The terrorist attack on 9/11 caused lasting devastation, the families of thousands of victims and first responders—and the country as a whole—were forever changed. Nearly 3,000 people were killed in the attacks, and twice as many were left injured. But, seventeen years later, the death toll continues to climb.

9/11 first responders cancer has claimed the life of another veteran NYPD officer, at only 52 years of age. According to policeone.com, Officer Richard Lopez died from cancer in June, after serving with the NYPD for 20 years, including his service in search and recovery efforts at Ground Zero in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks. Before joining the NYPD, Officer Lopez also served with the U.S. Marine Corps.

So far, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page, at least 137 NYPD officers have died due to 9/11 first responders cancer.

9/11 First Responders Cancer

Quickly, first responders and volunteers got to work at Ground Zero. Those who remember that day remember the photos and videos of the first responders working to find and save people from the rubble in one of the bravest and most selfless acts in the face of incredible destruction and danger. Hundreds of brave first responders—including firefighters, police, and EMTs—died that day at Ground Zero, and more still were injured.

However, the danger presented by 9/11 wasn’t confined to the initial attacks. A number of dangerous substances in the air that those in the area inhaled still posed a serious risk for survivors and first responders. Toxins and carcinogens like asbestos, fiberglass, benzene, mercury, and more saturated the area.

At the time, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that the air was safe to breathe. But in the following months and years, it became clear that this was not the case, and that exposure at Ground Zero and cancer diagnoses are closely linked.

Many firefighters have developed chronic respiratory illnesses at very early ages, even as little as a year after the tragedy itself. In the more long-term, first responders and survivors began to be diagnosed with dozens of different kinds of cancers. For many, their cancer diagnoses came a decade or more after the initial exposure.

A fund was created to help assist victims and families of the 9/11 attacks, and as the link between 9/11 and cancer becomes increasingly clear, 9/11 first responders and their families say that this fund should also apply to those who are just now discovering their injuries.

More than 16 years later now, evidence of 9/11 first responders cancer has grown, but the amount of compensation available in funds for those injured has dwindled, and the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund is currently only set to stay in operation until 2020.

Those who may have been exposed to 9/11 first responders cancer—and may therefore be eligible for compensation from this fund—include firefighters, police, EMTs, construction and sanitation workers, volunteers, nearby employees and residents, and more. See our investigation page for more specifics on who may be eligible for compensation.

Filing a 9/11 First Responders Cancer Lawsuit

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with 9/11 first responders cancer and were present in the area around Ground Zero sometime between Sept. 11, 2001 and May 31, 2002, you may be eligible for compensation from the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund.