9/11 First Responders with Cancer Sue City

April 09, 2006

A group of first responders say their brain illness is linked to toxic air and dust from 9/11. A lawyer for several of those affected says the group is seeking immediate action by the city along with monetary damages. Dozens of people, including six NYPD officers, developed brain cancer after September 11th. Many are blaming the illness on their rescue and recovery work at the Trade Center site. Their attorney claims that out of the 7,300 sick workers and family members involved in the case, 41 have now died. The city's lawyers say they will not comment on the case, because they have not yet seen the lawsuit.

Former NYPD Detective's Death Linked to 9/11 Cleanup

April 11, 2006

A New Jersey medical examiner confirmed Tuesday the recent death of a retired NYPD detective was caused by his work at the World Trade Center site following the 9/11 attacks. James Zadroga, 34, died in January from what was called brain and respiratory complications. The union representing NYPD detectives has long argued Zadroga's death was a direct result of his rescue and recovery work at the WTC site, and Tuesday an autopsy report filed by a New Jersey medical examiner confirmed it. “It is felt with a reasonable degree of medical certainty that the cause of death in this case was directly related to the 9/11 incident," said Detectives' Endowment Association President Michael Palladino, quoting the ME’s report. The union says it wants Zadroga's death to be reclassified as a death in the line of duty. This designation will give Zadroga's 4-year-old daughter pension benefits for a longer period of time. Under the current status, she will only be the beneficiary until she is 12. The NYPD has not yet issued a comment about the case.