Blog

Steps to Take If You Are Suffering from 9/11-Related Sicknesses

Suppose you are among the many victims of diseases such as cancer or respiratory diseases or sustained mental health issues due to the release of poisonous dust and debris on the World Trade Center, particularly on Sept. 11, 2001. In that case, there is a lot that you need to do to ensure you get the proper medical care, support, and compensation you deserve. Contact with Lower Manhattan after or during 9/11 has led to health issues such as 9/11-related cancers for many of the first responders, workers, and residents. If you are among those who got affected, here are steps to take:

1. Seek medical treatment

The first thing to do if you believe you have an illness that is connected to 9/11 is to seek treatment. Even though you may be experiencing the effects only at this present time, it is imperative to seek a medical checkup at the moment because many of the ailments resulting from exposure to 9/11 can take years before manifesting. Typical illnesses linked to 9/11 include respiratory illnesses, gastroesophagel reflux disease [GERD], certain types of cancers [lung and skin cancer], and mental health conditions [PTSD and depression]

Let your healthcare physician know your exposure history if you feel your disease is linked to 9/11 and all the possible symptoms you are experiencing.

2. Register with the World Trade Center Health Program [WTCHP]

The World Trade Centre Health Program (WTCHP) provides monitoring, treatment, and health services for those who suffered from 9/11 diseases. The program targets the first responders, volunteers, recovery workers, and survivors in the Pentagon, Shanksville, Pennsylvania, or the New York City disaster zone. Before one can obtain free medical consultations and checkups they have to register with the WTCHP. It covers the health assessment, treatment and mental health services.

3. Apply for compensation from the VCF [Victim Compensation Fund]

The VCF offers financial compensation to individuals diagnosed with 9/11-related diseases, including those present at Lower Manhattan, the Pentagon, or Shanksville, PA, within a specified timeframe after the attacks. The VCF covers lost wages, medical expenses, and pain caused by the illness.

One important note to make is that you must register with the VCF as soon as you can because there are deadlines depending on when your 9/11-related disease was diagnosed.

4. Ensure that there is a record of your medical and employment history

You must be very document-minded when claiming benefits or any form of compensation. To strengthen your claim, keep thorough records of your medical and work history, including:

  • Medical records that indicate the diseases associated with 9/11 and the medical care you underwent.
  • Resumes or other recreational forms of documents prove that the person had a job and existed before and after Sept. 11, when Ground Zero was attacked.
  • Representation of time spent inactive or not generating income due to sickness.

These records are required when filing a compensation claim through the VCF or applying for benefits with the WTCHP.

5. Speak with an experienced VCF attorney.

The VCF and WTCHP processes are complex, requiring careful adherence to evidence collection and application submission. An experienced 9/11 claims attorney can guide through these processes, ensuring maximum compensation and avoiding errors. They offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis.


More to Read: