Amid the coronavirus pandemic, New York elected officials and others argue that testing for 9/11 cancer victims should be a priority based on their pre-existing health conditions.

New York City Council member Robert. E. Cornegy Jr. said he and other advocates “wanted to make sure 9/11 first responders and/or victims are priority for test kits that are available” now that state and federal officials are increasing coronavirus testing. Many 9/11 cancer victims may have conditions that put them at a higher risk for developing coronavirus complications.

The novel coronavirus, also called COVID-19, was first reported in the Wuhan region of China. Although most cases include flu-like symptoms such as a cough, fever, and other mild issues, the disease has been associated with more serious complications amongst at-risk patients. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at-risk patients include older adults as well as those who suffer from “serious chronic medical conditions” such as heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes.

Emergency warning signs for serious complications include difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion, inability to arouse, or bluish lips or face. This list, which may not be inclusive of all severe warning symptoms, can indicate that patients need medical attention immediately.

Advocates for 9/11 cancer victims argue that first responders who were exposed to dangerous chemicals at Ground Zero may be among at-risk individuals. When the 9/11 terrorist attacks occurred, countless dangerous chemicals and dust was released into the air including asbestos, glass, concrete, and many others. These particles caused many first responders to develop health problems including cancer.

Cornegy and New York State Assembly Member Yuh-Line Niou argue that these conditions should be taken seriously in light of the mounting outbreak. Additionally, first responder advocates argue that testing these patients first will serve a dual purpose: the government and health system will be able to better understand the number of 9/11 cancer victims suffering from the coronavirus.

“We don’t have the numbers until people actually have the test … there are three cases here in lower Manhattan already that tested positive, so there actually should be more testing,” Niou said, according to Newsday.

9/11 Cancer Victims Compensation

Even if 9/11 cancer victims don’t end up needing help due to the coronavirus, there are numerous resources available, both for healthcare and for financial compensation.

Individuals who developed health problems as a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks are eligible for treatment at the World Trade Center Health Program. The list of covered conditions is extensive and includes both cancer and non-cancerous ailments.

Once an individual has their condition authorized by the WTC Health Program, they may be eligible for additional compensation under the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.  As of July 2019, billions of dollars in benefits are available to be claimed by 9/11 cancer victim claimants. These benefits can compensate injured individuals for economic and non-economic losses.

“The VCF is poised to implement the VCF Permanent Authorization Act with vigor, optimism, and a deep and valued sense of financial solvency,” Special Master Rupa Bhattacharyya, head of the fund, said in a statement following the 2019 permanent authorization of the fund.

“At the same time, we acknowledge that this is also a poignant reminder of the many lives that have already been lost and the unimagined toll that will continue to grow in the years ahead.”

Although making a claim with the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund doesn’t require a lawyer, an experienced attorney may be able to help claimants maximize how much compensation they may receive.