Parker Waichman LLP: The 9/11 Health Watch Statement on the 5th Annual VCF Report

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y., March 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Parker Waichman LLP, a national law firm that has long fought for the heroes and survivors of the September 11^th terrorist attacks, comments that the 5^th annual report on the VCF has been released and shows significant advancement and the promise of continued headway for the responders and survivors of the 9/11 attacks, according to The September 11^th Victim Compensation Fund report dated March 13, 2017 (https://www.vcf.gov/blogprogstatsmar2017.html).

"Today's release by the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of its 5th Annual Report along with updated statistics continues to show real progress in providing the assistance that injured and ill 9/11 responders and survivors have been waiting for," according to the VCF report.

The VCF reported that, by close of 2016, it made over 11,500 determinations totaling $2.27 billion in compensation. Some of the statistics on which the Special Master reported include that as of December 31st, 2016, of those registered with the VCF, 25,318 submitted eligibility forms; 15,851 were found eligible and 4,811 claims were denied. All Group A compensation determinations were paid and of the 9,125 determinations, 7,732 were for responders, 1,096 were for non responders, and 108 were for injured residents. A total of 2,424 "Group B" determinations made: 1,876 for responders, 402 for non-responders, and 55 for injured residents.

The reauthorized Zadroga Act passed in December 2015 and will provide sufficient funding and benefits to appropriately care for responders and survivors throughout their lifetimes. Following the terrorist attacks, researchers determined that the cloud of dust and debris that followed the collapse of the Twin Towers and hovered over lower Manhattan contained a toxic mix of compounds, including heavy metals; partially combusted and/or pulverized cement, jet fuel, wood, and paper; pulverized construction materials, including asbestos and lead that included glass, silica, fiberglass, and concrete; complex organic and other chemicals and potentially hazardous materials. Exposure has been associated with approximately 90 health problems and over 60 types of cancer. Many responders and survivors have succumbed to their illnesses.

"Parker Waichman has long fought to ensure that first responders, rescue and recovery workers, and other survivors of the 9/11 terrorist attacks receive the medical care and compensation they deserve," said Keith Gitman, Managing Attorney at the firm.

Parker Waichman emphasizes the importance of the Zadroga programs and vows to continue its efforts to safeguard those exposed to the WTC attack and toxic cloud. To determine eligibility under the Act, please visit the Parker Waichman's website or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636). http://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/zadroga-act-wtc-world-trade-center-claims-lawyer-attorney-lawsuit)

SOURCE Parker Waichman LLP