Registration Extended for 911 Workers and Volunteers to Preserve Right to File Workers' Compensation

Nearly seven years have passed since the twin towers of the World Trade Center collapsed following a terrorist attack into “Ground Zero” devastation.

Those who have assisted in the recovery, cleanup and rescue efforts of the World Trade Center destruction, have an extended deadline of August 13, 2008 to register with the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board.

The law has been changed to allow the filing of a workers’ compensation claim for those that have a 9/11 related illness.

The change also applies to those volunteers and workers who are not sick now, but who may become sick in the future because they were exposed to toxic air following 9/11.

In order to be eligible, all workers and volunteers must register before August 13, 2008 to safeguard your right to file a claim in the future.

Tens of thousands of people helped rescue and recovery following the devastation of the terrorist attacks. Thousands of responders who also worked at the site in the years following the 9/11 attacks have since fallen ill and some are dying from various illnesses.

New York State’s Workers’ Compensation prohibits most workers against filing a claim, in excess of two years following an injury, which makes meeting the deadline particularly important.

Fewer than 20,000 people have currently registered, although, tens of thousands of 9/11 heroes are potentially eligible to receive benefits and will likely get lost in the system if they miss the approaching deadline.

Workers and volunteers who assisted in cleanup work, recovery and rescue should register as soon as possible, to avoid the deadline. Those who were exposed to psychological trauma and/or toxic dust should protect their rights by filing a claim. If you are not sure if you qualify to make a claim, registering is suggested.

The law pertains to individuals who worked onsite in lower Manhattan south of Canal or Pike Streets between September 11, 2001 and September 12, 2002. It also applies to those who worked at the Staten Island landfill or the New York City morgue (and any temporary morgues set up during that time).

Detailed information can be found by visiting the NYCOSH website at www.nycosh.org or by calling 1-866-WTC-2556 24-hours a day. #