Parker Waichman LLP

COPD Is Now Covered Under the Zadroga Act as an Independent Injury

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Is Now an Independent Injury. COPD, also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is now an independent injury under the Zadroga Act. In other words, COPD is covered independently and without need of a prior diagnosis or association with any other respiratory illness for individuals who are making a claim under […]

Zadroga Act

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Is Now an Independent Injury. COPD, also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is now an independent injury under the Zadroga Act. In other words, COPD is covered independently and without need of a prior diagnosis or association with any other respiratory illness for individuals who are making a claim under the Zadroga Act.

The Zadroga Act is comprised of the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). The WTC Program provides treatment and monitoring and the VCF provides compensation. Tens of thousands of people suffering from 9/11-related injuries are treated through the program and even more are monitored.

In the aftermath of the attacks, 9/11 responders and survivors were exposed to many hazardous substances that included asbestos, pulverized cement, and other toxins and chemicals. In fact, toxic exposure has been tied to an array of serious, life-altering health conditions, including asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and scores of different types of cancer.

New-onset Copd Became a Covered Injury.

Previously, in July 2016, the September 11th Families Association explained that new-onset COPD became a covered injury under the Zadroga Act. At that time, only pre-September 11th COPD cases that were worsened by the attacks were covered. Meanwhile, mounting recovery workers and survivors of the terrorist attacks have been struggling with attack-related COPD for years. Now, COPD is covered without prior diagnosis or association with another respiratory illness under the Zadroga Act.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)/National Institutes of Health (NIH)/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Activity describes COPD as a progressive lung disease that worsens over time and makes breathing difficult, even when attempting activities of daily living. COPD may cause coughing with large amounts of mucus, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing. In the United States, the term COPD includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis and is known under the names chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive airway disease, chronic obstructive lung disease, and emphysema.

In patients diagnosed with COPD, there is reduced oxygen flow in and out of the lungs’ airways as the airways and sacs lose their elasticity (emphysema), the walls between air sacs are destroyed (emphysema), the airway walls thicken or become inflamed (chronic bronchitis), and/or, the airways make excessive mucus, potentially causing clogs (chronic bronchitis) that adversely affect breathing.

COPD is a major cause of disability, has no cure, and is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. Millions of people are diagnosed with COPD; many more people may be unaware that they have COPD because of how slowly the disease develops.

Need Legal Help Regarding Zadroga Act?

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
Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Responsiveness , Value Extremely professional, and honest , I highly recommend your law firm....
John Hillenbrand
2 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Responsiveness , Value You guys are exceptional very professional and understanding I would recommend your to anyone who needs help navigating the legal system
Denise Brown
2 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I feel truly blessed to be a client of your firm and can't thank you enough for the concern expressed during this difficult time. I am extremely pleased with all the attention given to my case. If you're in Port Washington, give them a try.
Dwayne Andrews
8 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