Parker Waichman LLP Comments on Recent $8.1 Billion Zadroga Reauthorization

Parker Waichman LLP, a national law firm that has spent many years fighting to ensure that the heroes of the 9/11 terrorist attacks are never forgotten, comments that Congressional representatives included an $8.1 billion measure to renew the Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act in the $1.1 trillion omnibus spending package that was finalized and released last week, according to a December 26, 2015 [Newsday](http://www.newsday.com/news/nation/sen-charles-schumer-says-deal-on-zadroga-very-close-1.11232938) report. The measure extends the Zadroga Act, which includes the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program and the Victims Compensation Fund (VCF). The WTC Health Program, which was allowed to expire on October 1, 2015, provides medical treatment and monitoring and is extended for another 75 years to 2090 with $3.5 billion in funding to monitor and care for 73,000 responders and survivors. The VCF was set to expire October 1, 2016 and is extended for another five years to 2021 with $4.6 billion in funding.

€œSimilar to the national response by rescue and recovery workers on 9/11, the firm has long provided national representation to those injured during their service,€ says Jerrold S. Parker, founding partner of Parker Waichman. €œThe passage of the Zadroga Reauthorization Act provides us with a unique opportunity to bring our clients permanent healthcare, which was a driving force for the firm remaining so solidly involved with the project. Getting this done during the holiday season is a gift to everyone, regardless of what holidays we are celebrating, Mr. Parker notes.

The Zadroga Act is vital for first responders and survivors in all parts of the country, including Florida and New York; Mr. Parker's insight into representation of those injured originated in New York, but expanded greatly with offices in several states, including Florida. With friends, family, and former law enforcement colleagues in New York and Florida it was a €œnatural expansion to assist those who had a similar background and geographical migration after their law enforcement retirement,€ notes Mr. Parker, who spent many years as an investigative agent with the United States Government.

€œThe reauthorization should put to rest any fears that responders and survivors have that they would be left without benefits and compensation,€ said Mathew McCauley, Senior Litigation counsel at Parker Waichman. The firm represents more than 600 clients with claims involving the 9/11 terrorist attacks. €œJust like they never quit, Parker Waichman never quit or gave up,€ says Mr. Parker. The fact that there are nearly 2,000 Zadroga claimants residing in Florida showed the need for a national response to assist these responders by those in Washington, as well as those representing them, and €œParker Waichman assisted them, and all of our clients in various states, every step along the way.€

Parker Waichman actively worked toward the 2010 passage of the Act, including taking part in lobbying efforts and trips to the nation's capital, often with the firm's clients€”other responders and survivors. The firm's support and commitment for permanent extension of the Act never stopped. In fact, Matthew McCauley, Senior Litigation Counsel at Parker Waichman and a former New York Police Department (NYPD) first responder continually attended nearly weekly lobbying events and delegations€”many in the nation's capital€”to ensure the Act was extended and €œthat every hero and survivor receives the benefits and compensation they deserve, today and in the future.€

Mr. McCauley was part of a powerful group of advocates, including many lawmakers; John Feal of the FealGood Foundation, a 9/11 advocacy group; Ray Pfeifer, former Fire Department of New York (FDNY) firefighter; Benjamin Chevat, Executive Director of Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act, Inc.; Richard Alles of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association, Deputy Chief of the FDNY and Board Member of Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act; and Jon Stewart, Zadroga Act advocate and former host of €œThe Daily Show.€

Parker Waichman notes that, following the attacks, 9/11 responders and survivors were exposed to many hazardous substances, including asbestos, pulverized cement, and other toxins and chemicals. Toxic exposure has been tied to many serious, life-altering health conditions, including asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and over 50 types of cancer. Worse, at least 4,166 cancer diagnoses have been linked to exposure to the toxic cloud that hovered over Manhattan's 9/11 attack site; the number of cases is expected to increase.

€œThese individuals selflessly answered the call for help during and following the attacks and their heroism cost them their health,€ notes Mr. McCauley. €œThey should never have been forced to beg for benefits, and permanent extension of the Zadroga Act should never have been an issue that was up for debate.€ Permanent extension was especially important given that some 9/11-related conditions, such as cancer, may take years to manifest. €œSome responders and survivors may not know they have a developed condition as a result of the attacks,€ says Mr. McCauley. €œThese individuals now know that these benefits will remain open for them and their families.€

Parker Waichman vows to continue its efforts to safeguard these heroes and ensure that they receive their deserved Zadroga Act compensation. [Please visit Parker Waichman's website](http://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/zadroga-act-wtc-world-trade-center-claims-lawyer-attorney-lawsuit) or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636) for additional information and assistance.

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