Author Archives: Michael Barasch
Fifteen Years after 9/11, Responders Continue to Suffer and Cope
In September, the nation observed the 15th anniversary of the terror attacks on the World Trade Center. But while observance of the event is important, recognition of how responders and survivors continue to suffer is more important still. In its anniversary coverage, ABC News highlighted two responders, FDNY firefighter Ray Pfeifer and former NYPD detective […]
Firefighter Union Seeks 9/11 Cancer Registry
FDNY Battalion Chief James Lemonda, president of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association, has called for a national cancer registry to gather information necessary to better treat suffering 9/11 responders. At a press conference two days before the 15th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, Chief Lemonda voiced support for a proposed […]
Medical Study Links Peripheral Neuropahty to WTC Toxins
Retired FDNY Lt. Rick Garcia in his Hauppauge home on Nov. 14, 2016. Lt. Garcia has developed a condition called neuropathy stemming from his work at the World Trade Center during 9-11. (Credit: Newsday / Thomas A. Ferrara) Michael Barasch attended a press conference at Winthrop Hospital where Dr. Marc Wilkenfeld announced the results of […]
NYC Health Department Reports Consequences of 9/11 Worse than Predicted
Just two days prior to the 15th anniversary of the terror attacks on the World Trade Center, the New York City Health Department released a summary of five recent research articles on the long-term health impacts to rescue and recovery workers and civilian survivors enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Registry. The findings were […]
What Does the New VCF Cap on Cancer Awards Mean for 9/11 Survivors?
When Congress reauthorized the Zadroga Act, renewing the Victim Compensation Fund for five years, some substantive changes were made. The new law places a cap on pain and suffering awards for cancer at $250,000 and for non-cancer illnesses at $90,000. But that does not mean new claimants will necessarily receive lower awards than previous claimants […]
Michael Barasch at 9/11 Health Watch Benefit
Michael Barasch and Senator Gillibrand at 9/11 Health Watch Benefit Michael Barasch met with both Senator Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand at a recent benefit for 9/11 Health Watch. They discussed the implications of the new JASTA law and the importance of extending the Victim Compensation Fund past 2020. Senator Chuck Schumer and Michael […]
Zadroga Act Rule Changes Seek to Reduce Burden on Claimants
When the James L. Zadroga 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Reauthorization Act went into effect last December, Congress charged the Justice Department with writing a rule to implement it. The Attorney General appointed Sheila L. Birnbaum as Special Master, and Ms. Birnbaum recently published the Interim Final Rule for the VCF. Potential claimants should be aware […]
September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Begins Payments to Group B Claimants
First Responders, Local residents, office workers and students with cancer may now be able to assert claims Michel Barasch, managing partner at Barasch McGarry, commented on VCF Special Master Rupa Bhattacharyya’s announcement that the Fund has begun payments on “Group B” claims. Barasch said: “I am delighted to hear that the VCF has finally begun […]
FDNY Chief Laid to Rest in Catholic Funeral 15 Years After 9/11 Attack
Battalion Chief Lawrence T. Stack was 58 when he died on Sept. 11, with nearly 33 years of fighting fires under his belt. Credit Heather Walsh for The New York Times An FDNY battalion chief, who served the department for 33 years before perishing heroically on 9/11, was finally able to have a Catholic funeral […]
