Ailing 9/11 Responder Urges Increased Health Screenings

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y., Dec. 13, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Parker Waichman LLP, a national law firm that has spent many years fighting to ensure that the heroes and survivors of the September 11th terrorist attacks are never forgotten comments that, in the years following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, research has found that responders, rescue workers, residents, and survivors suffer from higher rates of certain medical conditions. Many receive medical treatment and other benefits through the Zadroga Act programs.

Michael Dorian went down to Ground Zero on the day of the attacks as a civilian, according to Fox 5 News. Mr. Dorian, a veterinary technician was told that his experience—drawing blood, administering oxygen, and washing eyes—would be of help to first responders. After spending a full day on the toxic pile, he was soon in the hospital being treated for fever and tracheal burns from inhaling the debris. (http://www.fox5ny.com/news/222811610-story#.WEtd4XyfQyY.email)

The WTC Health Program provides medical treatment and monitoring. Both the Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) were established through the Zadroga Act, which was first signed into law in 2011 and was reauthorized in December 2015, after years of effort from 9/11 advocates, including Parker Waichman. Reauthorization provides $3.5 billion to fund the WTC Health program for another 75 years to 2090. Because Michael was there on September 11^th and 12^th, he is VCF eligible.

When the towers fell, they released a hazardous mix of chemicals containing toxins such as asbestos; pulverized cement; polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs); benzene; dioxin; glass fibers; gypsum; jet fuel; heavy metals, including lead and other chemicals. Exposure to the 9/11 attack site has been linked to over 90 health conditions, including 60 types of cancer.

Two years ago, Michael was diagnosed with skin cancer, one of the some 60 forms of cancer on the World Trade Center (WTC) health program's list of illnesses associated with the 9/11 attacks. His physicians say he has only two years left to live, according to Fox 5 News. Michael, 49, said he has no regrets helping at Ground Zero and says he would do it again, knowing he was of help. And, Michael continues to try to help others. He told Fox 5 News that he did not realize his cancer was associated with the attacks and was not aware of the WTC health program at Mount Sinai Hospital. He urges everyone to get screened, even if they do not currently have symptoms. "The program is available to anyone who has a covered condition and was either a first responder or lived and/or worked in Lower Manhattan in the exposure zone, which is primarily south of Canal Street."

"Michael is a true volunteer. He went down to Ground Zero in the first few hours following the Twin Towers' collapse, spending the next 24 hours on the toxic pile," said Keith Gitman, Managing Attorney at Parker Waichman. "Michael is an example of a community of 9/11 responders and survivors who Parker Waichman has been representing and fighting for in the years since 9/11. Even though they were not with the official rescue operation, they still suffer and are dying from 9/11 illnesses and deserve treatment," Mr. Gitman added.

Despite his prognosis, Michael continues to maintain a positive attitude and says that he is thankful for every day he has. He told Fox5 News that a drug is currently in clinical trials that may prolong his life and, if approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—and whether that will happen remains unknown—he hopes to remain alive long enough to be able to try the drug.

Parker Waichman emphasizes the importance of the VCF and the WTC Health Program and is proud to have fought alongside Ground Zero residents, workers, first responders, and other survivors and advocates, to help ensure passage of Zadroga Act amendments. The firm vows to continue its efforts to safeguard all those exposed to Ground Zero's toxic cloud and the trauma of the attacks, and ensure that all deserved Zadroga Act compensation is received. To determine eligibility for compensation under the Act, or for assistance with a claim, please visit the Parker Waichman's website or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636). (http://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/zadroga-act-wtc-world-trade-center-claims-lawyer-attorney-lawsuit)

Contact: 
Keith Gitman 
516-466-6500

SOURCE Parker Waichman LLP

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