CRESSKILL, N.J., Aug. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Almost a full decade after the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, compensation for first responders who were sickened by toxic dust at Ground Zero has been slow to come by. To help ease the burden, RD Legal Funding, LLC ("RD Legal Funding"), a New Jersey-based financing company, has been working to get 9/11 heroes fast access to settlement funds.
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RD Legal Funding has already delivered over $500,000 in settlement funding to an EMT and U.S. Navy veteran who became stricken with cancer and COPD as a result of his service at Ground Zero. The award was the result of the settlement of a case brought by first responders against New York City, which was approved by the plaintiffs in November 2010. The EMT receiving funds from RD Legal Funding is considered a Tier 4 plaintiff, meaning his injuries were in the most extreme category.
"The legal process has been slow to pay damages to the heroes of 9/11, many of whom suffered catastrophic illness as a result of their selfless efforts," explained Joseph Genovesi of RD Legal Funding. "The New York lawsuit took over seven years to reach conclusion. Once cases are settled, it will still take years for financial assistance to reach the plaintiffs."
Mr. Genovesi continued, "These heroic individuals ran toward the disaster while everyone else was trying to escape and worked for months after the towers collapsed in conditions that, unbeknownst to them, were highly dangerous to their health. Many face high medical bills, are unable to work, and are struggling to get by. It is our honor – and our duty – to do everything we can to get desperately needed settlement funds into their hands as quickly as possible."
Several first responders are already in the process of receiving funding from RD Legal Funding as a result of the New York City settlement. RD Legal Funding is preparing to deliver funds to many more when the Victims Compensation Fund initiated by the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, passed by Congress in December 2010, is finalized in the first quarter of 2012.
"We encourage all 9/11 first responders who may be eligible for settlement funds to contact us as soon as possible," said Roni Dersovitz, Esq., founder and CEO of RD Legal Funding. "There is no reason for you to wait months for the courts and the government to get you the money you are entitled to. Let us cut through the red tape on your behalf and provide immediate access to your funds."
To reach out to 9/11 first responders, RD Legal Funding has been working closely with the FealGood Foundation, a non-profit organization founded to raise awareness about the health effects suffered by 9/11 heroes and to provide assistance to relieve their financial burdens. For more information about their programs, visit www.fealgoodfoundation.com.
John Feal, founder of the FealGood Foundation, had this to say about RD Legal Funding: "RD Legal Funding really appreciates the sacrifice all of the first responders made and understands the urgency of giving them access to their award settlements. They have our best interests in mind and I can confidently recommend them to all first responders that need access to their funds immediately."
To learn more about the 9/11 First Responders' program at RD Legal Funding, please visit their first responder settlement funding website and complete the simple information request form; or contact the company toll-free at 1-800-565-5177.
SOURCE RD Legal Funding, LLC
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