The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire Memorial was founded and continues to be run by members of the Injured Workers' Bar Association. The Injured Workers' Bar Association (IWBA) is comprised of individual attorneys and firms who represent injured workers and their families. Only attorneys who represent claimants are eligible to be members of this Bar Association. Our firm and our individual attorneys have been members of the Injured Workers' Bar Association since its inception in 1994.
The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire Memorial was created by attorneys from the IWBA to honor the memory of the young women and girls who died in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911. In that tragic fire 146 workers died in less than 15 minutes as they were trapped in the factory in which they worked and were unable to force open the locked doors. In a matter of minutes they were overcome with fire and smoke or in the alternative jumped to their deaths to escape the raging fire. This horrific event ultimately led to the passage of the New York State Workers' Compensation Law over much opposition from the business community.
To honor the memories of the workers who died in that tragic event the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Memorial was created. To perpetuate their legacy the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Memorial has created a scholarship fund. Scholarships are available to children of permanently disabled or deceased workers. Scholarships sponsored by individual firms are also available.
More can be learned about the history of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire Memorial on the TSFFM website or by contacting our office. If you are interested in pursuing a scholarship or feel that you would be eligible, please feel free to give us a call and we will help you apply.