New Jersey lawmakers file 9/11 first responder workers comp bill

New Jersey legislators filed a bill Tuesday to provide workers compensation benefits to certain first responders for illnesses or injuries related to the 9/11 terrorist attack.

Senate Bill 1470 would consider any illness or injury developed by a first responder who worked at the site of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, to be a presumed occupational illness or injury eligible for workers comp regardless of when the claim is filed.

Employers of workers who received medical or disability workers comp benefits for the same injuries from other states or the federal government would be entitled to a credit.

The bill was sent to the Senate Labor Committee for consideration.