I was honored to attend the annual FDNY memorial plaque dedication ceremony. Sadly, 17 of the 22 firefighters who died in the past year were my firm’s clients. We were honored to have represented them and we understand the enormous responsibility and privilege of now representing their families to ensure that they receive the justice they deserve.
Coincidentally, a new study was published today by the American Medical Assn linking long-term cardiovascular disease to the toxic exposure by firefighters who responded to the WTC disaster. Not surprisingly, firefighters who arrived first, and those who stayed the longest, have a 44% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Dr. David Prezant, chief medical officer of the FDNY and lead author of the study, has urged every early responder to get checked out, even if they are healthy. We urge all individuals exposed early and/or often to get checked for heart disease.
Heart disease has not yet been linked to the WTC toxins by the WTC Health Program but we now have medical evidence to argue that it should be added. Rest assured, my firm will be fighting to get heart disease added so those exposed early on, both responders and survivors, can be covered. If you have any questions, please call us at 212-385-8000.
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