How Do You Know If Your Cancer Is Caused By 9/11 Dust and Fumes?

“Was my Cancer Caused by the 9/11 Attacks?”

As a 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund lawyer, cancer victims frequently ask, “How do I know if my cancer is caused by the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks?”

Many people lived or worked in lower Manhattan in the months following the attacks, participated in the rescue or recovery effort, or helped clean up the dust spread by the collapse of the WTC towers. Then, 10 or 20 years later they are diagnosed with a cancer. The question cancer victims ask is: “Was my cancer caused by the 9/11 attacks?”

The answer to that question depends on several factors.

Key Factors Are: Were You Downtown, For How Long Downtown and What Were You Doing

There is no medical test that can tell you whether a particular cancer is caused by the dust or fumes from the collapse of the World Trade Center towers or the burning fires at Ground Zero.

To decide whether a cancer is “9/11 related” (caused in whole or in part by the 9/11 terrorist attacks) the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund and the World Trade Center Health Program assess the intensity and duration of the victim’s exposure to 9/11 toxins. This means they consider how soon after the attacks the victim was downtown, how frequently he or she was downtown, and what he was doing when in Lower Manhattan.

There are guidelines which specify minimum exposure durations. The durations vary depending on the dates and location of exposure to air, fumes or dust and the nature of the victim’s activities downtown. Thus, for instance, a policeman providing security near Ground Zero on September 12, 2001, will need a shorter duration of exposure than will an office worker in Wall Street in October and November 2001.

Time Spent in Lower Manhattan between 9/11 and May 30, 2002

The VCF considers all exposures in the disaster zone in Lower Manhattan during the period from September 11, 2001 to May 30, 2002. So, if you spent enough time below Canal Street in Lower Manhattan between September 11, 2001 and May 30, 2002, the VCF and the WTCHP will presume your cancer is caused by the 9/11 attacks. This will entitle you to compensation and medical care.

The bottom line is if you spent sufficient time in Lower Manhattan, your is “9/11-related” and you are entitled to compensation.

Responders and Survivors with 9/11-related Cancers Are Entitled to Substantial Compensation

9/11 responders and survivors afflicted with a 9/11 cancer typically receive $250,000 for their pain and suffering from the cancer. If the cancer disables the responder or victim from working, or causes death, the victim and their family are entitled to a much additional compensation. More that 70 cancers are eligible for compensation.

Borri Law Offices had collected more than a $100 Million Dollars for 9/11 responders, workers and residents with cancer.

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