Exposure to the chemicals and carcinogens from the 9/11 toxic dust cloud has led to many forms of cancer, including adrenal cancer. This type of cancer is a rare form of cancer that begins in the adrenal glands. If you are an eligible responder or survivor who was diagnosed with 9/11 adrenal cancer — or you lost a loved one to this condition — you may be entitled to receive a monetary award from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.
What is 9/11 Adrenal Cancer?
Adrenal cancer starts in the small, triangular glands at the top of the kidneys. Specifically, there are three main types of adrenal cancer — adrenocortical carcinoma, neuroblastoma, and pheochromocytoma.
The most common form of adrenal cancer is adrenocortical carcinoma, which forms in the outer layer of the adrenal gland. Neuroblastoma forms in the nerve cells and typically affects children under the age of 10. Pheochromocytoma begins in the center of the medulla, in the cells that produce adrenaline.
Symptoms of 9/11 adrenal cancer can include the following:
- Weight gain
- Unintended weight loss
- Muscle weakness
- Hormonal changes
- Pink or purple stretch marks
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bloating
- Back or abdominal pain
When diagnosed and treated early, the prognosis for adrenal cancer is good. However, once the disease metastasizes, the outlook is less positive. Treatment typically consists of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Importantly, the WTC Health Program provides monitoring and treatment to eligible responders and survivors for 9/11-related adrenal cancer. The program also certifies this type of cancer to obtain a monetary award from the VCF.
VCF Compensation for Adrenal Cancer
Responders and survivors who were present in the NYC Exposure Zone in the immediate aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks are at an increased risk of developing many types of cancer, including adrenal cancer. Critically, the physical and financial toll of this form of cancer can be significant. The VCF issues monetary awards to those who satisfy the eligibility criteria for the economic and non-economic losses they suffered.
VCF economic loss for 9/11 adrenal cancer can include compensation for the pecuniary losses suffered in connection with the diagnosis. An economic loss award covers lost earnings, loss of employment benefits, out-of-pocket medical expenses, and replacement services loss. In contrast, a non-economic loss award is meant to compensate for the pain and suffering a victim experienced due to the condition.
Under the Zadroga Act, a responder or survivor can be compensated up to $250,000 for a cancer condition. The amount awarded depends on the severity of the condition. In cases involving multiple forms of cancer, the Special Master has the authority to exceed the statutory cap and award up to $340,000.
In the event a victim passes away as a result of adrenal cancer linked to the toxic dust cloud, their spouse and dependents may be eligible to receive monetary recovery by filing a deceased claim. Compensation can include the costs of a funeral or memorial service, burial costs, replacement services loss, and lost wages. The spouse and dependents of a victim may also be entitled to non-economic loss in the amount of $100,000 each, in addition to $250,000 on behalf of the victim.
Contact an Experienced 9/11 VCF Attorney
If you have been diagnosed with 9/11 adrenal cancer, it’s crucial to have a knowledgeable VCF attorney by your side who can guide you through the claim filing process and ensure you secure the monetary recovery to which you’re entitled. The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund attorneys at The Dearie Law Firm, P.C., have represented claimants and their families in 9/11 VCF claims for over a decade. For a free consultation, contact us today.