Why Did Fealgood Foundation Invite Worby Groner Edelman Napoli Bern to Speak at Zadroga Lawyer Forum?

Posted on March 30, 2011 by Troy Rosasco

In a bizarre twist, the non-profit FealGood Foundation recently invited the much criticized "9/11 victim" law firm, Worby Groner & Edelman and Napoli Bern , LLP   to speak at their  Zadroga Act Claim  legal forum on 3/20/2011. "Something" must have caused these former adversaries  to kiss and make up!  

The NY Daily News has previously stated that the Worby Napoli lawyers exploited John Feal's name.    This is what John Feal said just last year about Napoli Bern:

Dear Friends, Supporters and Fellow First Responders,

Today I have been forwarded a disturbing and ethically questionable email from the law firm of Worby, Groner, Napoli & Bern, LLP. First, "Napoli Bern" does not, and has never,  represented  me in any legal action. Unfortunately, the email does not make this clear and may mislead readers.

Second, I am not and have never been, a litigant in the 9/11 "class action" lawsuit involving Napoli Bern. I have maintained an individual lawsuit for many years. Any legal actions taken by me and my private attorney have no reflection on the "class action" suit and any attempts to draw such a conclusion are unwarranted and, in regards to Napoli Bern, unauthorized. Why Napoli Bern has chosen a non-litigant to this suit as an example of the actions you should take in settling your suit is questionable to say the least. I urge you to discuss your individual cases with your attorney and make your own independent decisions moving forward. Please do not look to the steps taken by my attorney as indicating what the best legal action is in your case.

I am saddened and upset that a law firm that is entrusted with the legal care of over 9,000 First Responders would choose to release the personal information of another, non-client responder and use such information to pressure litigants into settling their own cases. I will be addressing this matter with appropriate authorities immediately.

It is my sincere hope that you make your legal decisions based on your own independent factors and I wish you well in your decision making.

God bless you and God bless America
 
 
"Any Nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure"
                                                            Abraham Lincoln
 
Peace & Love
John Feal
Founder & President

The invitation to the "legal forum"  was not rescinded by the FealGood Foundation despite federal court Judge Alvin Hellerstein the prior week giving the Napoli Bern firm a severe "dressing down" on how it has represented certain 9/11 victims.  Judge Hellerstein stated:

"Having thus been in conflict for months, and having done nothing about it, Napoli Bern failed to give these 59 Plaintiffs the proper representation to which they were entitled.

Instead, Napoli Bern favored the needs of the thousands of other clients whom it also represented. That this happened is hardly surprising, especially when one considers the possibility that Napoli Bern had financial motivations for preferring its thousands of settling clients."

Then just yesterday, Worby Napoli got caught up in the "fake 9/11 fireman ad" controversy reported in the New York Post.  I wonder now how happy the Fealgood Foundation is that they are implicitly recommending this law firm to 9/11 responders and victims for representation? 

What could have prompted the non-profit FealGood Foundation, in need of funds, to do a 180 degree turn around from it's previous denunciation of the Napoli Bern law firm? Hmmm...

As I have said before, John Feal is a hero.  He is tarnishing his own reputation, and all those who work so tirelessly for the FealGood Foundation, by being involved in this lawyer circus. By recommending that 9/11 victims first go through a lawyer on the Fealgood Foundation Board of Directors, the more questionable the process becomes.

John Feal should follow the advice he previously gave in the letter to his Friends above : "It is my sincere hope that you make your legal decisions based on your own independent factors and I wish you well in your decision making."

The credibility of the entire FealGood Foundation is on the line now given their new association with the law firms of Worby Groner & Edelman and Napoli Bern. 9/11 victims and responders deserve better.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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NY Post on Zadroga Lawyers Worby Napoli "Ad Trick Insult"

Posted on March 28, 2011 by Troy Rosasco

 

Photo courtesy of the NY Post

Worby Groner & Edelman and Napoli Bern, LLP , the much criticized 9/11 "victim" law firm, was accused of major conflicts of interest by federal judge Alvin Hellerstein recently regarding it's representation 59 separate 9/11 victims. Said Judge Alvin Hellerstein:

"Having thus been in conflict for months, and having done nothing about it, Napoli Bern failed to give these 59 Plaintiffs the proper representation to which they were entitled.

Instead, Napoli Bern favored the needs of the thousands of other clients whom it also represented. That this happened is hardly surprising, especially when one considers the possibility that Napoli Bern had financial motivations for preferring its thousands of settling clients."

See Judge Hellerstein's full 3/11/2011 decision here regarding Napoli Bern's conflicts and conduct. 

On the heels of this legal embarrassment, the New York Post today exposed a hurtful Worby Napoli advertisement picturing a current NYC Firefighter who never was at Ground Zero, but whose picture was altered with special computer software to make it look like he was a first responder.  And believe it or not, the Worby Napoli firm issued a press release immediately defending the misleading ad!!  Have they no shame? Do they really care about 9/11 victims? Or are they stereo-typical lawyers just out for the money? 

In my opinion, Worby Napoli's pattern of conduct over the last few month's is nothing short of disgraceful.   How can any future Zadroga 9/11 claimant trust this law firm? There are many honorable Zadroga 9/11 lawyers representing 9/11 victims and first responders.  Unfortunately, the honorable attorneys are inevitably tarnished by the "900 pound gorilla in the room".  Sad.

When choosing a Zadroga Act lawyer, make sure you pick one with integrity.  At the end of the day, you must trust that your Zadroga lawyer is working for your best interests.

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Free Zadroga 9/11 Act Online Seminar: What You Need to Know About the Victim Compensation Fund

Posted on March 23, 2011 by Troy Rosasco

Join us for Zadroga Claim Webinar on March 26

                                 

Register Now

Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/330686110

Did you (or a family member) participate in the rescue, recovery or cleanup activities at Ground Zero?  Are you now ill from breathing and ingesting toxic dust and fumes at the World Trade Center site? If so, you may be entitled to a financial award from the recently reopened federal Victim Compensation Fund in the Zadroga Act.

Join experienced New York 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) attorneys Troy G. Rosasco and Daniel J. Hansen for a free, fact filled webinar on March 26, 2011 at 12 noon EST discussing the new Zadroga Act. Subjects covered will include:

Join us for this lively, interactive Zadroga 9/11 Act Webinar (online seminar) to get the answers you (and your loved ones) need to protect yourself and get the financial compensation you deserve. You will be able to listen and interact either over your internet connection or by using a Toll Free telephone connection.

Title: 9/11 Zadroga Act Claims : What You Need to Know About the Victim Compensation Fund

Date: Saturday, March 26, 2011

Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM EDT

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server
Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer

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Zadroga 9/11 Lawyer to Lecture at St. John's Law School on Eve of Triangle Fire 100th Anniversary

Posted on March 21, 2011 by Troy Rosasco

 

I will be giving my annual New York Workers' Compensation Law lecture tomorrow night at St. John's Law School at the invitation of Prof. David Gregory, one of the country's preeminent labor law experts. 

This year my Workers' Compensation Law lecture takes on particular significance as the this week marks the 100th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire tragedy in lower Manhattan, which was the seminal event leading to the establishment of workers' compensation laws throughout the country. 146 workers lost their lives either in the fire or jumping from the building.

As a former recipient of the Clara Lemlich Triangle Factory Fire Memorial Award, this important moment in labor history, along with the annual Triangle Dinner this Friday night at the Fire Museum of the City of New York, are close to my heart. I will certainly impress upon the law students the importance of understanding not only the "black letter" meaning of the New York workers' compensation law, but also its historical context.

In a eeirly sad coincidence, it just so happens that this year is also the 10th anniversary of the World Trade Center Disaster.  It took 90 years for the WTC disaster to eclipse the Triangle Factory Fire as New York's most deadly workplace accident.

We are still filing ongoing workers' compensation claims for 9/11 victims, survivors and first responders. In addition, this year has brought the passage of the new James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010.   I will be sharing with the students facts about the new Zadroga 9/11 Act,  how to file a Zadroga Act claim, and what medical conditions are covered under the Zadroga Act.

Afterwards, the officers of the law school's Labor & Employment Law Society ussually join Prof. Gregory and I for a good Italian meal in Queens, maybe at Uvarara. Looking forward to that! I will post my materials on this blog after the lecture.

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9/11 Zadroga Act Claims : What You Need to Know About the Victim Compensation Fund

Posted on March 19, 2011 by Troy Rosasco

Join us for a Webinar on March 26

Register Now

Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/330686110

Did you (or a family member) participate in the rescue, recovery or cleanup activities at Ground Zero? Are you now ill from breathing and ingesting toxic dust and fumes at the World Trade Center site? If so, you may be entitled to a financial award from the recently reopened federal Victim Compensation Fund in the Zadroga Act.

Join experienced New York 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) attorneys Troy G. Rosasco and Daniel J. Hansen for a fact filled webinar discussing the new Zadroga Act. Subjects covered will include: Who is Eligibile?, What Illnesses are Covered?, How Do You File a Claim?, What is Needed to Prove Your "Damages", including "pain and suffering"?, Who is the "Special Master"?, How Much Money Can You Expect to Receive?, Can You File if You Already Collected Money from the Old VCF or other Lawsuits?, and How Long Will the Claims Process Take?

Join us for this lively, interactive Webinar (online seminar) to get the answers you (and your loved ones) need to protect yourself and get the financial compensation you deserve.

Title: 9/11 Zadroga Act Claims : What You Need to Know About the Victim Compensation Fund
Date: Saturday, March 26, 2011
Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM EDT

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server
Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer

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Facts About 9/11 Victims Compensation Under The Zadroga Act

Posted on March 15, 2011 by Troy Rosasco

Facts About 9/11 Victims Compensation Under The Zadroga ActWhat is the Zadroga 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund?

On January 2, 2011, President Obama signed the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010. James Zadroga was a NYPD Detective who died from inhaling toxic dust while working at Ground Zero. He inspired Congressional passage of federal funds that would provide for healthcare and compensation benefits to those who became sick or died as a result of exposure to Ground Zero toxins.

Who’s Eligible to File a Claim?

How Do I File a Claim?

Find out the answers to these questions by downloading our brochure.

If you have questions, please call us toll free at 1-855-WTC-INFO and visit our Victims Compensation Fund Information website at www.zadrogaclaimsinfo.com.

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Nuclear Toxic Soup! Not Just Japan - How about the Verizon Hicksville Property ?

Posted on March 14, 2011 by Troy Rosasco

Last week the United States Environmental Agency (EPA) announced the inclusion of the Hicksville Verizon property, which previously housed the Sylvania nuclear fuel rod manufacturing facility, on its list of Superfund toxic cleanup sites.  Does Japan seem so far away now?!

Drew Scott of News 12 knew that I, along with Mitchell Breit, am representing a group of workers in a class action lawsuit who were exposed to the cancer causing chemicals TCE and PCE on the Verizon site and stopped by my Ronkonkoma office for quick interview for the five o'clock broadcast. Unfortunately, I worked late last week and missed the news broadcast, but here is Drew's News 12 blog post and my comments on the "Toxic Soup" on the Hicksville Verizon site.

Toxic Soup?

By Drew Scott

“It’s a toxic soup of contaminants!”

That’s how attorney Troy Rosasco describes an area in Hicksville that, along with four other communities, has just been tapped as a new federal EPA superfund cleanup site.

The former Hicksville Sylvania plant that made nuclear fuel rods for power plants in the 50′s and 60′s was closed, but Rosasco says he’s pursuing a federal class action lawsuit, representing dozens of neighbors and factory workers in the area.

Other areas designated for superfund cleanup status include New Cassel, Salisbury, Hempstead and Westbury. All these locations were being monitored by the New York State DEC and Army Corps of Engineers. The EPA says these areas are contaminated with either radioactive material or dangerous chemical solvents. Now the cleanup could get underway thanks to this new federal status. You can comment to the EPA with this link.

Meanwhile, we are still in federal district court on the class action case. In the interim, we are actively engaged in preparing Zadroga 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund claims  from an equally toxic site - Ground Zero.

Last year, a federal jury found Verizon liable and awarded my client Gerard Depascale and a co-worker $12 million for cancer and other illnesses contracted on the site.   Verizon had already reached an out-of-court settlement with neighbors in the surrounding area for $11 million. 

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Zadroga Lawyer Speaks to Volunteer Firefighters in Suffolk County, New York

Posted on March 8, 2011 by Troy Rosasco

                       

Last night I had the pleasure of giving Zadroga Claim Information  to 60+ volunteer firefighters at the East Islip Volunteer Fire Department.  Many of these brave volunteers immediately responded to the World Trade Center without any prompting from their department or other emergency agencies. They simply saw a tragedy unfolding, and like the professionals they are, put themselves in harms way.  True heroes.

Anyone who works with Long Island volunteer firefighters like I have for years knows that many of them hold day jobs as New York City police officers, correction officers and construction workers. Besides those volunteer firefighters who have Zadroga Victim Compensation Fund Claims, many also have Zadroga claims  relating to their regular line of work.

Whether you participated in rescue, recovery or cleanup work as a result of volunteer efforts (including the Red Cross and Salvation Army) or from your regular work (such as electricians from Local 3, IBEW), you should explore your rights and protections under the Zadroga Act by calling a Zadroga Lawyer.  Feel free to call me at 1-877-693-2529 ext. 123 to discuss a possible Zadroga 9/11 Claim.

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