Recent Blog Posts

Thanks to a directive issued just before the anniversary of the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks, if a first responder has a 9/11-related illness and dies of COVID-19, his or her family will be able to obtain benefits from the federal Sept. 11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). This new VCF directive is welcome news for […]

The mountains of garbage at the Fresh Kills landfill on Staten Island were, in the late 1990s, forecast to one day become New York’s tallest landmark, surpassing even the World Trade Center towers. Little did anyone know that the last loads of debris buried at the site would be toxic rubble from those very same […]

Barasch & McGarry has been attending and hosting many webinars. We have seen enormous success in reaching as many people as possible to spread the word about the World Trade Center Health Program and Victim Compensation Fund. We have found webinars to be a fantastic tool to continue speaking with the 9/11 community despite the […]

BREAKING NEWS: Barasch & McGarry Blows the Whistle on Corrupt VCF Lawyer Who Stole $1 Million from Disabled NYPD Officer – And, Recovers $400,000 for the Victim! Disgraced Westchester attorney Gustavo L. Vila appeared in White Plains Federal Court yesterday to plead guilty to stealing a $1 million Victim Compensation Fund award from his former client, […]

Our client Mari S. shares her story with us: “On 9/11, I was a police officer with the city of Alexandria, VA, assisting with the Arlington County Police and Fire to the Pentagon. I don’t forget that day at all—the smells, the sounds, any of it. In 2015, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I […]

Today is National First Responders Day. While we consider every day a special day to appreciate our first responders, today is especially important. This day recognizes the heroic men and women who protect, defend and care for our community every single day. We are honored to represent thousands of first responders, including firefighters, police, paramedics, […]