It’s Time To Rebuild Your Life

Breakthrough in the offing for Ground Zero exposure victims

Eleven years after their lives changed forever, construction workers who helped “unbuild” the World Trade Center, the firefighters and police who worked alongside them, and the people who lived nearby are about to get long-awaited news. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health is expected to finally recognize that as many as 50 types of cancer were caused by exposure to the dust and debris from the wrecked buildings. NIOSH is responsible for determining which illnesses are covered under a $2.77 billion federal Victim Compensation Fund. News of the impending announcement was first reported by the New York Post.

At first the government would not cover cancer because it said there was no scientific evidence linking the toxic ruins to cancer. Victims were outraged. At least 400 people have died from cancers thought to be associated with working on the pile. Another 40,000 first responders and 20,000 nearby residents still receive medical monitoring and treatment. Those medical expenses are  covered by the federal James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. The Victim Compensation Fund has been on hold while NIOSH examined the cancer links.

When NIOSH announces which cancers will be covered by the compensation fund, the government can start writing checks. But the money will be parceled out slowly. For the first five years, the Special Master who runs the fund can only hand out $875 million. In year six, people with valid claims will be able to get a piece of the remaining $1.9 billion. However, it does not appear that any new money will flow into the fund, so the payouts will be determined by the amount available and the number of valid claims.

While this is good news for many of the victims who were covered with asbestos, chemicals, volatile liquids, and thousands of other unknown substances, it is too late for others. Some are already on the verge of death and may not live long enough to make a claim. Others may not get sick until long after the fund is depleted. Advocates for the exposed workers say Congress should refill the fund’s bank account for as long as necessary with as much money as necessary to address the need.

Source: The New York Post, “Feds finally ready to recognize 9/11 cancer link,” Michael Gartland, 9/9/12

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36-year-old laborer for landscaping company fractured wrist when fellow employee hit him with truck. Claimant received in excess of $30,000 in workers’ compensation benefits for total disability and medical expenses and settled with automobile insurance company for fellow employee for $95,000.

1989 workers’ compensation claim settled for $125,000. Claimant originally sustained a low back injury when she slipped and fell at local grocery store resulting in low back surgery in 1989. Several years later, claimant exacerbated her low back injury. Claim was reopened and settled with carrier for $125,000 in 2006.

47-year-old deli clerk sustained low back injuries at work for local supermarket. Carrier originally denied claim on the grounds that the injury was pre-existing. After formal workers’ compensation hearing carrier accepted claim and paid all total disability benefits and medical expenses in excess of $100,000. Case then settled for an additional $100,000 after injured person received a permanent disability rating.

34-year-old male roofer sustained multiple injuries to his shoulder, neck, back and hip when he fell from roof during work. Claimant was provided workers’ compensation benefits in excess of $100,000 and settled remaining claims for an additional $55,000.

40-year-old male working for cleaning company sustained neck and low back injuries when he fell on defective staircase while cleaning local museum. Claimant recovered over $95,000 in workers’ compensation benefits and resolved claim against museum for $85,000.

26-year-old laborer sustained fractured foot when a cast iron pipe was dropped on his foot. Employer and workers’ compensation carrier denied claim on basis that injured worker was an independent contractor. After a series of informal and formal workers’ compensation hearings, carrier conceded that claimant was an employee and settled case for $85,000.

24-year-old waitress sustained back injury while working at Outback Steak House. Workers’ compensation insurance company initially denied the claim. After a series of informal hearings, carrier accepted claim paying medical expenses and total disability benefits. In addition to those benefits paid, claim settled for an additional $75,000.

Delivery truck driver sustained right wrist fracture in rear-end motor vehicle accident while in the course of his employment. Claimant recovered in excess of $40,000 in workers’ compensation benefits for medical expenses and total disability benefits. Claimant settled case against at-fault driver for $105,000.

22-year-old male working as stocking clerk at “big box” retailer sustained herniated disc in low back. Workers’ compensation carrier refused to accept the claim. After formal workers’ compensation, hearing commissioner ordered carrier to pay over $35,000 in past total disability benefits and pay for surgery and all related medical expenses. Case settled for an additional $35,000 for a total recovery in excess of $100,000.

Rear-end collision on entrance ramp to Merritt Parkway resulting in 49-year-old woman sustaining mid-back injury. Case settled at mediation after filing suit for $300,000.

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54-year-old man sustains shoulder injury when hit from behind by uninsured motorist on New Jersey Turnpike. Case settled for $135,000 prior to trial.

CT Transit bus driver sustained torn meniscus in collision with another vehicle. Claims made against at-fault driver, workers’ compensation carrier and client’s underinsured motorist policy. All claims settle for a recovery in excess of $100,000.

68-year-old woman sustained neck and back injuries in rear-end collision and required extended course physical therapy, but was not a surgical candidate. Case settled for $100,000 prior to filing suit.

34-year-old woman sustained concussion and neck and back injuries in hit-and-run accident on a New York highway. Claimant settled uninsured motorist claim for her $100,000 policy limits.

80-year-old woman sustained right foot fracture when her foot was run over in a parking lot. Case settled for at-fault driver’s policy limit of $100,000 prior to filing suit.

38-year-old nanny sustained right femur fracture when she fell down defective stairs in home of her employer’s neighbor. All medical expenses and lost wages reimbursed and case settled for an additional $150,000.

Claim against landlord for defective staircase in multi-family rental house. Claimant sustained a right femur fracture. Case settled for $125,000 prior to filing suit.

$95,000 judgment obtained against bar and nightclub for assault by one of its patrons against another patron.

47-year-old woman sustained a broken left wrist when she fell from porch stairs at house she was renting. Case settled for $95,000 shortly before trial.

26-year-old male bitten on leg by German shepherd. Claim against dog owner settled for $65,000 plus payment of all medical expenses.