Parker Waichman LLP

Cancer Stricken Ground Zero Workers Still Waiting for Zadroga Act Decision

A decision on whether or not the Zadroga Act will cover cancer has been put off due to what has been characterized as a “bureaucratic” delay. According to a report from The New York Times, Dr. John Howard, director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), won’t announce his decision on Zadroga […]

Zadroga Act Decision

A decision on whether or not the Zadroga Act will cover cancer has been put off due to what has been characterized as a “bureaucratic” delay. According to a report from The New York Times, Dr. John Howard, director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), won’t announce his decision on Zadroga Act cancer coverage until later this week or next.

Hundreds of Ground Zero first responders and others in the vicinity believe they were stricken with cancer because of exposure to toxic dust at the World Trade Center site in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In the past year, two studies have provided compelling evidence to back up their claims. This past March, a large study conducted by the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine involving 20,000 firefighters, police officers, sanitation workers, construction workers and others who assisted in Ground Zero rescue and recovery activities found a 14 percent increase in cancer rates among responders. Last summer, a Lancet study of New York City firefighters found a 19% increase in cancer overall in those who responded to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Cancer Was Not Originally Included.

Cancer was not originally included as a covered illness under the Zadroga Act when it was passed in December 2010. But in March, the World Trade Center Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee recommended that cancers of the respiratory and digestive system, along with thyroid cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, eye cancer, oral cavity cancer, urinary tract cancer, mesothelioma, melanoma, leukemia, lymphoma, soft tissue sarcomas and all childhood and rare cancers, be deemed covered illnesses.

According to The New York Times, Howard was supposed to make a decision on cancer coverage by last Saturday. But reviews by the Centers for Disease Control and the Department of Health and Human Services prior to its release have pushed the announcement back by at least several days. A spokesperson for NIOSH also told the Times that before any form of cancer can be added to the list of covered illnesses, Howard must get an estimate from the Office of Management and Budget as to how much that decision would cost the government.

Sickened Ground Zero workers and their advocates are anxious for Howard to include cancer on the list of Zadroga Act illnesses this time around. According to the Times, a more Republican balance of power after the next election might make it more difficult to add new covered illnesses to the Zadroga Act, or to or renew the fund.

Need Legal Help Regarding Zadroga Act Decision?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

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
I just wanted to say thank you. My nurse,Joanne is always making sure I'm good and my attorneys at Parker/Waichman are extremely thorough and understanding. So compassionate. Thank you.
Jezebel Gallardo
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
i was lucky to have had Benita Rollis help me with my claim. She answered all my questions and helped me throughout this long process. She was always helpful and got back to me in a timely manner.
Tommy
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I would like to thank David Aminov, Denny Tang, and Craig Snyder. From the beginning I was assured that everything was going to be ok. Even though it has been a bumpy ride for me. I am extremely happy with the out come as well as all of the hard work everyone has put into my case. I am grateful an I truly do appreciate everything thanks for all the help guys. Stay blessed an stay safe
Carlos Mejias
a month 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