The James L. Zadroga 9/11 Health & Compensation Act ensures those who sustained health problems from the 9/11 disaster continue to receive monitoring and treatment services. The Zadroga Act consists of two separate programs, the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program and the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). The WTC Health Program provides treatment and monitoring for injuries and illnesses resulting from 9/11 exposure, and the VCF provides compensation for losses resulting from those illnesses and injuries. Recently, the the list of illness covered under the Zadroga Act was expanded and the date to file a claim was extended. This means people who were unable to file a claim before, may be eligible to now.
Thousands of people were exposed to a toxic cloud of dust and fumes that formed around the World Trade Center on 9/11, and many have developed illnesses as a result. Those eligible to file a claim under the Zadroga act are first responders and survivors, such as firefighters, police officers, and those who lived, worked, or went to school in lower Manhattan on 9/11. According to a New York Fire Department study, firefighters who were present for the attacks on 9/11 are developing cancer at a much higher rate than firefighters who were not exposed.
As times goes on, people continue to be diagnosed with illnesses related to 9/11 exposure. While many people are aware that respiratory and lung issues can be attributed to 9/11, other illnesses such as skin cancer can also be linked. Previously, the Department of Health did not list skin cancer as an illness that could be covered under the act. As a result, many people developed skin cancer and were unaware that it may have been caused by exposure to 9/11. If you were diagnosed with skin cancer or another 9/11 related illness and never filed a claim, it is not too late. The date to file a claim has been extended to December 18th, 2020.
The Zadroga Act now covers over 70 types of cancer including, but not limited to:
- Skin cancer (melanoma and non-melanoma)
- Lung cancer
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
Other diseases and illness are also covered under the act including, but not limited to:
- Lung diseases
- Obstructive airway diseases
- Upper respiratory diseases
- Musculoskeletal disorders
If you are suffering from a 9/11 related illness and never filed a claim, call us at the Law Offices of Rudolph F.X. Migliore. We want to help, and would love to hear your story. At our office, we understand that filing a claim can be overwhelming, and we are with you every step of the way.
Call our Long Island office at (631) 543-3663 for a free consultation. When it comes to your claim, we are your point of contact.