9/11 Blood Cancer Compensation Claims

9/11 Leukemia Compensation Claims

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with leukemia and was present at or near Ground Zero in the weeks or months following the September 11th attacks, you may be eligible for financial compensation and free medical monitoring and treatment. Leukemia is one of the top ten diagnosed cancers among 9/11 first responders, recovery workers, and downtown Manhattan residents, students, teachers, and area workers. Through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) and the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), eligible individuals who were present in the Exposure Zone (anywhere south of Canal Street) and have developed a 9/11-related cancer or illness can receive meaningful support to face the challenges that come with these conditions.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with leukemia after 9/11 and believes it may be connected to exposure at or near the World Trade Center site, support is available. At Hansen & Rosasco, LLP, our attorneys have been representing 9/11 survivors and their families for more than two decades. We’re here to help you understand your rights and eligibility under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. We will guide you through the process of filing a VCF claim and registering with the WTCHP for certification of your 9/11-related illness, so you can focus on your health and recovery.

The Link Between 9/11 and Leukemia

The collapse of the World Trade Center released a massive cloud of toxic dust and smoke into the entire downtown area as far north as Houston Street. This dust cloud contained a complex mixture of over 2,500 contaminants, including known carcinogens such as asbestos, benzene, cadmium, and dioxins and other harmful substances such as smoke, glass, and pulverized concrete. Many of these toxins are known to damage bone marrow and interfere with the normal production of blood cells.

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that affects white blood cells. Research has shown that long-term exposure to carcinogenic chemicals, particularly benzene, is strongly associated with the development of blood cancers, including leukemia. Individuals who worked, lived, or attended school in the New York City exposure zone following September 11, 2001, were all exposed to these harmful substances. As a result, leukemia is now recognized as a 9/11-related cancer and can be certified by the World Trade Center Health Program.

What Are the Common Signs of Leukemia?

Leukemia symptoms are often subtle and may resemble other, less serious conditions in the early stages of the disease. In many cases, symptoms will worsen over time as abnormal white blood cells push out healthy blood cells in the bone marrow.

Common signs and symptoms of leukemia may include, but are not limited to:

Persistent fatigue or weakness
Frequent infections or slow healing
Unexplained bruising or bleeding
Fever, chills, or night sweats
Bone or joint pain
Swollen lymph nodes
Shortness of breath
Pale skin due to anemia

Because leukemia can progress differently depending on the type of cancer, it is critical to seek medical evaluation if symptoms are present and persistent. Early diagnosis can improve treatment outcomes and may also help establish eligibility for 9/11-related healthcare and VCF compensation.

How to Know if You Qualify For Leukemia Compensation From 9/11 Exposure

To be eligible for compensation from the VCF, leukemia must be certified by the WTCHP. Eligibility for compensation is generally based on:

Presence in the NYC Exposure Zone: You must have been present in the exposure zone (generally south of Canal Street) between September 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002. This includes first responders, recovery workers, and downtown residents, workers, and students.
A Certified 9/11-Related Health Condition: The WTCHP must determine that your leukemia is linked to your exposure to 9/11 toxins.
Timely Registration: You must register your claim with the VCF by the applicable deadline, which depends on the date of your diagnosis (or death of a loved one) and the date of WTCHP certification.

If you are the spouse or family member of someone who died from 9/11-related leukemia, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim for financial compensation for your loss.

VCF Compensation for 9/11 Leukemia Claims

Once your leukemia is certified by the WTCHP, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation from the VCF for both economic and non-economic losses.

Economic Loss: Economic loss compensation reimburses claimants for out-of-pocket medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning capacity, the loss of employer benefits like pension and retirement contributions, employer-paid health insurance, sick and vacation pay, and annuities, and loss of household services provided. In wrongful death claims, surviving family members may receive compensation for the victim’s lost income, loss of their support in the home, a $100,000 spousal award, a $100,000 award for each dependent, and funeral/burial expenses.
Non-Economic Loss: Also known as pain and suffering, non-economic loss is awarded based on the severity and impact of your illness. For leukemia, these awards typically range from $90,000 to $250,000, depending on how aggressive or advanced the disease is and how it affects the claimant’s life. These non-economic loss awards recognize the pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life that accompany a cancer diagnosis.

Our experienced VCF attorneys can help ensure your loss is fully documented in your VCF claim so you receive the maximum award available to you and your family for your individual circumstances.

Leukemia Treatment Options

Leukemia treatment depends on the specific type of leukemia, the stage of the disease, and the patient’s overall health. Treatment plans are typically managed by oncology and hematology specialists.

Common leukemia treatment options may include:

Chemotherapy
Targeted therapy
Immunotherapy (biologic therapy)
Radiation therapy (in select cases)
Hematopoietic cell transplant (bone marrow or stem cell transplant)
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy

Through the WTCHP, eligible patients can receive monitoring and treatment for certified 9/11-related leukemia at no cost. This includes access to specialists familiar with blood cancers linked to environmental exposure, as well as coverage for necessary medications and follow-up care.

Support Resources for Leukemia Patients

A leukemia diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. In addition to the VCF and WTCHP, several organizations offer counseling, peer support, and educational resources. These include:

Leukemia Research Foundation

Provides patient and family support programs, as well as an extensive directory of credible organizations and resources for leukemia patients.

Blood Cancer United

Provides support materials, financial assistance, booklets, podcasts, videos, and other free resources to support you throughout your blood cancer diagnosis, treatment, and post-treatment care.

MyLeukemiaTeam

Offers a social network for individuals living with leukemia, providing emotional support, practical advice, and insights on managing treatment or therapies for leukemia.

Consult With Our VCF Attorneys To See If You’re Eligible for Free Healthcare and Compensation

The claims process for the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund can be complex, especially for individuals already dealing with a cancer diagnosis. The attorneys at Hansen & Rosasco, LLP are here to help. We’ll handle all aspects of your claim, including enrollment in the WTCHP, certification of your condition, and submission of your VCF application with supporting documentation. We’ve secured hundreds of millions in compensation for clients with 9/11-related cancer, and we’re committed to helping you obtain the justice and support you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with 9/11-related leukemia, don’t hesitate. Reach out to a dedicated attorney at Hansen & Rosasco, LLP to ensure you receive the support you need and the compensation you are entitled to.

Hansen & Rosasco, LLP – Manhattan Office

250 Broadway, Suite 600
New York, NY 10007
516-613-3320

“I would like to say thank you for the superior customer service that I received from the minute I sat down for my consultation regarding my 911 Victim Compensation Fund case I initially met with the Mr. Hansen who is awesome. I was also lucky to met Mr. Rosasco. They treated me like family and placed me in the good hands of Ms. Sidrah Syed,Esq. Ms. Syed is extremely dedicated , knowledgeable and kept me updated through each step of the process. I am extremely please on how my case handled and very lucky to have her working on my behalf. God Bless you and your law firm for all that you have done for 911 Survivors.” -Jeff F.

Leukemia