Two decades after the September 11th terrorist attacks, the number of cancer diagnoses linked to the dust cloud continues to increase. In fact, over the last three years, the number of cancer cases certified by the WTC Health Program has doubled from 14,030 in June 2019 to 28,434 in June of 22. According to medical experts, this indicates how the health effects of exposure to the toxic chemicals at Ground Zero can take years to emerge. Due to the long latency periods for many types of cancers, doctors expect more 9/11-related cancer cases in the coming years.
Types of Cancer Linked to 9/11
The WTC Health Program treats and certifies all forms of cancer that are linked to the 9/11 dust cloud. But it’s important to understand there are minimum latency periods that must be met in order to be eligible for medical monitoring, treatment, and certification. Depending on the type of cancer, the Program’s latency periods can range from 146 days (as with leukemia and lymphoma) to 11 years (as with mesothelioma). WTC Health Program doctors have noted that since it can take a considerable amount of time for cancer to develop, discovering tumors 20 years after exposure is to be expected.
The most common types of cancer linked to the toxins in the 9/11 dust cloud include:
- Skin Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Lymphoma
- Thyroid Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Leukemia
- Colon Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Bladder Cancer
- Myeloma
- Oropharynx Cancer
- Rectum Cancer
- Neuroendocrine Cancer
Tragically, many responders and survivors have been diagnosed with multiple forms of cancer. Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common form diagnosed in responders, with over 6,100 cases having been diagnosed to date. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form among survivors, with more than 2,500 diagnoses. It is also the second most certified among responders, with more than 3,800 cases linked to the NYC Exposure Zone.
What Compensation Does the VCF Award for Cancer Claims?
The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund provides monetary recovery to eligible responders and survivors who have been diagnosed with a 9/11-related cancer. However, in addition to satisfying the presence criteria, a responder or survivor must first have their condition certified by the WTC Health Program before the VCF will issue an award.
The VCF compensates up to $250,000 in non-economic losses for a cancer condition. The amount of compensation issued is not based on the number of cancers or 9/11-related health conditions a responder or survivor has — rather, it will depend upon the severity of each condition. In limited circumstances, the VCF may increase the amount of compensation if multiple cancers are diagnosed. The VCF will also compensate a responder or survivor for the economic losses they suffered in connection with their 9/11 cancer, including lost earnings, loss of benefits, and out-of-pocket medical costs.
Families who have lost loved ones to 9/11 cancer conditions may also be entitled to receive an award for their economic and non-economic losses by filing a VCF wrongful death claim. In doing so, they may be compensated for their loved one’s lost earnings, lost services, unreimbursed medical expenses, and funeral costs. Pursuant to the Zadroga Act, the spouse and dependents of a 9/11 responder or survivor who passed away due to a 9/11-related cancer may be entitled to additional non-economic losses in the amount of $100,000 each and $250,000 on behalf of the decedent.
Contact a New York City 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Attorney
If you developed a cancer condition linked to the 9/11 dust cloud, you may be entitled to receive medical care from the WTC Health Program and a monetary award from the VCF. It’s essential to have a skilled 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund attorney on your side who can help ensure you secure the maximum recovery to which you are 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 more than a decade. For a free consultation, contact us today.