Finally those first responders and city residents who were exposed to the toxins expelled from the World Trade Center site from the September 11th terrorist attacks will be allowed to receive compensation and medical treatment coverage for cancers.
Many of the heroes from the 9/11 disaster have been suffering with medical complications including respiratory illnesses and increased rates of cancers. Now that more than 50 cancer types will be included in the fund, first responders who risked their lives to save the victims can get the medical care they deserve. Included in the cancer categories are blood cancers, colon cancers, thyroid cancers, and lung cancers.
This landmark decision is very important to not only the first responders to the scene but also to EMTs, volunteers, construction crews, and law enforcement workers who showed up on 9/11 and in the weeks after to help recover victims. The funds may also cover downtown residents.
Free cancer treatments will be covered at Bellevue, Mount Sinai, SUNY Downstate, and other centers. Disability compensation may also be available for those who lost wages in increments ranging from several thousand dollars to over a million dollars. Anyone who has already received disability pensions or other types of compensation will have those totals deducted from their final disability award.
Award decisions concerning the Zadroga Act’s compensation fund will be made by special master Sheila Birnbaum. To date, it is estimated that over 5,000 people have registered for claims within the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 but only about 500 have actually submitted claims. No disability compensation amounts have been given out.
Breathing in the toxic materials brought about at Ground Zero after the attack has caused multiple medical illnesses for those who were exposed. The fund was established to help cover the medical costs for treatment for those suffering. While the fund will need additional monies to aid cancer coverage, it is certainly a step in the right direction to helping the heroes of 9/11 get compensation and treatment they deserve.
If you have questions about a claim for compensation in the Zadroga Act, contact our experienced attorneys for a free review of your case by calling us toll free at 888-799-3918 or use our online contact form for more information.
