Injuries that stem from their exposure to harmful chemicals on September 11
On September 11, 2001, thousands of Americans were instantly injured or killed as terrorists attacked the country. After the planes crashed, collapsing buildings, fires, and other deadly conditions were responsible for many injuries and deaths. However, nearly two decades after the attacks, victims are still suffering severe injuries that stem from their exposure to harmful chemicals on September 11. Many others have died because of these illnesses, which often take many years to present symptoms. Cancers and other chronic diseases have been reported in record numbers in those who were exposed to toxic conditions after the September 11 attacks.
In 2015, President Barack Obama signed a bill that reauthorized the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010. The bill also reauthorized the September 11 Victim Compensation Act. Under these funds, victims who meet specific criteria may file a claim and seek compensation for their injuries.
First, victims must show that they assisted in rescue or recovery efforts at the crash sites, or that they were in the New York City exposure zone in the months following the attack. Specifically, claimants must prove that they lived, worked, volunteered, attended school, or otherwise spent a significant amount of time in the area of Manhattan south of Canal Street, from the Hudson River to Clinton Street, from the date of the attacks to May 30, 2002.
Next, victims must present documentation that shows they have been diagnosed with an illness that is covered under the funds. Other leukemias of specified cell types have been approved for compensation.
Other leukemias of specified cell types may include:
- Acute erythroid leukemia
- Acute megakaryoblastic leukemia
- Mast cell leukemia
- Acute panmyelosis with myelofibrosis
- Myelodysplastic disease, not classified
- Other leukemias
If you are not sure if the funds cover your kind of leukemia, you should check with an attorney experienced in 9/11 injury claims.
Leukemia impacts the bone marrow and the lymphatic systems in the body. It frequently causes the white blood cells to become abnormal. Since the white blood cells affect how well the body fights off infection, abnormal white blood cells can lead to severe, life-threatening conditions within the body.
Leukemia may present a variety of symptoms, including:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Swollen lymph nodes
- An enlarged spleen or liver
- Bruising or bleeding easily
- Nose bleeds
- Red spots on the skin
- Night sweats
- Bone pain
Other symptoms may also be experienced, depending on the type of leukemia.
If you believe your injuries are eligible for compensation, you should consult an experienced 9/11 injury attorney immediately to discuss your options. The deadline to file for compensation is December 18, 2020. Therefore, you should meet with an attorney to begin gathering all of the documentation that is needed to support your claim. If you miss the filing deadline, you might not be able to seek monetary compensation.