some who would otherwise be qualified to take part in the ongoing settlement process are being excluded based on an arbitrary date not announced until two months after it had expired. The April 12 claimant eligibility cut-off date was announced on June 10, 2010, exempting rescue and recovery workers who filed cases from April 27 through June 10 as negotiations for the cut-off were ongoing without their knowledge, but with the involvement of some key groups such as the City of New York, the settlement steering committee, and a number of defendants. Although there was knowledge that those who worked at the WTC site were filing claims, neither they nor any involved parties on the plaintiff side were made aware that an arbitrary cut-off date was in the works.

Recently, the law firm of <“https://www.yourlawyer.com/”>Parker Waichman LLP, which represents 12 excluded cases, filed a motion to have that deadline extended. “Parker Waichman’s number one goal is to ensure all injured World Trade Center rescue and recovery workers be given the option to be included in this settlement agreement,” Matthew McCauley, an attorney with the firm, said recently. “These victims should not be excluded based on an arbitrary date when they present with injuries directly attributable to their work at the World Trade Center.”

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Responsiveness Benita, was a very helpful person, and acted very professional through our time working with her. She kept us in the loop constantly and answered any questions we had through phone calls and emails in a timely manner. If needed, I would definitely use this company again specifically working with Benita.
Lois Barrera
2 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
20 years after 911 as a first responder, I was diagnosed with cancer of the limp nodes and both thyroids. I had removal surgery. I was treated very well by my lawyers and staff; they kept me in the loop all the way. My legal matters are all behind me. Thank You Parker Waichman LLP
Rodney Blount
2 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Kelli Alexander is your employee, we have been dealing with her for years. Our case just concluded. Parker Waichman has been a wonderful representative. But Kelli Alexander has been your greatest asset. Our calls promptly returned. Any question answered quicky. She has been kind courteous. and professional, at all times you are lucky to have her in you employment.
Donna Giambalvo
4 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038