In the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, thousands of responders, workers, and volunteers participated in the recovery efforts and debris cleanup. Over the last two decades, many of the responders who worked at Ground Zero — and survivors who lived in the NYC Exposure Zone — have been diagnosed with 9/11 lung cancer due to breathing in the carcinogens contained in the toxic dust cloud that covered lower Manhattan for months.
As lung cancer often has a long latency period, the condition continues to surface in responders and survivors, twenty years later. If you’re an eligible responder or survivor who suffers from 9/11 lung cancer, The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. can assist you with securing the monetary award you’re entitled to receive from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.
9/11 Lung Cancer Symptoms
The 9/11 toxic dust cloud and debris contained concrete, asbestos, lead, mercury, glass fibers, dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls, gypsum, calcite, and countless other carcinogens linked to many kinds of cancer — including lung cancer.
9/11 lung cancer can present with various symptoms, many of which may not appear until the later stages of the illness. Responders and survivors who develop 9/11 lung cancer may experience:
• Persistent cough
• Chest pain
• Hoarseness
• Lack of appetite
• Coughing up blood
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
Unfortunately, lung cancer has one of the lowest survival rates of all types of cancer. However, if the condition is discovered in the early stages, it may be treated more successfully. The WTC Health Program provides health monitoring and treatment for 9/11 responders and survivors for a broad scope of health issues connected with the terrorist attacks, such as 9/11 lung cancer.
VCF Compensation for 9/11 Lung Cancer Claims
A diagnosis of 9/11 lung cancer can be life-changing. Depending on how debilitating your condition is, you may have lost time from work, earnings, employment benefits, and incurred out-of-pocket medical expenses. You likely also experienced physical and emotional pain and suffering. If you are a responder or survivor who was in the NYC Exposure Zone in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks between September 11, 2001 and May 30, 2002, you may be eligible to receive an award for the economic and non-economic damages you suffered.
Non-economic loss is determined based on the severity of the condition and the VCF generally caps awards at $250,000 for lung cancer. In limited circumstances involving multiple cancer diagnoses, the Special Master may make an exception to the award cap.
Families who have lost loved ones to 9/11 lung cancer may be entitled to additional compensation of $250,000 for the decedent, and $100,000 for the spouse and each dependent by filing a wrongful death claim. The spouse and a victim’s dependents may also be awarded for the economic loss they suffered as a result of losing a member of their household, as well as for reimbursement of burial and memorial expenses
In order to submit a claim with the VCF for 9/11 lung cancer, responders and survivors must first have their eligible condition certified by the WTC Health Program. Importantly, there is a minimum latency period of four years for 9/11 lung cancer in order for the condition to be certified as eligible.
Contact a 9/11 VCF Attorney for Help Navigating Your 9/11 Lung Cancer Claim
If you’re an eligible responder or survivor who developed 9/11 lung cancer, you may be entitled to receive medical treatment from the WTC Health Program and compensation from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. However, the regulations can be complex and it’s best to have an experienced attorney on your side who can assist you with filing a claim. The attorneys at Dearie Law Firm, P.C. are committed to providing assistance to 9/11 responders and survivors at every step of the VCF claims process to help ensure they obtain their rightful compensation. Contact us for a consultation.