Can Police Officers and Other Emergency Responders Obtain or Increase Disability Benefits Almost 15 Years After the Attacks?

Most Americans are familiar with the extensive funds amassed by various organizations for the victims of the 2001 World Trade Center attacks. While much of this money was dispersed as intended, the majority of it went to individuals who were lost or injured inside the towers on the day of the attack. For hundreds of 9/11 emergency responders who suffered, and for their families, financial recourse for injuries and fatalities has come mainly from municipal pension plans and various private and work-related insurance policies.

Obtaining lump sum or ongoing compensation immediately following an accident can be difficult. Obtaining it more than a decade after the event can be even more challenging. But if a World Trade Center emergency responder experiences new, ongoing or increasing injury symptoms resulting from 9/11, he or she can pursue compensation.

An example of this type of case is one involving former NYC police officer Annmarie Sheldon. Ms. Sheldon spent 300 hours at Ground Zero in 2001, after which her health deteriorated rapidly. Under World Trade Center presumption laws, she pursued accidental disability retirement benefits from the Police Pension Fund. Fund administrators denied her request, stating there was no link between her 9/11 service and health problems. Ms. Sheldon appealed.

Earlier this month, a judge found in favor of Ms. Sheldon, stating that the evidence shows that she “did not have fibromyalgia before September 11, 2001” and that her disabling condition developed “in the wake of her WTC exposure.” As a result of her case, Ms. Sheldon will receive an additional $2,500 per month for her WTC-related injuries.

If you are a police officer, firefighter or other type of emergency responder currently facing injuries or questions relating to your World Trade Center service, make sure your rights to financial compensation are fully protected by contacting the New York City disability attorneys of Seelig Law Offices, LLC, in Manhattan. We have successfully fought for the rights of hundreds of injured NYC workers.Call (212)766-0600.