New York City 9/11 Ground Zero Participant Claims Attorneys

State Laws Protecting 9/11 Ground Zero Workers & Volunteers

Following the devastating 9/11 terrorist attacks, the state legislature added Article 8-A to the New York Workers’ Compensation Law.

This was done to specifically cover workers and even some volunteers who participated in post-9/11 rescue, recovery, and cleanup efforts between September 11, 2001 and September 12, 2002 in the following areas:

• Lower Manhattan south of Canal Street and west of Pike Street
• The Fresh Kills landfill on Staten Island
• The New York City morgue or the temporary morgue locations on the west side of Manhattan
• Barges traveling between the west side of Manhattan and the Fresh Kills landfill on Staten Island

Whereas injured workers in New York must typically file a workers’ compensation within two years of the date of the work-related accident, injury, or illness.

Article 8-A dispenses with the two-year statute of limitations on any 9/11:

• Rescue
• Recovery
• Or cleanup-related workers’ compensation claim

Who Is Eligible for 9/11 Ground Zero Workers' Comp Claims?

To be eligible, a participant must be properly registered as a 9/11 Ground Zero rescue, recovery, or cleanup participant with the Workers’ Compensation Board.

Given that many of the medical conditions that 9/11 rescue, recovery, and cleanup participants are at risk of developing take many years to develop, the removal of the two-year statute of limitations is only fair. No matter how many years have passed, you could be entitled to benefits if you developed a health condition related to your post-9/11 rescue, recovery, or cleanup activities.

What Are the Common Health Conditions Associated with 9/11 Rescue, Recovery & Cleanup Efforts?

When the Twin Towers fell, they released thousands of tons of debris, including pulverized concrete and over 2,500 other contaminants, resulting in a “wildly toxic” cloud of dust.

Additionally, the fires burning at Ground Zero for a period of about three months released unprecedented amounts of harmful substances, including dioxins and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Many of the substances dispersed in the collapse, including asbestos and lead, are known carcinogens.

Others have been connected with a variety of health conditions, including:

• Heart
• Kidney
• Liver
• Respiratory
• Gastrointestinal
• And nervous system problems

Some of the most common health conditions associated with the collapse of the World Trade Center towers and the following rescue, recovery, and cleanup efforts include:

• Cancer
• Respiratory disease
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Asthma
• Sleep apnea
• Silicosis (lung disease)
• Pulmonary fibrosis (lung scarring)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety disorders
• Rhinosinusitis (dual nasal and sinus infection)
• Depression

These and other health conditions related to 9/11 rescue, recovery, and cleanup efforts can have debilitating effects on individuals and their families. If you have been affected, you do not have to suffer alone. Our New York City 9/11 workers’ compensation attorneys are here to help you seek the fair compensation you are rightfully owed.