Barasch & McGarry

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Nearly 20 years after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 shocked the world, many rescue and recovery personnel and Lower Manhattan workers, residents, students, and teachers who were exposed to toxins from the World Trade Center site are still living a nightmare. Every day, Barasch McGarry Salzman & Penson observes how cancer, respiratory disorders and other disabling and deadly diseases linked to the exposure continue to devastate families.

With our downtown office located near City Hall, just a few short blocks from the site, our lawyers and staff acutely felt the impact of the tragedy. We continue to do so with every 9/11 victim we help.

Who we help

Prior to the attacks, our law firm routinely represented New York City firefighters injured in the line of duty and advocated for their rights. After 9/11, our practice naturally expanded to help all those affected by the attacks in the days and months afterward.

World Trade Center first responders, including:

· Firefighters, police officers and EMTs

· Construction workers

· Volunteers

· Out-of-state responders

· Lower Manhattan workers and residents

We have been extensively involved in advocating for WTC victims’ rights and regularly consult with the Special Master of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) and the Department of Justice, which administers the VCF.

Over $5 Billion Awarded to Date by the Victim Compensation Fund

We are proud to have represented James Zadroga, an NYPD detective who developed pulmonary fibrosis, a severe respiratory illness, as a result of his exposure to dust and toxins at the World Trade Center site. His death eventually persuaded Congress to pass the “James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act” in late 2010. The law reopened the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, which provides benefits to people whose injuries and illnesses resulted from exposure to WTC dust and debris. The Act also provides ongoing health treatment for those sickened by the toxins.

Our law firm fought hard to convince Congress to extend and reauthorize the Zadroga Act. Thankfully, in December, 2015, Congress passed a $1.1 trillion omnibus spending package that included an extension of the Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, allowing the 9/11 community to receive the health benefits and compensation that they deserve. President Obama signed the bill into law the day after Congress, with bipartisan support, voted in favor of its passage. The $8.1 billion extension came as the result of intense lobbying from survivors, victims’ advocates and New York lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. The new law extended the World Trade Center Health Program for 75 years, until 2090, at a cost of $3.5 billion, and renewed the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) until December 18, 2020 in the amount of $4.6 billion. This means that the total amount available in compensation is $7.3 billion. The extension is welcome news to thousands of anxious first responders and lower Manhattan local residents, as 9/11-related illnesses and cancers with long latency periods continue to manifest.

From October 2018 through June 2019, Michael and the dedicated attorneys and staff of Barasch & McGarry joined dozens of FealGood Foundation volunteers to advocate on behalf of the entire 9/11 community including sick responders, downtown residents, office workers, students and teachers. Michael was there every step of the way. He was there when the Senate passed the Bill and he was invited to the Rose Garden when the President signed the permanent extension and full funding into law.

To date, more than 100,000 people have registered with the WTC Health Program, and the VCF has approved more than 25,000 applicants for compensation. More than $5 billion has been awarded.

Driven by compassion and duty

No other law firm in the country has recovered more money from the Victim Compensation Fund through WTC settlement agreements on behalf of its injured clients than Barasch & McGarry.

But we view our mission as more than just getting you and your family the compensation you need. Each attorney at our firm is committed to helping you receive the health screenings and benefits you require. When you contact us to learn more about the illnesses covered by the Zadroga Act and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, we also help you determine the medical benefits for which you qualify and where to seek treatment.