According to the World Trade Center Health Program, bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers found among 9/11 responders and survivors. While this form of cancer is often diagnosed in long-term smokers, it has also been linked to certain industrial chemicals — such as those found in the 9/11 dust cloud. If you are a 9/11 responder or survivor who developed bladder cancer, you may be entitled to file a claim with the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.
Bladder Cancer Symptoms and Treatment Options
Many of the chemicals that filled the air in lower Manhattan in the weeks following the 9/11 terrorist attacks have been linked to bladder cancer, including asbestos, arsenic, heavy metals, lead, and countless other carcinogens. Since it can often take years to develop, many responders who were present at Ground Zero, as well as survivors within the New York City Exposure Zone, continue to be diagnosed with this form of cancer.
Common symptoms of bladder cancer can include:
- Frequent urination
- Trouble urinating
- Fatigue
- Bone pain
- Lower back pain
- Pain or burning during urination
- Hematuria, or blood in the urine
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
Bladder cancer is highly treatable if diagnosed early. Depending on the cancer’s stage and the patient’s medical history, treatment options may include surgery, intravesical therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy drugs. While early-stage tumors can usually be removed with surgery, there is sometimes a concern that cancer will later develop in other parts of the bladder. In these cases, the entire bladder may be removed in an effort to stop the cancer from spreading.
If left undetected, bladder cancer can spread to other parts of the body — and the prognosis may worsen. This is why it is critical for 9/11 responders and survivors to enroll with the WTC Health Program and attend regular health screenings. To discuss your eligibility for 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund benefits, talk to one of the experienced attorneys at The Dearie Law Firm. For over a decade, they have represented survivors and first responders who developed bladder cancer.
VCF Compensation for 9/11 Bladder Cancer
The VCF issues monetary awards to responders and survivors who meet the eligibility criteria for the economic and non-economic losses they have experienced due to their 9/11 bladder cancer diagnosis. However, in order to receive an award from the VCF, your condition must first be certified by the WTC Health Program.
An economic loss award compensates a responder or survivor for loss of earnings and benefits, as well as out-of-pocket costs incurred in connection with medical treatment. In addition, the VCF will award up to $250,000 for the non-economic losses you suffered as a result of a 9/11 bladder cancer diagnosis. A non-economic loss award is meant to compensate you for the pain and suffering you endured in connection with your condition. In limited cases, such as when multiple cancer conditions have been diagnosed, the VCF may consider issuing an award beyond the statutory cap.
Families who have lost a loved one to 9/11 bladder cancer may also be eligible to receive compensation from the VCF. By filing a wrongful death claim, the spouse and victim’s dependents may be entitled to recover their economic and non-economic losses. The Zadroga Act allows a non-economic loss award in the presumed amount of $250,000 for the victim and $100,000 to their spouse and each dependent.
Contact an Experienced 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Attorney
Being diagnosed with bladder cancer can be devastating. If you have developed bladder cancer linked to the carcinogens in the 9/11 dust cloud, you may be entitled to receive an award from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. However, registering with the VCF and filing a claim can be confusing and overwhelming. It’s best to have the guidance of an experienced VCF attorney who can help ensure you receive the monetary award 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 more than a decade. For a free consultation, contact us today.