Electricians and electrical workers were among the brave responders who aided in the recovery and cleanup efforts in the days and weeks following the September 11th terrorist attacks. Tragically, Local 3 IBEW lost 17 members and Local 1212 lost four members when the Twin Towers collapsed.
Helping to rebuild the city, many more electrical industry workers were exposed to the toxins in the 9/11 dust cloud. To this day, a large number of these workers continue to suffer from the resulting adverse health effects.
If you were a 9/11 electrical worker who developed an illness connected with your work in the NYC Exposure Zone in the months following the events of September 11th, you may be entitled to receive medical monitoring from the WTC Health Program. In the event you are diagnosed with a certified 9/11-related illness, you might also be eligible to receive a monetary award from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.
What Medical Conditions Affect 9/11 Electrical Workers?
The 9/11 dust cloud contained thousands of carcinogens, toxins, and chemicals. When inhaled, these particles lodged themselves in the bronchial tubes, sinuses, and lungs of responders, leading to severe irritation and in many cases, lifelong injury. Countless responders have also developed various forms of cancer and many different types of aerodigestive disorders.
Some of the most common types of 9/11-related health conditions faced by electricians who worked at Ground Zero and the surrounding area include the following:
- Respiratory problems — Chronic cough syndrome, asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis, and GERD are just a few of the respiratory issues suffered by 9/11 electrical workers.
- Lung diseases — There are a wide range of lung conditions that pose serious health risks for electrical industry workers, such as COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, and interstitial lung disease.
- All forms of cancer — All types of cancer have been found in 9/11 responders, including electrical workers. Some of the most common forms of 9/11-related cancer include skin cancer, prostate cancer, digestive system cancers, blood cancers, thyroid cancer, and numerous others.
It’s crucial for 9/11 electrical workers to register with the WTC Health Program for medical monitoring and treatment. The Program also certifies health conditions for the purpose of obtaining compensation from the VCF.
The WTC Health Program is separate from the VCF. However, the two entities work closely together to ensure that responders receive the monetary recovery to which they’re entitled for the impact of their 9/11-related illness.
What Compensation Does the VCF Provide to 9/11 Electrical Workers?
The VCF recognizes the substantial toll a 9/11-related health condition can have on electrical industry workers and other responders. The VCF issues awards to responders who meet the eligibility criteria for both the economic and non-economic losses they have suffered in connection with their illnesses linked to the dust cloud.
Economic losses are meant to cover lost earnings, retirement benefits, out-of-pocket medical costs, and other financial damages incurred because of a responder’s 9/11 health condition. Non-economic losses are awarded to compensate for the pain and suffering a responder experienced due to their 9/11 illness or disease. Under the Zadroga Act, the maximum pain and suffering award for a non-cancer is $90,000 and can vary based on the severity of the condition. The highest amount issued for a cancer condition is $250,000.
Contact an Experienced 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Attorney
If you were a 9/11 electrical worker and developed an illness linked to your work in the NYC Exposure Zone, you may be entitled to compensation from the VCF. However, the VCF’s regulations can be confusing, and the process of filing a claim is often frustrating. It’s best to have a knowledgeable 9/11 VCF attorney by your side who can help ensure that you obtain the maximum compensation available.
The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund attorneys at The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. have represented claimants and their families in VCF claims for more than a decade. For a free consultation, contact us today.