Ground Zero

This January marks the fifteenth anniversary of the death of NYPD Detective James Zadroga, a 9/11 hero and a Barasch & McGarry client. Zadroga tragically died of respiratory and digestive disease. But his death and autopsy were the evidence Congress needed to  demonstrate the deadly health consequences of exposure to Ground Zero toxins. Zadroga’s death […]

Many people suffering with medical problems related to the World Trade Center attack or cleanup are not able to recognize symptoms or to connect them with Ground Zero exposure until years later. This can present significant problems as they pursue payments from the Victim Compensation Fund. With the recent permanent authorization of the VCF, individuals […]

Officially known as “The Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Compensation Fund Act,” a widely hailed new law has provided a measure of relief to current and future victims of 9/11-related conditions. Under the old rule, all Victim Compensation Fund claims had to be filed […]

Michael Barasch, whose law firm represents nearly 10,000 first responders, including scores of people who volunteered at Ground Zero, applauded the news. Barasch said “thank goodness the State of NY is doing its part to provide medical coverage for these brave men and women who selflessly worked at Ground zero helping the first responses. They […]

Mesothelioma, a gruesome form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, is one of the many illnesses for which the James L. Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act provides benefits and compensation. Fourteen years after the terrorist attacks, more than 1,100 people have been certified to receive cancer treatment under the WTC Health Program, and […]