Author Archives: Michael Barasch
Illness Catches Up with Downtown Workers Caught in 9/11 Cloud
The terrorist attacks on New York City in September 2001 caught the city, and the world, by surprise. More than a decade later, illnesses suffered by downtown workers continue to take a toll. During the attacks on September 11, many groups of people suffered devastating injury. For those living and working in New York City, […]
WTC Research: Inhalation of Particulate Associated with Sleep Apnea
New research from Mount Sinai Hospital links inhalation of particulate at Ground Zero with increased risk for sleep apnea years later. In an earlier study of approximately 800 participants in the World Trade Center (WTC) CHEST program, researchers found a higher risk of pathology of the heart, lungs and kidneys. The toxic cloud generated at […]
Chiquita Blocks Measure to Compensate 9/11 Victims
The largest banana producer in the world is blocking legislation that would aid victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States. In September of 2013, a bill to aid recovery of compensation for victims of terrorist attacks was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. H.R. 3143, the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism […]
State Appeals Court Clears Way for Compensation for 9/11 Volunteers
In June, a state court of appeals overturned a decision by the Workers’ Compensation Board that denied injury compensation to certain 9/11 volunteer workers. In September 2001, Jaime Hazan, now 43, was an emergency medical technician. After the terrorist attacks on September 11, Mr. Hazan volunteered at a triage area at Chelsea Piers. The following […]
WTC Captive Insurance: Still Funded, Lacking Direction
A non-profit agency intended to provide for those injured on September 11 remains funded — with an uncertain future. Originally created by Congress, the WTC Captive Insurance Co., endeavors to protect New York City from lawsuits and provide compensation for those injured on September 11 or its aftermath. According to a New York Post article, […]
Memorial Museum: A Source of Controversy
After a long design and construction process, the 9/11 memorial museum is again the focus of controversy. The 9/11 Museum commemorates those whose lives were inalterably changed by the events of September 11. As a result, President Obama, in his dedication remarks, described the museum that lies deep beneath ground level as “a sacred space.” […]
Taking the Next Step after Filing Your VCF Registration
As of March 31, 2014, the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) received 53,804 claimant registrations and 6,649 interim registrations. Yet only 13,863 eligibility packets have been submitted. This means that more than three out of every four registrants has not yet completed the necessary steps to have his or her eligibility evaluated by the VCF. With […]
Types of Documents to Keep if You Registered for the VCF
If you have registered for participation in the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) but have not yet submitted your eligibility and compensation packets, you can avoid a great deal of frustration in the future by being careful what paperwork you throw away now. Completed VCF applications require a great deal of supporting documentary evidence, some of […]
Distribution of VCF Proceeds Owed to Deceased Victims
Considering the serious nature of many WTC-related illnesses as well as the length of time that has passed since the September 11 attacks, it is an unfortunate reality that many victims have passed away and that many more are likely to pass before receiving compensation. However, a victim’s family may still be eligible to follow […]
VCF Adds Rare Cancers as Covered Condition
As medical study has continued, following the reopening of the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) in 2011, several new diseases have been added to the list of covered conditions. These additions open up the Fund to more of the victims of the 9/11 attacks. In October of 2013, prostate cancer was added as a potentially covered […]
