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Sampson Urges Workers Comp Signup For 9/11/01 Volunteers State Senator John Sampson urged those involved in the rescue, recovery or cleanup efforts at the World Trade Center on or after September 11, 2001 to register with the New York State Workers' Compensation Board by Tues-day, August 14th. "September 11th, 2001, was a day of horrific loss," Sampson said. "But on that day, and in the days that followed, there was a resolve from everyone at the site of what was the World Trade Center to bring closure to a grieving city, be it through rescue, recovery or cleanup. These volunteers - including some from this area - sacrificed their time and their health to see the work to its conclusion. "Last year in recognition of their selfless work, my colleagues and I in the Senate joined the Assembly in passing legislation extending the deadline for any workers exposed to contaminated dust and some to file compensation claims," he said. "I have learned, however, that only 4,000 of the 100,000 eligible individuals have filed a claim. Whether you are sick or not, is important to give yourself peace of mind by registering for workers compensation before August 14th. The Canarsie lawmaker elaborated by saying it was important for volunteers to register, even if they are healthy, to lock in their right to file a workers' compensation claim in the future should they get sick years from now. Senator Sampson said individuals who worked between September 11, 2001 and September 12, 2002 in Lower Manhattan, on the barge operation between Lower Manhattan and Staten Island, at the Staten Island landfill or at the New York City morgue are eligible to register for workers' compensation claim. Those who were denied a previously filed claim are encouraged to re-file. If a claim is approved, worker's compensation will pay 100% of all medical expenses for work-related illnesses as well as mental conditions such as depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It also pays two-thirds of an average weekly wage up to $400 a week if a worker cannot work due to a 9/11-related sickness or injury. "If you are one of the men and women who toiled at Ground Zero, you deserve to be compensated," Sen-ator Sampson concluded. " Please register by August 14th and protect your future. Don't wait - it will be too late."
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