As a result of inhaling the carcinogens in the toxic dust cloud that covered Lower Manhattan in the immediate aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, many responders and survivors have developed various types of cancer. A rare form of cancer that poses a risk to those present at Ground Zero or in the NYC Exposure Zone is thymus cancer. If you’re an eligible responder or survivor diagnosed with 9/11 thymus cancer — or you lost a loved one to the disease — you may be entitled to receive a monetary award from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.
What is 9/11 Thymus Cancer?
Thymus cancer starts when the thymus cells grow uncontrollably, crowding out the normal cells. Specifically, the thymus is a crucial part of the body’s immune system and is made up of several types of cells, which can each develop into different types of cancer. For example, thymomas and thymic carcinomas develop from epithelial cells. Lymphocytes, which make up most of the rest of the thymus, can develop into Hodgkin disease and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Symptoms of 9/11 thymus cancer can include the following:
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty swallowing
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Hoarseness
Notably, thymus cancer doesn’t always present with symptoms. In many cases, a tumor is found when a chest X-ray is performed for other reasons. When detected early and there are no signs that the cancer has spread, the five-year survival rate is 94%. However, if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lining of the heart or lungs, the five-year survival rate drops to 38%. This is why it is crucial for responders and survivors to register with the WTC Health Program — the Program provides monitoring and treatment for all forms of 9/11-related cancer, including thymus cancer.
VCF Compensation for Thymus Cancer
Thymus cancer can have a substantial impact on a victim’s life and livelihood. The VCF recognizes how this form of cancer can affect a victim and their family — it is authorized under the Zadroga Act to issue compensation to responders and survivors who suffer from the disease. Those who meet the eligibility criteria may be entitled to recover both the economic and non-economic losses they suffered due to a thymus cancer diagnosis.
An economic loss award for thymus cancer can compensate for loss of earnings, employment benefits, replacement services loss, and out-of-pocket medical expenses. A non-economic loss award is meant to compensate a victim for the pain and suffering they experienced due to their cancer diagnosis. The Zadroga Act allows a non-economic loss award of up to $250,000 for claimants with a certified cancer condition. The amount issued is based on the severity of the condition. In limited situations where a victim has been diagnosed with multiple forms of cancer, the Special Master has the authority to exceed the statutory cap.
If a responder or survivor passed away because of their 9/11 cancer condition, their family may be able to file a deceased claim with the VCF. The spouse and dependents of the responder or survivor may be entitled to $100,000 each for the loss of their loved one, in addition to $250,000 on behalf of the victim.
Contact an Experienced New York City 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Attorney
If you are a 9/11 responder or survivor diagnosed with thymus cancer, it’s critical to have a knowledgeable VCF attorney by your side who can help you secure the compensation 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.