World Trade Center (WTC) 9/11 Illnesses and Cancers
The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Victim Compensation Act (VCF) of 2010, the most current federal legislation helping to provide health monitoring and financial aid to workers who became sick or injured due to the WTC attack on 9/11, was signed into law on January 2, 2011 by President Obama. The bill approved $4.2 billion for compensation those suffering injuries and illnesses as a result of the attack itself or their service in 911 recovery efforts. The VCF was reauthorized on December 18, 2015 with benefits extending to 2020 and now allowing anyone who was present in lower Manhattan, south of Canal Street or at the Freshkills Landfill any time from September 11, 2001 to May 31, 2002 file a claim if they are suffering from a WTC related injury, illness or cancers.
Toxic Exposure
Exposure to toxic substances can cause serious long term (chronic) health effects and illnesses such as cancer, birth defects, lung disease, asthma, liver and/or kidney damage, central nervous system damage, cognitive impairment, learning disabilities and asthma. Health effects after exposure to pollutants can develop shortly after or during exposure or manifest in the future.
Environmental
Environmental contamination occurs when industry or individuals intentionally or negligently discharge or release chemicals, toxic substances, hazardous wastes, biological and/or radioactive agents, or other substances into the air we breathe, the water we drink, or the ground we walk on and on which our homes and schools are built. lt is estimated that more than fifty percent (50%) of the earth’s water supplies are contaminated and not fit for human consumption. Current estimates reveal that there are over 18,000 hazardous waste sites in the U.S., and that 53% of Americans live within three miles of a hazardous waste site.
Catastrophic Injury
A serious or catastrophic injury can occur at work or at any time or place and can result in permanent disability, loss of a body function, disfigurement or death.
Product Liability
Thousands of consumers in the United States are injured each year as result of dangerous defective products. We represent injured consumers against companies that place defective and dangerous products into the stream of commerce and into the hands of a consumer.
Employment Law
Employment law (or Labor law) is the body of laws and regulations that establishes the rights and responsibilities of employers and workers. Employment law claims include: sexual harassment discrimination, wage & hour disputes, wrongful termination and violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and New York’s Human Rights Laws.
Consumer Protection
In the area of consumer rights litigation we pursue claims against and hold corporations responsible for unfair and deceptive practices that defraud consumers. We represent consumers who were deceived or defrauded by corporations.
