New Claims Can Still Be Filed in 2020 by 9/11 Victims with Cancer & Other Diseases
While many of us are busy sorting out COVID-19 health and basic life problems, other Americans are having to evaluate their medical conditions related to 9/11 injuries and the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program. Once a 9/11 survivor’s medical condition has been formally certified – for cancer or another disease – based on the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) list, that person can begin receiving medical care covered by the WTC Health Program.
As most adults recall, back on September 11, 2001, multiple plane hijackings and suicide attacks were committed against America by 19 terrorists affiliated with the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda. Approximately 2,750 people were killed in New York City, another 184 at the Pentagon, and 40 in Pennsylvania. More than 400 firefighters and police were killed trying to help others survive these attacks. Numerous other first responders, teachers, students, and general workers in those areas also suffered serious respiratory and other major health injuries.
Most injured people who were in the 9/11 target areas are eligible to file claims
Our law firm is prepared to answer all the questions injured parties may have regarding their claims after we decide to represent you. We will then prepare and file a claim on your behalf.
Types of cancers usually covered for 9/11 survivors and first responders
- Lymphoma, myeloma, and leukemia. And other cancers affecting lymphoid tissues and the blood.
- Breast
- Digestive system cancers, including those involving the colon and rectum
- Cancers of different parts of the eye
- Childhood cancers – many children were in daycare and secondary school systems near the areas attacked on 9/11
- Prostate
- Ovarian
- Respiratory system cancers
- General urinary cancers – these can affect the kidney, bladder, and ureter
- Mesothelioma
- Various rare cancers
While this list isn’t intended to be comprehensive, it should still provide a general understanding of the vast number of cancers that people developed due to being in or near the 9/11 attack areas.
An overview of other disease conditions that can often – although not always — be certified
While various types of cancers afflict a large percentage of those who file for WTC Health Program benefits, it is important to look at some of the other medical conditions that can also justify certified claims. Qualified survivors can normally obtain medical care for their 9/11 related conditions for the rest of their lives.
- Digestive and airway disorders. As many Americans and others around the world saw during live, 9/11 broadcasts, vast amounts of toxic substances were released into the air when the crashed airplanes wreaked havoc in three locations. Large and small pieces of debris rained down on people. Many news photos show survivors trying to run for cover while using whatever they had to cover their mouths and noses.
- Acute traumatic injuries. Depending on exactly how close people were to each disaster area, they may have suffered extensive burns, bone fractures, head trauma and internal brain injuries. Others were harmed in odd and unique ways as they ran away from the seriously damaged towers.
- Mental health issues that can be fully documented. These might include PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), depression, and various anxiety disorders that are still plaguing the survivors. Ongoing panic disorder and substance abuse problems that are causally related to 9/11 events can also sometimes be the basis of valid claims.
- Musculoskeletal disorders. Although these can only be filed by certain categories of World Trade Center (first) responders, they should still be noted. Many of the men and women who first went to the 9/11 disaster zones realized that they would have to help immediately lift many large objects to search for survivors. Large numbers of these brave people developed serious back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and other musculoskeletal disorders that entitle them to file claims. (This information is based on an online CDC pdf document entitled: WTC: What conditions are covered by the program?)
While this list provides a fairly broad overview of the types of 9/11 claims that people can still file today – including the many teachers and students who suffered harm in the most dangerous attack zones – there are other physical ailments that may also entitle people to file claims. Our firm can review all your medical records to help determine if your medical conditions can be certified – so we can then file a valid claim on your behalf.
If you are still needing medical care and treatment for health issues that developed due to your presence near the main 9/11 terrorist events, you should contact our New York City 9/11 accident claim law firm.
We will carefully review all the facts of your case, investigate how your injuries can be documented, and then file your claim. We will do all we can to help you receive the medical care you deserve for all your qualified injuries.