June is National Cancer Survivor Month - Here's How the 9/11 Programs Can Help

June is National Cancer Survivor Month, a time to recognize and celebrate individuals, families, and caregivers who have fought hard in their battles against cancer. If you are a cancer survivor, you know the strength it takes to rise above the many obstacles that come with diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. You also know how a cancer diagnosis can affect every aspect of your life. Fortunately, for those who have been impacted by the fallout from the September 11th terrorist attacks, there are legal options and medical and compensation resources available to help. 

People who have been diagnosed with 9/11-related cancers and illnesses may be eligible for financial compensation through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), and for no-cost medical treatment and monitoring through the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP). A VCF attorney can help guide you through the process of filing a claim and ensuring you receive the maximum amount of compensation for your situation.

Understanding the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund

The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund was established to provide compensation to those who suffered physical harm or loss of a family member as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001. The fund was permanently authorized by the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, which was signed into law in 2011. The VCF is designed to help 9/11 victims and their families pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses, economic and non-economic losses, and other out-of-pocket costs associated with their injuries or illnesses.

The VCF serves those who were present at the World Trade Center (WTC), NYC Exposure Zone, along the route of debris removal, the Pentagon, or the Shanksville, PA crash site at some point during the period beginning on September 11, 2001 through May 30, 2002. For VCF purposes, the NYC Exposure Zone is defined as the area in Manhattan south of the line that runs along Canal Street from the Hudson River to the intersection of Canal Street and East Broadway, north on East Broadway to Clinton Street, and east on Clinton Street to the East River; and (for the first responders and clean-up workers) any area related to or along the routes of debris removal, such as barges and the Fresh Kills landfill. 

The VCF claims filing deadline is October 1, 2090. You must register your claim after being certified by the WTCHP for a 9/11-related condition. If your 9/11 condition was never certified by the WTCHP, then you must register your VCF claim within two years from any future date that the condition is certified. 

What Cancers Are Recognized as 9/11-Related Health Conditions?

In order to be eligible for VCF compensation, the medical condition must be recognized as a 9/11-related health condition by the WTCHP.  In the years following the attacks, it became clear that those who were exposed to carcinogens and toxins on or after the attacks had an increased risk of several types of different cancers, including breast cancer,  melanoma, thyroid cancer, prostate cancer, leukemia, and lymphoma. Research by the WTCHP has shown that the mixture of building dust, smoke, and jet fuel at ground zero contained carcinogens that may increase responders’ cancer risk for decades to come. The WTCHP officially recognizes 68 different types of cancer as 9/11-related health conditions. 

Toxic Dust, the Exposure Zone, and Other 9/11 Cancer Factors

Many factors can contribute to an increased risk of developing 9/11-related cancer, including where one was in the NYC Exposure Zone and the length of time one was exposed. The following are all potential factors in the development of cancer in the 9/11 community:

1. Prolonged exposure to hazardous air pollutants and toxins contained in the dust cloud from the collapse of the Twin Towers: These can include asbestos, silica, benzene, lead, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxin, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
2. Inhaling smoke and soot: The smoke and soot from burning buildings contained carcinogenic compounds and other toxins that have been linked to the development of cancer.
3. Respiratory tract inflammation and infection: Respiratory inflammation caused by inhaling dust and smoke particles can damage the respiratory and immune systems and lead to cancer.
4. Contaminated water and/or food: Soil and water contamination due to the leaking of hazardous substances from the destroyed buildings, and food contamination due to the presence of toxins, have been suggested as potential contributors to the risk of cancer in those exposed.
5. Occupational exposures: Firefighters, police officers, emergency medical personnel, and construction workers exposed to the hazardous substances have an elevated risk of developing cancer due to their ongoing exposure to the contaminants.

Seeking Treatment for Your 9/11-Related Cancer

If you have been diagnosed with a 9/11-related cancer, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. The WTCHP provides no-cost medical treatment and monitoring to those who have been impacted by the terrorist attacks, and this program is here to assist you. 

You are already enrolled in the WTCHP if you are one of the following:

• An NYC responder or volunteer and were enrolled in the WTC Medical Monitoring and Treatment Program (MMTP)
• A member of the Fire Department of New York (active or retired) and were enrolled in the MMTP, or a community member and were enrolled in the WTC Environmental Health Center Community Program on or before December 31, 2010. 
  
  Other survivors and responders will need to apply through the WTCHP online application system or download an application form to print out and mail or fax. There is no deadline for application to the WTCHP program. 

Trust a 9/11 Attorney to Get the Compensation You Deserve

Filing a claim for VCF compensation can be a difficult and complex process, and it is important to have skilled and experienced legal representation on your side. At Hansen & Rosasco, our experienced 9/11 attorneys have been helping 9/11 victims and their families receive the compensation they deserve for over 20 years. We understand the law and the claims process and we are dedicated to fighting for your rights. 

Consult the Experienced 9/11 Cancer Attorneys at Hansen & Rosasco

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a 9/11-related illness, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Deadlines apply to register and file a claim with the VCF, and you don't want to miss out on the compensation you are entitled to. At Hansen & Rosasco, our experienced 9/11 attorneys are ready to fight for you and your family. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.