Since the terrorist attack on U.S. soil involving the hijacking of four passenger airplanes on September 11, 2001, the 9/11 cancer victim list continues to grow.

This 9/11 cancer victim list is largely made up of people from or visiting the lower Manhattan area—where two of the planes impacted the twin towers of the World Trade Center and brought them down in clouds of toxic debris made up of tiny glass shards, asbestos fibers, cement, burned jet fuel, and a hodge-podge of chemicals.

First responders to the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. where a third plane hit and to the site of the downed fourth plane in Shanksville, Pa. also are coming down with diseases related to that fateful day.

Ground Zero Timeline

While just about every U.S. citizen and New Yorkers even more so were affected psychologically by the terrorist attacks, those that lived, worked, went to school or volunteered in the area of the World Trade Center are in danger of becoming a 9/11 cancer victim still.

Not only did the chemistry and debris make the air toxic on September 11, 2001 as the twin towers descended, but many felt that the whole Ground Zero clean-up process—which extended until May 31, 2002—continued to stir up this pollution.

For those present on the Southern tip of Manhattan island below Canal street during this period, their exposure levels were remarkably high. Even though it has been 17 years, some of those people are just now coming down with illnesses related to the event.

Particularly when it comes to asbestos-related illness with an average latency period of 30 years, it is likely that the growth of the 9/11 cancer victim list will continue.

The September 11 Victim’s Compensation Fund

In early 2011, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 became law, reopening the September 11 Victim’s Compensation Fund. It had been believed that the health consequences of the attack had been seen and dealt with, but as years passed, more and more first responders, workers, volunteers, and residents started to become sick.

These people have to live with or fight ongoing, debilitating disease such as up to 70 different types of cancer, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, chronic coughs, sinusitis, bronchitis, and digestive problems.

For these victims, the Fund was made available again to help with medical treatment, wrongful death and funeral benefits, survival benefits, lost earnings and pain and suffering endured.

At present, many that technically would be considered a 9/11 cancer victim or victim of a terrorist attack-related illness do not know this fund exists or that they qualify. The process for applying for benefits is complicated and a 2020 deadline is not far off.

If you were present below Canal street from September 11, 2001 to May 31, 2002 and have developed cancer, breathing, or digestive issues, you may be able to file a claim to gain needed funds. Our experienced attorneys can help you with the process. Fill out our form and one of them will be in touch to review your health situation in a free initial consultation.