For many of the nearly 50,000 9/11 first responders…. the wounds of the Twin Tower attacks are far from healing. These rescue workers continue to struggle with respiratory illness, depression, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and many of them may be at increased risk for developing a number of cancers.
Because they and their fellow rescue workers were picking through rubble littered with asbestos, mercury, crushed florescent light bulbs and other known toxins, they were outfitted with only their normal uniform to protect them from potential contaminants. When hundreds of victims and their families were left struggling with impending health problems and emotional instabilities after the World Trade Center attacks..
The UNIFORMED FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION OF GREATER NEW YORK, selected one law firm, Sullivan Papain…., ….their friends and trusted legal advisors for the past 20 years……..to come to their rescue.
Because “Sometimes, even First Responders need to be saved”.
As Stephen Cassidy, The President of the Uniformed Firefighters Association, wrote in his letter of thanks to Sullivan Papain
“Working with the UFA and government officials in Washington DC, the firm was instrumental in the creation of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund which was established by Congress….”
Additionally, he writes that Sullivan Papain
….. “went well beyond assisting in the creation of the VCF Fund, as they then willingly and successfully undertook, for absolutely no fee, the representation of 362 injured firefighters and families of deceased firefighters who applied to the Fund.
“As a result of their tireless efforts and dedication, Sullivan Papain has recovered over $260 Million from the Fund for injured firefighters and families of fallen firefighters…. all while foregoing millions of dollars in legal fees”
And in 2004, the firm earned the National Law Journal’s 2004 Pro Bono Award
“Truly the magnitude of Sullivan Papain’s unheralded work for NYC’s Bravest and their families, affected by the September 11th tragedy, deserves to be recognized”
In 2004, following the VCF’s closure, Sullivan Papain filed the first lawsuits against New York City for failing to provide respirators to rescue and recovery workers. The resulting World Trade Center Disaster Site Litigation lasted for eight years with over 10,000 responders bringing suit.
Today, for the first time ever, the INSIDER EXCLUSIVE “Goes Behind the Headlines” with Nick Papain, Ptr Sullivan Papain, in New York’s Finest First Responders – Barbara Burnette’s Story , to reveal how their firm fought for 8 long difficult and challenging years, to successfully reach a $600 Million Dollar-plus settlement in 2010 on behalf of Barbara and hundreds more of New York’s finest.
Additionally, as a result of their continued efforts…. On January 2, 2011, President Obama signed the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 (“Zadroga Act”) into law. The Zadroga Act reopens the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 (“VCF”).
The new VCF is funded with over $2.7 billion dollars, and will operate until 2016. The VCF will compensate those who suffered certain physical injuries as a result of the World Trade Center disaster, including exposures to dust, smoke and debris.
And one of those Brave First Responders who testified before Congress in 2009 for the passage of the Zadroga Act….. former NYPD Detective Barbara Burnette, whose highly decorated and dynamic career ended because of injuries sustained from service at the WTC Site will be joining us on this Insider Exclusive Special
Nicholas Papain has earned the highest respect from citizens and lawyers alike…. as one of the best people’s trial lawyers in New York and….. in the nation. He’s been recognized by the New York Hellenic Lawyers Association in 2007 as the “Attorney of the Year”…. and served as President of the 4,000 member New York State Trial Lawyers Association for the 2008-2009 term.
Nick and his firm played a major role in the representation of the State of New York in its action against the major tobacco companies which resulted in a record $25 billion recovery for the state…. ….Which many leading authorities have recognized as “the most successful legal attack on a major public health hazard in the history of recorded civilization.”
Nick’s amazing courtroom skills and headline grabbing success rate continue to provide his clients with the results they need……And the results they deserve.
You can contact Nick Papain @ Sullivan Papain Block McGrath & Cannavo, P.C http://www.triallaw1.com/212-732-9000 Email: spbmc-ny@TrialLaw1.com