9/11/2010: The Rebirth of Ground Zero - One World Trade Center Rises

Posted on September 10, 2010 by Troy Rosasco

 

"U.S. Attacked" read the headline from the New York Times on 9/12/2001. Nine years ago tomorrow the former World Trade Center was taken down by two jetliners hijacked by radical Islamic terrorists associated with  Al-Queda. While the physical structure of a great city landmark was reduced to rubble, the immediate deaths and continued illnesses caused by this attack continue to haunt many New Yorkers.

However, a ray of light is now shining on Ground Zero as the new One World Trade Center (formerly the Freedom Tower) rises from the ashes as seen in the recent photo above. As the New York Disability Blog has done since its inception, we again mourn those who perished at Ground Zero resulting in the largest workers' compensation event in history. We salute those heroes who sacrificed their lives on and after that fateful day. Finally, we pray for the health of those who are currently sick or will become sick in the future.

On a related issue, it is often easy for those of us in New York to forget the victims of 9/11 who perished at the Pentagon building or in a Pennsylvania farm field. I just happen to be traveling upstate tomorrow for a West Point football game with my son, where I am sure there will be a ceremony acknowledging the impact of 9/11 on Army families throughout the country and overseas protecting us from future attacks.   Please remember them in your prayers as well.

 

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Judge Calls New Proposed 9/11 Settlement for First Responders and Rescue Workers a "Very Good Deal"

Posted on June 10, 2010 by Troy Rosasco

Federal Judge Alvin Hellerstein called the new $625 to $712 million proposed 9/11 settlement for sick first responders and rescue workers a "very good deal" today.  Lawyer fees have now been reduced from 33% to 25%, while the actual settlement has been increased significantly. This will put more money in the hands of seriously sick first responders and their loved ones.

Judge Hellerstein has set a hearing for later this month so that all interested parties can comment on the newly proposed settlement.  After the initial settlement proposal was publicized this past March, both the Judge and certain rescue worker groups claimed the the settlement was not enough and that lawyer fees were too high. It remains to be seen what groups representing injured workers feel about the new settlement proposal, but no one can argue that seriously ill workers will do better under the current proposal.  

If you are a rescue worker or first responder who is currently or potentially sick due to your exposure at Ground Zero, this may be your last opportunity to join the lawsuit.  Feel free to call  Turley, Redmond, Rosasco & Rosasco  Toll Free with any questions at 1-877-693-2529, extension 123.

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Remembering 9/11: Ground Zero Ironworker Picurro Still Fighting for Life

Posted on September 11, 2009 by Troy Rosasco

On the eighth anniversary of 9/11, it seems appropriate that we all recognize that the health impacts on both victims and Ground Zero rescue workers continue in many cases to increase, not decrease. A colleague forwarded me this excellent video from this morning's Democracy Now program regarding Ground Zero and the case of rescue worker Joe Picurro. 

Although I am personally familiar with Joe's tragic story of the health consequences that Ground Zero workers face, this excellent update, which includes interviews with 9/11 Ground Zero funding champion Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and Dr. Jacqueline Moline of the Mt. Sinai Medical Center World Trade Center Monitoring program is a must see for anyone interested in the long term health effects of the WTC tragedy.  Mt. Sinai has now screened over 27,000 workers, and new Ground Zero workers compensation cases (usually involving lung disease, cancer  and post-traumatic stress disorder) still come into my office on an all too regular basis.

All the attorneys and employees of Turley ,Redmond, Rosasco & Rosasco, LLP offer their ongoing support to our clients and all those impacted by the 9/11  tragedy.  God bless you. We will never forget.

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