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Showing posts with label James Zadroga. Show all posts
Showing posts with label James Zadroga. Show all posts
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Senator Gillibrand: We Have a Moral Obligation to Care for 9/11 Heroes, Survivors & Their Families
As the Zadroga Act slowly journeys to expiration, Senator Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY) declared that, “We Have a Moral Obligation to Continue to Provide the Critically Needed Care and Compensation That Our 9/11 Heroes, Survivors and Their Families Deserve."
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Powerful New Videos Encourage Those Who Qualify to Seek Care through the World Trade Center Health Program
Though the September 11th attacks were over a decade ago, thousands of people who were in the affected areas continue to experience physical and mental health symptoms as a result of their experience in the days, months, and even years following 9/11. They may not recognize that some cancers, a chronic cough, difficulty sleeping, or frequent heartburn that they— or their children— experience could be a 9/11 related health condition.
NIOSH is teaming up with our community partners to spread the word that help is available through the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program. Created by the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, the WTC Health Program provides medical monitoring and treatment for responders at the World Trade Center and related sites in New York City, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, PA, and for survivors who were in the New York City disaster area. All care for covered conditions is provided at no out of pocket costs for those who qualify.The WTC Health Program has helped thousands regain their health following the September 11th terrorist attacks. This year the Program is launching a digital campaign to make sure that those who may qualify for care, but are not enrolled, get the help they need and deserve. The campaign features videos of members telling their stories. Both responders and survivors describe... |
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- Deadline for Filing 9-11 Claims Approaches - Cancer Claims Soar (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
- Why Health Care Is Stuck - And How to Fix It (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
- Health Spending Over The Coming Decade Expected To Exceed Economic Growth (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
- Health Care Spending Will Peak Around 2025 and Then Flatten Out (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
- NJ Court Sets the Evidentiary Proof Standard for a Pulmonary - Cardiovascular Claim (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
WTC Health Program: First Year Anniversay
WTC Program Administrator John Howard, M.D. comments about the one-year anniversary of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act
On July 1st we marked the one-year anniversary of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act going into effect, officially launching the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program. The WTC Health Program is a unique government program that provides medical evaluation and treatment to eligible 9/11 responders and survivors.
After opening our doors one year ago, we have made a lot of progress in our ability to respond to the needs of our members. We wanted to take this opportunity to reflect on the past year and how the Program has grown and what we will be focusing on in the coming months.
If you should have any questions about the WTC Health Program, please email us at WTC@cdc.gov.
Thank you,
John Howard, M.D.
Administrator, World Trade Center Health Program
Achievements and Looking Ahead
- Since the Program became effective last year, it has helped over 60,000 people receive benefits, including those who were previously enrolled in the medical monitoring and treatment program and more than 1,200 new enrollees.
- The WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) met three times to discuss and prepare their recommendation on whether to add cancer to the list of health conditions covered by the Program.
- On June 13, we published a proposed rule to add certain types of cancers to the list of conditions the Program covers. We based this decision on a hierarchy of methods, including the recommendation of the STAC. After a 30 day public comment period, the Administrator will consider and address those comments as appropriate before issuing a final ruling.
- In May, Stony Brook Medical Center opened a new clinic in Brooklyn to serve 9/11 responders, providing another place to get care that is closer to home and/or work.
- The funding announcement for outreach and education cooperative agreements has gone out and we are looking forward to reviewing the proposals. The purpose of the awards is to recruit eligible responders and survivors and help them enroll in the Program to receive the care they need and deserve.
- We will continue to work to improve the Program, including establishing eligibility criteria for Pentagon and Shanksville, PA responders.
- We will expand the Program so that through the nationwide network of providers both responders and survivors who live outside the New York City metropolitan area can receive monitoring and treatment benefits near to where they live.
....
For over 3 decades the Law Offices of Jon L. Gelman1.973.696.7900 jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered work related accident and injuries.
For over 3 decades the Law Offices of Jon L. Gelman1.973.696.7900 jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered work related accident and injuries.
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Thursday, October 20, 2011
World Trade Center Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee To Meet
World Trade Center Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (WTCHP STAC or Advisory Committee), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) In accordance with section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), announces the following meeting of the aforementioned committee:
Background: The Advisory Committee was established by Public Law
111-347 (The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, Title XXXIII of the Public Health Service Act), enacted on January 2, 2011 and codified at 42 U.S.C. 300mm-300mm-61.
Committee Public Meeting Times and Dates: (All times are Eastern Standard Time)
- 8:15 a.m.-5 p.m., November 9, 2011,
- 8 a.m.-12 p.m., November 10, 2011.
Public Comment Times and Dates: (All times are Eastern Standard Time)
- 3:15 p.m.-4:15 p.m., November 9, 2011,
- 8:15 a.m.-9:15 a.m., November 10, 2011.
Background: The Advisory Committee was established by Public Law
111-347 (The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, Title XXXIII of the Public Health Service Act), enacted on January 2, 2011 and codified at 42 U.S.C. 300mm-300mm-61.
Purpose: The purpose of the Advisory Committee is to review scientific and medical evidence and to make recommendations to the World Trade Center (WTC) Program Administrator regarding additional WTC Health Program eligibility criteria and potential additions to the list of covered WTC-related health conditions. Title XXXIII of the Public Health Service Act established within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program, to be administered by the WTC Program Administrator. The WTC Health Program provides:
(1) Medical monitoring and treatment benefits to eligible emergency responders and recovery and cleanup workers (including those who are Federal employees) who responded to the September 11, 2011, terrorist attacks, and
(2) initial health evaluation, monitoring, and treatment benefits to residents and other building occupants and area workers in New York City, who were directly impacted and adversely affected by such attacks (``survivors'').
Matters to be Discussed: The agenda for the Advisory Committee meeting includes: WTC Health Program Overview; Panel Presentations from WTC Responders and Survivors; Presentations from WTC Health Program Medical Monitoring and Treatment Programs and Health Registry; and discussion regarding ways and means of accomplishing the committee's work.
Matters to be Discussed: The agenda for the Advisory Committee meeting includes: WTC Health Program Overview; Panel Presentations from WTC Responders and Survivors; Presentations from WTC Health Program Medical Monitoring and Treatment Programs and Health Registry; and discussion regarding ways and means of accomplishing the committee's work.
Related articles
- World Trade Center dust and 9/11 first responders with cancer, time for U.S. Government to stop withholding benefits (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
- What made people sick? Dust and aerosols at Ground Zero [The Pump Handle] (scienceblogs.com)
- World Trade Center-exposed NYC firefighters face increased cancer risk (scienceblog.com)
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
World Trade Center dust and 9/11 first responders with cancer, time for U.S. Government to stop withholding benefits
Guest Blog By Edgar Romano*
Many courageous first responders, who saved lives at Ground Zero, have since been diagnosed with cancer, and yet the U.S. government does not pay for their treatment. This Saturday, September 10, CNN will air Terror In The Dust, an investigation by chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta into the consequences of the deadly dust produced by the World Trade Center’s collapse. Gupta speaks with 9/11 heroes and medical experts about the consequences of the carcinogen-filled dust.
A new study released earlier this week by the New York City Fire Department provides good evidence of a link between 9/11 first responders and cancer. The study showed a 32% greater incidence of cancer among firefighters who worked at Ground Zero than those who did not.
"The NIOSH study concluded that the 9/11 debris did contain known carcinogens."
The U.S. government does not pay for cancer treatments of 9/11 first responders. This is because the administrators of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act made a determination not to cover cancer, based on a study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The NIOSH study, published in July 2011 concluded that while the 9/11 debris did contain known carcinogens, first responders were not exposed to dangerous levels. The New York City Fire Department study provides new evidence that, hopefully, will cause lawmakers to reevaluate their decision.
"It took 25 years to draw that connection between asbestos and mesothelioma, and in that time a lot of people died who might otherwise have been screened, treated, and might otherwise have been saved."
In an interview yesterday with John Stewart, a long-time supporter of the first responders and their cause, Dr. Gupta noted that “It took 25 years to draw the connection between asbestos and mesothelioma” and in that 25-year period, many people died without proper care or screening.
Dr. Gupta expressed hope that the Zadroga bill administrators would immediately acknowledge the newly released scientific evidence and give the go-ahead to compensate first responders who have since been diagnosed with cancer. Dr. Gupta also stated that if the link between the World Trade Center’s dust and cancer were officially acknowledged by the Zadroga bill administrators, early screenings for other responders could be authorized, potentially saving lives.
Representatives Charles Rangel, Carolyn Maloney, Jerrold Nadler, Peter King, and Steve Israel have filed a petition with the Zadroga bill Program Administrator that will require him to consider within 60 days whether or not to add coverage for cancers under the Zadroga Act. NIOSH does not plan to release a follow up study until July 2012.
We all owe a debt of gratitude to these first responders. We encourage everyone out there to watch Terror In The Dust, Dr. Gupta’s documentary on environmental hazards at Ground Zero, on September 10, 9:00 p.m. ET.
EDGAR ROMANO received his undergraduate degree cum laude from Brandeis University and his Juris Doctorate from The John Marshall Law School. He is a Senior Partner in the Workers' Compensation Department and has been with the firm since 1995. Mr. Romano is actively engaged in litigating workers compensation claims including those claims arising out of occupational exposure to asbestos and industrial irritants. He has lectured extensively to labor unions and medical providers. Mr. Romano isPresident of the Workers Injury Law and Advocacy Group and is on the Board of Directors of the New York State Workers' Compensation Bar Association. He is a member of the Leader's Forum of the American Association of Justice and Vice-President of the Workers' Compensation Section. He is a member of theNew York State Bar Association, the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, the Jewish Lawyer's Guild, and NYCOSH. Mr. Romano serves on the Advisory Committee of the World Trade Center Medical Monitoring Program at Mt. Sinai Hospital. He is listed in "Who's Who in American Law"..
Mr. Edgar Romano was selected as one of the "Workers' Compensation Notable People for 2008". These selections are made by the LexisNexis Workers' Compensation Law Center, who state that "These exceptional people have worked tirelessly on behalf of their clients and others and have made significant contributions to the workers' compensation system and/or the workplace". For the complete story go to LexisNexis Workers' Compensation. He blogs regularly at Workers' Law Watch where this posted appeared originally on September 8, 2011.
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- What Congress Really Needs To Do To Solve the Asbestos Epidemic (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
- NIOSH Fails to Link Cancer as Zadroga Fund Compensable (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
- For 9/11 first responders, inadequate medical assistance an insult to heroism (nj.com)
- Lawmakers: Zadroga Act should cover cancer (nydailynews.com)
- What Was in the World Trade Center Plume? [Interactive] (scientificamerican.com)
- For sickened workers, 9/11 never ends (cbsnews.com)
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Zadroga 9-11 Compensation Fund To Accept Claims October 3rd
The 9/11 Zadrogra Compensation Fund is scheduled to start accepting claims for compensation on October 3, 2011. Announcement of the publication of the Final Rule was just announced.
With the 10-year anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, approaching, September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) Special Master Sheila L. Birnbaum today announced the final rule governing the fund. Since issuing the proposed regulations in June 2011, Special Master Birnbaum has reviewed formal comments and met with, and received feedback from, hundreds of New York-area residents, workers and first responders at town hall meetings held in New York and New Jersey.
For more information about The 9/11 Fund claims click here.
For over 3 decades the Law Offices of Jon L. Gelman 1.973.696.7900 jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational accidents and illnesses.
With the 10-year anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, approaching, September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) Special Master Sheila L. Birnbaum today announced the final rule governing the fund. Since issuing the proposed regulations in June 2011, Special Master Birnbaum has reviewed formal comments and met with, and received feedback from, hundreds of New York-area residents, workers and first responders at town hall meetings held in New York and New Jersey.
For more information about The 9/11 Fund claims click here.
For over 3 decades the Law Offices of Jon L. Gelman 1.973.696.7900 jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational accidents and illnesses.
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- Zadroga 9-11 Compensation Fund Opens for Business (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
- NIOSH Fails to Link Cancer as Zadroga Fund Compensable (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
- Zadrgoa WTC Health Claims Fund Town Hall Meetings (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
NIOSH Fails to Link Cancer as Zadroga Fund Compensable
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) published a report concluding that cancer is not a compensable disease for the Zadroga World Trade Center Victims Compensation Fund.
The report concludes:
"Based on the scientific and medical findings in the peer-reviewed literature reported in this first periodic review of cancer for the WTC Health Program, insufficient evidence exists at this time to propose a rule to add cancer, or a certain type of cancer, to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions. "
Although a determination cannot be made to propose a rule to add cancer, or a type of cancer, to the List of WTC-Related Heath Conditions at this time, it is important to point out that the current absence of published scientific and medical findings demonstrating a causal association between the exposures resulting from the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the occurrence of cancer in responders and survivors does not indicate evidence of the absence of a causal association.
"It is expected that the second periodic review of cancer for the WTC Health Program will be conducted in early to mid-2012 to capture any emerging findings about exposures and cancer in responders and survivors affected by the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
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- Zadroga Health Fund Benefits Scheduled to Begin in October (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
- Attorney General Holder Names Sheila L. Birnbaum as Special Master of September 11th Victim Compensation (Zadroga) Fund (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
- New Website for September 11th Victims Compensation Fund (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
- 'Very little' evidence of Ground Zero cancer exposure from 9/11 terror attacks, review finds (nj.com)
- Program won't cover 9/11 responders for cancer (cnn.com)
Friday, July 1, 2011
Zadroga 9-11 Compensation Fund Opens for Business
Today, The James Zadroga 9-11 Health Compensation Fund is open for business. Civic leaders will gather to celebrate with a ribbon-cutting at the Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York City. The Zadroga Fund reopens the 9-11 Victims Compensation Fund and will provide billions of dollars in funding for the benefit of victims and first-responders who were injured as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
US Congress Members Maloney and Nadler will be joined byU.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Mayor Bloomberg, Police Commissioner Kelly, clinic physicians and responders and survivors at the ceremony. The program will take place at Mount Sinai Medical Center, Annenberg Building 1190 Fifth Avenue, 1st floor, Stern Auditorium, Manhattan.
For over 3 decades the Law Offices of Jon L. Gelman 1.973.696.7900jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational accidents and illnesses.
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- Zadroga Health Fund Benefits Scheduled to Begin in October (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
- New Website for September 11th Victims Compensation Fund (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
- Attorney General Holder Names Sheila L. Birnbaum as Special Master of September 11th Victim Compensation (Zadroga) Fund (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
World Trade Center (Zadroga) Compensation Fund Rules Announced
Special Master Sheila L. Birnbaum has announced the publication of proposed rules to govern The Zadroga Act Health Claim Fund and the payment of $2.775 Billion of benefits over the next 6 years. The Special Master pledged a process: that is fair, transparent and easy to navigate; procedures that will not dilute the fund; and a full investigation of the response, clean-up and debris removal activities necessitated by the attacks and those injured.
"The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 reopens the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 to provide compensation to those who were physically injured or who died in the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, including those who were injured during the clean-up and debris removal operations at a 9/11 crash site." This extension recognizes the considerable efforts of and effects on those engaged in or in the immediate vicinity of the response, recovery, and clean-up operations. The intent of the extension of the Fund is to provide fair and consistent compensation for those who are eligible and to do so in an efficient and timely manner.
"The regulations reiterate the expanded definition of the "9/11 Crash Site" to include both the crash site and contiguous areas of impact of the aircraft or subsequent fire, explosions, or building collapses. The Special Master will consider scientific evidence regarding the risks of physical harm resulting from the crashes. The routes of debris removal will be considered.
The Special master will "...maintain and publish a list of presumptively covered conditions that resulted from the air crashes or debris removal, and that this list shall consist of the physical injuries and conditions that are found, under the WTC Health Program, to be WTC-related health conditions."
Click Here to View Proposed Rules.
For over 3 decades the Law Offices of Jon L. Gelman 1.973.696.7900 jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational accidents and illnesses.
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- New Website for September 11th Victims Compensation Fund (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
- Zadroga Health Fund Benefits Scheduled to Begin in October (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
- Attorney General Holder Names Sheila L. Birnbaum as Special Master of September 11th Victim Compensation (Zadroga) Fund (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
Friday, June 3, 2011
New Website for September 11th Victims Compensation Fund
The United States Department of Justice has established a new website for the September 11th Victims Compensation Fund (Zadroga Act). The Internet presence was established following the naming of Shelia Birnbaum, a defense attorney, as the Special Master of the Fund.
The program was established to provide compensation and medical monitoring to victims of the September 11th tragedy in New York City. Regulations for the operation of the Fund have yet to be announced. It is anticipated that the Fund should be operational by July 1, 2011.
Those who were exposed to the toxic dust and fumes of the World Trade Center disaster continue to suffer from latent and progressive medical conditions. The New England Journal of Medicine has reported that a substantial population that was exposed to the toxic residuals of the event are suffering from sever medical conditions. Positive pathological findings reflect the existence of aluminum and magnesium silicates, chrysotile asbestos, calcium phosphate, calcium sulfate, glass, and carbon nanotubes (CNT) were found in specimens of exposed individuals.
Eligibility for benefits under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act include those who were World Trade Center victims and First Responders. Under the law those who worked, attended school, childcare and adult day care, may be eligible. The program also covers some who were present in the area of the dust cloud or who lived in the the New York City disaster area. Certain cleanup and maintenance workers are included including tele-communications workers such as Verizon, AT&T and other employees.
The program was established to provide compensation and medical monitoring to victims of the September 11th tragedy in New York City. Regulations for the operation of the Fund have yet to be announced. It is anticipated that the Fund should be operational by July 1, 2011.
Those who were exposed to the toxic dust and fumes of the World Trade Center disaster continue to suffer from latent and progressive medical conditions. The New England Journal of Medicine has reported that a substantial population that was exposed to the toxic residuals of the event are suffering from sever medical conditions. Positive pathological findings reflect the existence of aluminum and magnesium silicates, chrysotile asbestos, calcium phosphate, calcium sulfate, glass, and carbon nanotubes (CNT) were found in specimens of exposed individuals.
Eligibility for benefits under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act include those who were World Trade Center victims and First Responders. Under the law those who worked, attended school, childcare and adult day care, may be eligible. The program also covers some who were present in the area of the dust cloud or who lived in the the New York City disaster area. Certain cleanup and maintenance workers are included including tele-communications workers such as Verizon, AT&T and other employees.
For over 3 decades the Law Offices of Jon L. Gelman 1.973.696.7900 jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational accidents and illnesses.
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- Attorney General Holder Names Sheila L. Birnbaum as Special Master of September 11th Victim Compensation (Zadroga) Fund (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
- Medical Monitoring Available Under the Zadroga 9-11 Health Compensation Fund (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
- Zadroga Fund Cancer Claims Info Sought by NIOSH (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
- Zadroga Health Fund Benefits Scheduled to Begin in October (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
- AP source: Ground Zero appointee named (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Attorney General Holder Names Sheila L. Birnbaum as Special Master of September 11th Victim Compensation (Zadroga) Fund
Attorney General Eric Holder today announced that he has chosen Sheila L. Birnbaum to head the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund program. Birnbaum, a life-long New Yorker, has decades of experience resolving complicated litigation. Birnbaum, a defense attorney, gained recognition and regard from the victims community for her work mediating a settlement of $500 million for 92 families of victims of the September 11th terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.
Birnbaum will administer the fund created under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health & Compensation Act, signed into law by President Obama on Jan. 2, 2011. The bill reactivates the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund that operated from 2001-2003, expanding the pool of applicants to include first responders and other individuals who experienced latent physical injuries associated with the attacks or with debris removal.
“Sheila Birnbaum brings extensive experience, credibility and unique insight to this important role,” said Attorney General Holder. “She has worked closely with, and won the trust of, the families of 9/11 victims with whom she worked. I know that under her direction, the fund will be administered in a manner that is sensitive and fair to those who have suffered so much from the September 11th attacks.”
“As a life-long New Yorker, the opportunity to serve the country and the 9/11 community in this way is a tremendous honor,” Birnbaum said. “My first priority will be to sit down with the people who will be most affected by the program, and see how we can design a program that is fair, transparent and easy to navigate. The fund needs to get up and running quickly. At the same time, I want to make sure we do it right.
“Ken Feinberg laid a great foundation during the fund’s first iteration, and I plan to build upon it,” continued Birnbaum.
The fund is expected to become fully operational after funding appropriated for its administration becomes available on Oct. 1, 2011. Birnbaum indicated that she will publish proposed regulations to govern the program as soon as possible, and take public comment on those proposed regulations over the summer before finalizing them.
In 2006, 9/11 victims and corporate defendants jointly asked Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein to appoint Birnbaum to mediate 95 wrongful death and personal injury cases. Birnbaum successfully mediated 92 of them. Judge Hellerstein called her work “extraordinary” and noted that she had gained credibility with the 9/11 community. In a March 5, 2009, order Hellerstein wrote, “She allowed each of the plaintiffs’ families to express their loss and the quality of the lives lost on September 11. She absorbed their losses and their pain with empathy. . . . She gained plaintiffs’ confidence.”
Birnbaum, the daughter of a grocery store owner in Harlem, N.Y., attended James Monroe High School, and graduated from Hunter College as the first person in her family to attend college. She taught the fourth grade at P.S. 62 in the Bronx, N.Y., before attending New York University School of Law. Since law school, she has taught at both Fordham University School of Law and NYU School of Law, where she became Associate Dean. She is now a partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, and the chair of the firm’s Mass Torts Litigation Group. That firm represents and defends corporations in products liability actions. Ms. Birnbaum represented Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in the nations longest running tort case, asbestos litigation.
Birnbaum has an extensive career in public service. Among other positions, she has served as the first president and founding member of Judges and Lawyers Breast Cancer Alert; as a member on the New York State Judicial Commission on Minorities; as Executive Director for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit’s Task Force for Racial, Ethnic and Gender Fairness; as Chair for the Commission on Fiduciary Appointments; and as President of the New York Women’s Bar Association.
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- Special Master to be Appointed Soon for Zadroga Fund (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
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- Pulmonary Disease Linked to World Trade Center Disaster (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
- Zadroga Benefits for Utility Workers at World Trade Center Disaster Site For Anxiety (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
- Pick Near on Overseer of 9/11 Health Fund (nytimes.com)
- NIOSH Seeks Information About World Trade Center Cancer Claims (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
- Zadroga Health Fund Benefits Scheduled to Begin in October (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Medical Monitoring Available Under the Zadroga 9-11 Health Compensation Fund
The World Trade Center Medical Monitoring Program is funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health under the Zadroga Act which was enacted last year.
MEDICAL TREATMENT for 9/11 responders
The program provides free treatment, including: doctor's visits, diagnostic testing and medications for WTC-covered conditions. Here is a list of covered conditions:
Aerodigestive Disorders
New onset or aggravation of pre-existing conditions for which clinical findings suggest onset is related to WTC exposure/injury:
Mental Health Conditions
New onset or aggravation of pre-existing conditions for which clinical findings suggest onset is related to WTC exposure/injury:
Musculoskeletal Disorders
New onset or aggravation of pre-existing conditions for which careful review of symptoms or other clinical information suggests relationship to WTC exposure/injury:
This program serves the workers and volunteers who responded to the September 11th attacks. If you did any paid work or volunteered, on or after September 11th, that was directly related to the disaster, you may qualify. To find out whether you are eligible, call 888-702-0630 or download and fill out an eligibility questionnaire and fax it to us at 212-241-1850.
New onset or aggravation of pre-existing conditions for which clinical findings suggest onset is related to WTC exposure/injury:
- Interstitial lung diseases
- Chronic Respiratory Disorder –Fumes/Vapors
- Asthma
- Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS)
- WTC-exacerbated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Chronic Cough Syndrome
- Upper airway hyperreactivity
- Chronic rhinosinusitis
- Chronic nasopharyngitis
- Chronic laryngitis
- Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD)
- Sleep apnea exacerbated by or related to the above conditions
Mental Health Conditions
New onset or aggravation of pre-existing conditions for which clinical findings suggest onset is related to WTC exposure/injury:
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Anxiety Disorder (not otherwise specified)
- Depression (not otherwise specified)
- Acute Stress Disorder
- Dysthymic Disorder
- Adjustment Disorder
- Substance Abuse
Musculoskeletal Disorders
New onset or aggravation of pre-existing conditions for which careful review of symptoms or other clinical information suggests relationship to WTC exposure/injury:
- Low back pain
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
- Other musculoskeletal disorders
This program serves the workers and volunteers who responded to the September 11th attacks. If you did any paid work or volunteered, on or after September 11th, that was directly related to the disaster, you may qualify. To find out whether you are eligible, call 888-702-0630 or download and fill out an eligibility questionnaire and fax it to us at 212-241-1850.
For over 3 decades the Law Offices of Jon L. Gelman 1.973.696.7900 jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational and enviornmental exposures. Please contact our office if you require assistance in filing a claim under the newly enacted James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.
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- Public Meeting Held On Zadroga Health Compensation Fund (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
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- The James Zadroga 9/11 Health & Compensation Act of 2010 (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
- Special Master to be Appointed Soon for Zadroga Fund (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
- Zadroga Benefits for Utility Workers at World Trade Center Disaster Site For Anxiety (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
- Pulmonary Disease Linked to World Trade Center Disaster (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
- NIOSH Seeks Information About World Trade Center Cancer Claims (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Zadroga Health Fund Benefits Scheduled to Begin in October
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Senator Charles Schumer has announced that Zadroga Health Fund benefits will be paid out to survivors of the September 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center, beginning in October. Schumer received this invitation from US Attorney General Eric Holder.The announcement comes on the eve of visit to New York City by President Barack Obama.
On January 2, 2010, President Barack Obama signed the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act establishing the World Trade Health Program and extends and expands eligibility for compensation under the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001.
It is probable that cancers resulting from the exposures will be covered under the legislation. Historically, occupational and environmental exposures to carcinogens, such as asbestos, may take many years to progress and manifest into conditions as asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Additionally, various respiratory and digestive diseases are being reported including:1. Interstitial lung diseases.
2. Chronic respiratory disorder--fumes/vapors.
3. Asthma.
4. Reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS).
5. WTC-exacerbated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
6. Chronic cough syndrome.
7. Upper airway hyperreactivity.
8. Chronic rhinosinusitis.
9. Chronic nasopharyngitis.
10. Chronic laryngitis.
11. Gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD).
For over 3 decades the Law Offices of Jon L. Gelman 1.973.696.7900 jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered asbestos related disease. Please contact our office if you require assistance in filing a claim under the newly enacted James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.
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Friday, April 29, 2011
Alice Hamilton Awards for Occupational Safety and Health Announced
The Alice Hamilton Awards for Occupational Safety and Health recognize the scientific excellence of technical and instructional materials by NIOSH scientists and engineers in the areas of biological science, engineering and physical science, human studies, and educational materials.
The Awards honor Dr. Alice Hamilton (1869 - 1970), a pioneering researcher and occupational physician, and are presented each year by NIOSH on the basis of rigorous reviews by panels of scientific experts from outside the Institute.
The top three finalists in each category are:
Engineering and Physical Sciences
Evans DE, Ku BK, Birch ME, Dunn KH. Aerosol monitoring during carbon nanofiber production: mobile direct-reading sampling. Ann Occup Hyg 54(5):514-531, 2010.
Green JD, Yannaccone JR, Current RS, Sicher LA, Moore PH, Whitman GR. Assessing the performance of various restraints on ambulance patient compartment workers during crash events. Int J Crashworthiness 15(5):517-541, 2010.
NIOSH Report of Investigation (RI) 9679: Recommendations for a new rock dusting standard to prevent coal dust explosions in intake airways. By Cashdollar KL, Sapko MJ, Weiss ES, Harris ML, Man CK, Harteis SP, Green GM. Pittsburgh, PA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2010-151, 2010.
Biological Sciences
Sriram K, Lin GX, Jefferson AM, Roberts JR, Wirth O, Hayashi Y, Krajnak KM, Soukup JM, Ghio AJ, Reynolds SH, Castranova V, Munson AE, Antonini JM. Mitochondrial dysfunction and loss of Parkinson's disease-linked proteins contribute to neurotoxicity of manganese-containing welding fumes. FASEB J 24(12):4989-5002, 2010.
Leonard SS, Chen BT, Stone SG, Schwegler-Berry D, Kenyon AJ, Frazer D, Antonini JM. Comparison of stainless and mild steel welding fumes in generation of reactive oxygen species. Part Fibre Toxicol 7(1):32, 2010.
Wang LY, Mercer RR, Rojanasakul Y, Qiu AJ, Lu YJ, Scabilloni JF, Wu NQ, Castranova V. Direct fibrogenic effects of dispersed single-walled carbon nanotubes on human lung fibroblasts. J Toxicol Environ Health, A 73(5-6):410-422, 2010.
Human Studies
Hanley KW, Petersen MR, Cheever KL, Luo L. Bromide and N-acetyl-S-(n-propyl)-l-cysteine in urine from workers exposed to 1-bromopropane solvents from vapor degreasing or adhesive manufacturing. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 83(5):571-584, 2010.
Connor TH, DeBord DG, Pretty JR, Oliver MS, Roth TS, Lees PSJ, Krieg EF Jr., Rogers B, Escalante CP, Toennis CA, Clark JC, Johnson BC, McDiarmid MA. Evaluation of antineoplastic drug exposure of health care workers at three university-based US cancer centers. J Occup Environ Med 52(10):1019-1027, 2010.
The following three articles were submitted as one nomination:
- Couch JR, Petersen MR, Rice CR, Schubauer-Berigan MK. Development of retrospective quantitative and qualitative job-exposure matrices for exposures at a beryllium processing facility. Occ Environ Med. Published online October 25, 2010. doi: 10.1136/oem.2010.056630.
- Schubauer-Berigan MK, Couch JR, Petersen MR, CarreĆ³n T, Jin Y, Deddens JA. Cohort mortality study of workers at seven beryllium processing plants: update and associations with cumulative and maximum exposure. Occ Environ Med. Published online October 15, 2010.doi:10.1136/oem.2010.056481.
- Schubauer-Berigan MK, Deddens JA, Couch JR, Petersen MR. Risk of lung cancer associated with quantitative beryllium exposure metrics within an occupational cohort. Occup Environ Med. Published online November 16, 2010. doi: 10.1136/oem.2010.056515.
Educational Materials
Slip, trip, and fall prevention for healthcare workers. By Bell J, Collins JW, Dalsey E, Sublet V. Morgantown, WV/Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2011-123, 2010.
Move it! Rig move safety for roughnecks. By: Cullen E, Hill R, Shannon J, Headding B. Spokane, WA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2011-108d, 2010.
Baron S, Stock L, Ayala L, Soohoo R, Gong F, Lloyd C, Haroon P, Teran S, Gonzalez P. Caring for yourself while caring for others: practical tips for homecare workers. In: Labor Occupational Health Program, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Service Employees International Union. Edited by United Long Term Care Workers. Oakland, CA: Public Authority for In-Home Supportive Services in Alameda County, 2010.
Related articles
- NIOSH Issues "Roadmap" Document Suggesting Asbestos Research Strategy (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
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- NIOSH Seeks Information About World Trade Center Cancer Claims (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
- Workers Memorial Day - April 28th (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
- Chronic Beryllium Sufferers Get Recognition (gelmans.com)
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