New York Workers Compensation Alliance

The September 11^th attacks killed thousands of New York workers and injured tens of thousands of workers who heroically participated in rescue, recovery and clean-up activities.  In August, 2006 the Legislature added Article 8-A to the Workers’ Compensation Law.  Article 8-A permits those who participated in rescue, recovery and clean-up operations to file a WTC-12 registration form.  The current deadline to file a WTC-12 form is September 11, 2010.

 

The WCA, labor unions, and other organizations that protect the rights of injured workers have made extensive efforts to publicize the registration provision and to register injured workers.  Information about registering for benefits in connection with September 11^th rescue, recovery, and cleanup operations is available at:

 

http://www.wcb.state.ny.us/content/main/SubjectNos/sn046_159.jsp

http://nycosh.org/environment_wtc/WTC/911WCrev818.pdf

http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/wtc/html/home/home.shtml

http://www.wtcexams.org/

 

 The WCA Position.  The WCA calls on the Board to publicize the September 11^th registration deadline on its web site and at hearing points, and to make WTC-12 forms readily available so that participants in rescue, recovery and clean-up operations can register and preserve their right to claim workers’ compensation benefits.

 

Posted By WCA In 9/11 Workers' Comp Claims , Breaking News | 0 Comments Permalink

 

On the eighth anniversary of the World Trade Center tragedy, all the attorneys of the New York Workers' Compensation Alliance  pay their respects to the victims and families impacted by 9/11.  We have all represented these victims before the New York State Workers' Compensation Board  these past eight years, often in a pro bono capacity, and we pledge to continue to serve future claimants in the inevitable serious claims yet to come. 

In addition, it is appropriate to recognize and applaud all the employees of the New York State Workers' Compensation Board, whose swift and compassionate actions to process claims following the tragedy helped thousands of families cope with their loss. No workers' compensation system in the United states, before or after 9/11, had a more challenging crisis.

With the willing cooperation of all stakeholders in the system, the employees of the WCB rose to the occasion to meet the needs of their fellow citizens.  In many respects, this was the NY Workers' Compensation Board's shining moment and the Board continues today to resolve 9/11 claims in a quick and compassionate manner.  

Please join the WCA today in taking a moment to remember all those impacted by 9/11 .   

Posted By WCA In 9/11 Workers' Comp Claims , NY Workers' Compensation Reform , Workers Comp Claims | 1 Comments Permalink

On the seventh anniversary of the World Trade Center tragedy, all the attorneys of the New York Workers' Compensation Alliance pay their respects to the victims and families impacted by 9/11.  We have all represented these victims before the New York State Workers' Compensation Board  these past seven years, and we pledge to continue to serve future claimants in the inevitable serious claims yet to come.  God bless you. 

Posted By WCA In 9/11 Workers' Comp Claims | 0 Comments Permalink

Private hospital workers, emergency medical technicians (EMT's) and paramedics who were dispatched  to Ground Zero after 9/11 will be potentially the first workers in New York State Workers' Compensation history to receive 75% of their lost wages, as opposed to the traditional 66 2/3% rate of compensation, based on a new bill passed last week in Albany. 

This is a significant victory for these forgotten heroes of 9/11 and another victory for the hospital workers' unions in Albany.  As reported in Workers' Comp Central:

• "New York Workers Compensation Alliance, which includes claimants' attorneys and other workers' advocates, praised the compromise bill Thursday.
  
  Troy Rosasco, co-chairman of the alliance, said a board member of the organization helped draft the legislation.
  
  "It is a great victory for some of the forgotten heroes of 9/11," Rosasco said. He said the bill will help bring parity with benefits already paid to public employees. "

 

 

 

 

 

Posted By WCA In 9/11 Workers' Comp Claims , Legislation , Workers Comp Claims , Workers' Comp Politics | 0 Comments Permalink

Zachary S. Weiss, Esq, a lawyer and long time confidant to Governor Eliot Spitzer, was confirmed late last night as the new Chairman of the New York State Workers' Compensation Board.  See Mr. Weiss' biography here.  The New York Workers' Compensation Alliance wishes him well in his new position and pledges to work with him and his administration to better the plight of New York's injured workers.

Despite his new position, the Workers' Compensation Alliance (WCA) has been working with the new Chair since earlier this year on such issues as the "Rocket Docket Task Force" while he was Special Counsel in the New York State Insurance Department.  In recent conversations with the Workers' Compensation Alliance leadership, the new Chair has stated a strong willingness to work with injured workers and their representatives to improve a system that has taken a decidedly "employer turn" in the previous administration.   

The twin goals of speeding benefits to injured workers and lowering employers costs are attainable. For instance, eliminating costly and unnecessary medical depositions would help both injured workers and employers.  In addition, the Chair will be overseeing the implementation of revised medical and vocational guidelines to help determine an injured workers' true level of disability and potential to return to work.

Again, the WCA welcomes Zachary "Zack" Weiss as the new Chair of the venerable and prestigious New York Workers' Compensation Board.  He is a sharp, well seasoned professional. Injured workers need a strong advocate in their corner.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted By WCA In 9/11 Workers' Comp Claims , NY Workers' Compensation Reform , Workers Comp Claims , Workers' Comp Politics | 0 Comments Permalink

Congratulations to Governor Spitzer, Senate Majority Leader Bruno and Assembly Speaker Silver for extending until August 14, 2008 the time for World Trade Center rescue, recovery and clean up workers and volunteers to register for protection for future illnesses caused by their work in and around Ground Zero.  Click here for further information and a blank registration form for your use.  If you worked or volunteered in or around Ground Zero after September 11, 2001, please register today for the benefit of yourself and your family.  Any questions, please feel free to contact the New York Workers' Compensation Alliance. Posted By WCA In 9/11 Workers' Comp Claims , Breaking News , Workers' Comp Politics | 1 Comments Permalink