Last week, New York City Fire Marshal, Steven Mosiello, died of esophageal cancer which was presumed to be caused by the toxins released during the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. People exposed to the toxins at the WTC are being studied for possible connections between the toxic exposure and various types of cancers.
Currently, the Victim Compensation Fund does not include any type of cancer under the covered medical conditions of the Zadroga Act. It is possible that when several scientific studies are completed that cancer will be added to the list of covered diseases and problems that receive compensation under the Act. On study is analyzing hundreds of different cancers reportedly affecting nearly 16,000 NYC firemen. Another study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has reviewed medical data and scientific evidence of nearly 60,000 people who worked at Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks and how cancer is effecting them. The results of this study should be available in a week.
The Zadroga Act doesn’t have enough money allocated to cover cancer claims at this time. If studies prove that cancers appear in increased numbers among those first on the scene of the World Trade Center, then the limited funds in the Zadroga Act are going to be even more burdened. The FealGood Foundation leader, John Feal, said that 847 first responders filled out forms for the foundation in 2009 and 78 of them have reported having cancer.
If you or someone you love is a 9/11 first responder or clean up worker, you may be entitled to compensation under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. Contact Markhoff & Mittman to schedule a free consultation with New York Zadroga Act lawyer today.
