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Sheila Birnbaum, the new special master for the 9/11 health compensation fund, has proposed new regulations to expand coverage on Tuesday.
The 33-page draft outline expands the 9/11 crash site, allowing more people to claim benefits. Also included was the chance for those who were already compensated by the law to apply again in case of further complications.
Ms. Birnbaum was appointed to her position just 34 days before her proposals were released. Supporters applauded her quick work.
The fund was originally set up by the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, which allocated $2.7 billion over 10 years to those injured or suffering health complications related to 9/11 and its aftermath. The proposed regulations would allow those who were covered by the original fund to apply for "additional health conditions as scientific knowledge evolves."
Newsday highlighted one such survivor, John Devlin, who was already compensated, but was since diagnosed with stage 4 throat cancer.
Despite cheering the proposal, one Manhattan attorney cited concerns about the money available. The fund, he surmises, could conceivably run out of funds before claimants run out of claims.
Bill sponsors hope the proposal will be packaged before the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
If you would like more information about how medical malpractice and accident cases work in the state of New York, I encourage you to explore my educational website http://www.oginski-law.com. If you have legal questions, I urge you to pick up the phone and call me at 516-487-8207 or by e-mail at lawmed10@yahoo.com to answer your questions. That's what I do every day. I welcome your call.
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