If you have been diagnosed with cancer after living or working near Ground Zero from Sept. 11, 2001, through May 31, 2002, you could be eligible for the 9/11 victims compensation fund.

The federal government created the fund after donations poured in to help those affected by the 9/11 attacks. Affected individuals can qualify for a portion of the $7.3 billion 9/11 victims compensation fund and possibly receive free lifetime medical care, as well.

First responders and survivors of the attacks at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon, and the Shanksville, Pa. plane crash site may be eligible. Those who have been diagnosed with more than 70 different cancers related to the toxic fumes and particles released into the air may qualify for compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost earnings and other unanticipated expenses.

If you lost a loved one because of September 11^th-related disease linked to exposure to toxins, you could be eligible to receive a cash death benefit, money for lost earnings, funeral costs and even compensation to assist a surviving spouse and children.

9/11 Victims Compensation Fund Unknown to Many

It is estimated nearly 35,000 New York City residents from the Manhattan area potentially qualify for a portion of the 9/11 victims compensation fund, but either they don’t know the fund exists or they don’t understand they qualify even if they weren’t first responders.

Residents who were living, working or going to school in Lower Manhattan below Canal Street at any time between Sept. 11, 2001, and May 31, 2002, may qualify for money and/or free health care. Those diagnosed with blood or bone cancers a year or more after exposure or any other cancer four years or longer after exposure should consider contacting a lawyer for more information on the 9/11 victims compensation fund application.

A total of 2,753 people died when the planes crashed into the World Trade Center, but thousands of more people received death sentences that day due to exposure to airborne aluminum, asbestos, glass and burning jet fuel.

Among those who could be suffering from 9/11 cancers and other diseases are first responders, firefighters, police, EMTs, sanitation workers, city workers, construction workers, utility workers, cleaners, volunteers and out-of-state responders. Employees who worked below Canal Street, residents who lived below Canal Street, and students who attended school below Canal Street also might have contracted cancer due to exposure to toxins in the days, weeks and months after the attacks. Scientists estimate more than 1 million people were exposed to toxic air and hazardous particles during the eight months of clean up efforts.

If you or someone you love has developed cancer due to being within the geographical areas affected by the 9/11 attacks, you could be eligible for a portion of the 9/11 victims compensation fund. Due to complex paperwork and multiple deadlines, you could benefit from speaking with an attorney who is well-versed in the 9/11 victims compensation fund process.