Ground Zero cancer victims continue to report developing illnesses almost two decades after the terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001. The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund is available to help compensate these cancer patients for their illnesses.

One of the most recent Ground Zero cancer victims to succumb to latent 9/11 devastation was retired New Jersey State Police Trooper Robert E. Nagle, who reportedly died from kidney cancer.

According to nj.com, the cancer reportedly metastasized in his lungs and was confirmed by doctors to be caused by the toxic substances released from the 9/11 terrorist attack.

Nagle had helped rescue efforts at the World Trade Center after the 9/11 attack and had served as a dispatcher for the New Jersey Marine Police and trooper for the state police for 34 years before retiring in 2006. In addition, Nagle had served in the Air National Guard for six years and had also recently worked for Toms River Township School District as security.

Along with being a dedicated serviceman, he was a loving family man and friend and loved to travel. However, his life was abruptly cut short by Ground Zero cancer.

Even though Nagle had been participating in the World Trade Center Health Program, treatment could not stop his cancer from taking his life.

Overview of Ground Zero Cancer Victims Compensation Funds

Ground Zero cancer victims can apply to the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program and the Victims Compensation Fund (VCF), which provided different benefits for people who developed injuries or illnesses from toxic substances released at Ground Zero.

The WTC Health Program provides victims with medical monitoring and treatment for physical injuries allegedly caused by 9/11 exposure. The VCF provides compensation for injuries and illnesses caused by the same substances, but Ground Zero cancer victims must register for both of them.

These victim compensation funds are vital for Ground Zero cancer patients, who were exposed to toxic substances like asbestos, aluminum, glass, and burned jet fuel released at the Ground Zero. It has been estimated that over one million people had been exposed to these substances during the eight-month cleanup period that followed after the terrorist attack.

Over 70 cancers have been linked to 9/11 related injuries, with Ground Zero cancer victims consisting of first responders and residents living in nearby areas. People who are eligible to receive compensation for 9/11 related injuries or illnesses include, but are not limited to:

• First Responders
• Firefighters, Police Officers, and EMTs
• Sanitation Workers
• Construction Workers
• City Workers
• Utility Workers
• Cleaners
• 9/11 Volunteers
• Out of State Responders
• Employees who worked below Canal Street
• Residents living below Canal Street
• Students attending school below Canal Street

The Victim Compensation Fund can help Ground Zero cancer victims with past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost earnings, and even cash death benefits for grieving loved ones.