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Though it has been nearly 17 years since the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, thousands of victims are still suffering its impacts. A toxic cloud of dust hovered over New York City for weeks after the attacks, impacting those who lived, attended school, or worked in the lower Manhattan area. First responders, recovery workers, and others in various regions were also exposed to harmful substances.
It takes years for cancer and other illnesses to form after being exposed to a toxic substance. Therefore, many 9/11 victims are just now being diagnosed with cancers and other diseases. Fortunately, on December 18, 2015, President Barack Obama signed a bill that reauthorized the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010. The bill further reauthorized the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund. Claimants who meet specific criteria can file claims seeking compensation for their injuries.
The current deadline to file a claim is December 18, 2020.
One requirement that must be met is that the claimant lived, worked, attended school, or was otherwise in the New York City Exposure Zone. This is a specific area around Ground Zero. It includes the area south of Canal Street, from the Hudson River to Clinton Street. The time frame for eligibility is from September 11, 2001 until May 30, 2002. Those who spent a certain amount of time in this area during these dates and were diagnosed with an illness covered by the act may seek compensation.
Blood and lymphoid tissue cancers
Blood and lymphoid tissue cancers include a variety of diseases, such as myeloma, lymphoma, and leukemia.
Blood cancers impact the activity and production of blood cells in the body. The majority of blood cancers start within the bone marrow. As blood cells are produced, they are somehow halted by abnormal blood cells. These cancerous cells interfere with bodily functions, such as fighting infections.
Leukemia is a cancer located in the bone marrow and blood. It is triggered by a high production of abnormal white blood cells, which cannot fight infections.
Lymphoma impacts the lymphatic system, which helps the body remove extra fluids. It also makes immune cells. Abnormal lymphocytes can build up in the lymph nodes and in other tissues, which restrict the immune system.
Myeloma impacts the plasma cells. These are a type of white blood cell. When a person has myeloma, antibodies cannot be produced at normal rates, so the body is vulnerable to infections.
These conditions are covered by the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund.
What do I need to do to start my claim?
If you believe that your blood or lymphoid tissue cancer was caused by the September 11 terror attacks, you should immediately meet with an attorney experienced in these claims to discuss your options. You must have enough time to gather your medical records, lost wage documentation, and proof of other losses you are claiming. Then, you must ensure these are filed with the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund in a timely manner. It can take several weeks or longer to compile all of the documentation that is needed, so it is essential to act quickly.
If you miss the deadline to file a claim under the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund, you may not be eligible for any damages from the program.
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