first responders

The job of a firefighter is tough enough without the risk of a deadly virus that attacks people without warning. FDNY stations, located in the city with the greatest number of infections during the pandemic, are particularly vulnerable to spread of the disease. Now, the Fire Department Safety Officers Association has published a set of […]

First responders have rightfully earned praise and appreciation for their efforts in behalf of victims of COVID-19. Despite a potentially lethal exposure risk and problems securing ample personal protective equipment, these men and women have been reaching out to assist people afflicted by the coronavirus while nearly everyone else has been told to stay at […]

In the months that New York City has been locked down in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, residents have compared their feelings to the shock and sadness experienced after the World Trade Center was attacked on September 11, 2001. There are many parallels, including closing of businesses, postponement of sporting events and emergence of a […]

Like you, we’re closely monitoring the latest news about the coronavirus. It is our mission to serve the 9/11 community, and we will continue our work throughout this health crisis. Our office is open, and our dedicated attorneys and staff are hard at work. In an abundance of caution, some of our staff will begin […]

New York City’s Emergency Medical Services units handled approximately 1.5 million calls in 2018. That was a new record high, but the professionals who work for that department are still paid significantly less than other first responders. For more than 20 years, EMS has operated within the FDNY, and its significantly smaller workforce responds to […]

A recent article on the Business Insurance site detailed how many states are considering reforms to their workers’ compensation laws to cover mental stress injuries to first responders. The states contemplating or taking action include: Colorado — The State Senate passed a bill that would clarify the definition of “mental impairment” and expand it to […]

Mike Barasch was invited to address the delegates at the UFOA Education Seminar. Mike spoke about the legal rights and compensation available to all first responders who have been diagnosed with any of the 68 cancers linked to the WTC toxic dust. He reviewed the cancer findings reported by Dr. Kerry Kelly of the Bureau […]