Law Revisions Strengthens Protections for NJ’s 9/11 First Responders

Governor Phil Murphy recently signed two bill revisions into law that will further support those who were devastated by the effects of 9/11. The “Bill Ricci World Trade Center Rescue, Recovery, and Cleanup Operations Act” will extend and preserve health benefits and workers’ compensation benefits to the men and women who responded to the 9/11 attacks. 

The “Thomas P. Canzanella Twenty First Century First Responders Protection Act” will revise and supplement existing workers’ compensation laws to meet the needs of public safety workers for years to come. Both revisions to the original compensation law solidify these worker’s rights to compensation if they fall ill of any devastating illness due to their work responding to 9/11 related events. Prior to these revisions, volunteer first responders were required to demonstrate causation of their illnesses. The new language added to the bills specify that cancers and illnesses related to the 9/11 search and rescue efforts that manifest themselves years later, will be admissible workers’ compensation claims in NJ.

The attorneys at Vlasac & Shmaruk are dedicated to helping these heroes receive the best compensation possible for their injuries and illnesses. If you have any questions about how these revisions pertain to you, please give us a call, and an experienced attorney will be happy to consult with you.