Time Extended For Ground Zero Workers to File Claims
Immediately after the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, thousands of selfless individuals bravely ventured to the site of Ground Zero to assist in the rescue and recovery efforts. Unfortunately, many of these rescue and recovery workers performed this heroic work without any protective equipment and without the proper clothing that we now know was necessary to keep them safe from the toxic debris and dust that they sifted through in order to save as many lives as possible. As a result many rescuers and recovery workers became ill and suffered various long term and permanent injuries.
Under the law as it existed from 2001 through September 2009, rescue and recovery workers who suffered injuries or health problems as a result of their work at Ground Zero had only 90 days from September 11, 2001 to file a claim for compensation with the City of New York. This requirement resulted in the rejection of claims brought by thousands of workers whose injuries and health problems did not surface until long after the 90 days period had passed. Fortunately, on September 16, 2009, Governor Patterson signed what is known as Jimmy Nolans Law. Mr. Nolan is a carpenter who spent weeks at Ground Zero assisting in the rescue efforts and has since developed severe allergies and respiratory problems. This law extends the time for filing a claim for injuries and health problems suffered by Ground Zero workers as a result of their work at the site until September 16, 2010. At Gary A. Zucker & Associates, P.C., we have more than 20 years of experience during which we have handled thousands of cases involving personal injuries. We assure you that we will work hard to make sure that you recover the compensation you deserve for the injuries that you or a loved one have suffered resulting from this brave and heroic work.
If you or a loved one has been injured as result of work performed at Ground Zero, and have not yet filed a claim, or if you have filed a claim that was previously rejected, please contact one of our attorneys at Gary A. Zucker & Associates, P.C..