Exposure to the toxins at Ground Zero and the surrounding NYC Exposure Zone in the weeks and months following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks has contributed to countless cancer diagnoses. One of the forms of cancer that responders and survivors are at risk of developing is 9/11 gallbladder cancer. Although rare, this type of cancer is one of the deadliest, as it can be difficult to detect until it is in the later stages. If you are an eligible responder or survivor who was diagnosed with gallbladder cancer — or lost a loved one to the condition — you may be entitled to receive a monetary award from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.
What is 9/11 Gallbladder Cancer?
Gallbladder cancer is a form of cancer that begins in the pear-shaped organ found beneath the liver. Specifically, the gallbladder is the organ that stores and delivers bile, a fluid in the liver that helps digest fats. Gallbladder cancer doesn’t always present with symptoms in the early stages. But when it does, it tends to present like the symptoms associated with gallstones or a blockage in the bile duct.
Symptoms of 9/11 gallbladder cancer can include the following:
- Upper abdominal pain
- Jaundice
- Unexplained weight loss
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Lumps in the abdomen
- Vomiting
- Fever
Because gallbladder cancer does not always cause symptoms, it may not be detected until it is in an advanced stage. However, if found early when the cancer is small, the five-year survival rate is 65%. When this type of cancer metastasizes to other parts of the body, the prognosis is generally poor — if found at stage IV, the five-year survival rate is below 5%. Treatment for this form of cancer is available to eligible responders and survivors through the WTC Health Program, and can include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
VCF Compensation for Gallbladder Cancer
Responders who worked in the NYC Exposure Zone — and survivors who lived, worked, or went to school in the area — are at an increased risk of developing many different types of cancer, including gallbladder cancer. Critically, women face a higher risk of this form of cancer than men. While 9/11-related cancers can take a physical, emotional, and financial toll on responders, survivors, and their families, the VCF issues monetary compensation for the economic and non-economic losses they have suffered in connection with a diagnosis.
A VCF economic loss award for gallbladder cancer linked to 9/11 can include a wide range of pecuniary losses, including loss of earnings, employment benefits, out-of-pocket medical costs, and replacement services loss. Non-economic loss, also known as a “pain and suffering” award, compensates a victim for the physical pain and emotional anguish they experienced in connection with their cancer diagnosis. The Zadroga Act authorizes the VCF to issue non-economic loss awards up to $250,000 for cancers, based on the severity of the condition and the impact it has on a victim’s life. However, the Special Master may exceed this statutory cap in limited cases where a victim has been diagnosed with multiple forms of cancer.
If a responder or survivor has passed away due to gallbladder cancer or another form of cancer linked to the toxic dust cloud, their loved ones may be able to file a deceased claim. In doing so, the victim’s spouse and dependents may be eligible to receive $100,000 each, in addition to $250,000 on behalf of the victim.
Contact an Experienced 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Attorney
If you’re a responder or survivor who has been diagnosed with gallbladder cancer, it’s crucial to have a knowledgeable VCF attorney by your side who can assist you in filing a claim and ensure you obtain the compensation you deserve. 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.