Author Archives: Michael Barasch
State to Pick Tab for Benefits of Ground Zero Volunteers
Workmen and heavy machinery operate at the Ground Zero site in May 2002. Photo: Reuters 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 […]
ASPCA Officer with Terminal 9/11-Related Cancer Dies Four Days After State Judge Denies Her Workers’ Comp Claim
Diane DiGiacomo, an ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Officer who spent months saving animals abandoned near Ground Zero following the 9/11 attacks, died on November 20, at age 52, of breast cancer. Her death came four days after a state judge denied her workers’ comp claim for 9/11-related cancer, according to the New York Daily News. […]
Mayor de Blasio gives retired firefighter with renal cancer, a dedicated Zadroga Act crusader, the key to the city
“The key to the city was made for people like Ray Pfeifer,” de Blasio said to a standing ovation from the police, firefighters, elected officials and families of fellow first responders that packed the room. PHOTO: KEVIN C. DOWNS/FOR NEW YORK DAILY NEWS Mike Barasch, the attorney for the Zadroga family as well as thousands […]
Is There a 9/11 Mesothelioma Epidemic in our Future?
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 […]
Congress extends Zadroga Health & Compensation Act!
Finally! Earlier today, Congress officially voted to extend the Zadroga Health and Compensation Act. It wasn’t until 11 p.m. on Tuesday that New York lawmakers and advocates knew for sure that the $1.1 trillion must-pass omnibus spending bill for 2016 actually included a $8.1-billion extension of the Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. But, Congress […]
Has Your Member of Congress Forgotten 9/11?
As of midnight, September 30, 2015, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act expired. The expiration means that the September 11th Victims Compensation Fund and the WTC Health Program will not be funded beyond October 2016. Does Congress truly intend to abandon thousands of 9/11 responders and survivors who served our country valiantly in […]
Jon Stewart Makes Surprise ‘Daily Show’ Return for 9/11 First Responders
Mike Barasch watched with gratitude as Jon Stewart returned to the Daily Show to shine a light on Congress’ refusal to pass legislation that would extend the Zadroga Health and Compensation Act (including the Victim Compensation Fund). Stewart urged viewers to contact Senate Majority Leader McConnell and House Speaker Ryan to urge them to pass […]
Death of 9/11 Hero Should Stir Zadroga Act Support
The death on September 10 of a Yonkers policeman from 9/11-related cancer did not arouse sufficient support for Congress to renew the James L. Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, before it expired on September 30. But Lt. Roy McLaughlin’s life and untimely death should stand as a reminder of the urgent need to extend […]
