This world is all too familiar with the devastating event of September 11, 2001, also known as 9/11. While the initial destruction and death toll are widely understood, the long-term effects of 9/11 are less well-known; the collapse of the twin towers in this event released a cloud of toxic substances into Manhattan, one of which was asbestos. This is a known carcinogen directly linked to mesothelioma, a kind of cancer of the mesothelial tissue.
Numerous individuals did not notice this exposure to asbestos at the time. The cancer can take years to develop, which has left many workers and residents to face it decades after the incident. As such, filing a claim is tricky, but not impossible. Read on to learn more.
The Challenging Nature of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos fibres are odorless, invisible, and difficult to prove retroactively. Let’s explain why it might have impacted those near ground zero during or in the days and weeks following 9/11.
- Invisible fibres: Asbestos was commonly used in construction till the late 1900s. For instance, spray-on asbestos was used in hundreds of tons of steel beams in the tower. This and other harmful materials were pulverized into fine dust during 9/11, meaning they settled over the city. These invisible asbestos fibres likely stayed in Lower Manhattan for months, harming those who came in contact with them.
- Unexpected exposure zones: 9/11 health discussions usually focus on first responders only. However, cleanup crews, construction workers, sanitation teams, volunteers, and ordinary citizens were also exposed to the same contaminated air. As a result, offices and schools located blocks away from Ground Zero became unexpected exposure zones. So, thousands of people who were not involved in the rescue may still be at risk.
- Time-lag issues: Mesothelioma can take 20 to 60 years after exposure to develop. This means that many victims may start showing symptoms decades after the incident, making it harder to establish the connection.
Building Your Case
One of the most difficult tasks in building your case is proving that your illness stems from 9/11. Here are three essential tips to reconstruct your asbestos exposure and maximize your compensation:
1. Pull location Records
Firstly, you must pull location records and prove that you were in Lower Manhattan between September 11, 2001, and July 2002. Acceptable documents include your employment records, school enrollments, lease agreements, utility bills, or anything else to prove your presence. If you don’t have physical records, speak with coworkers, landlords, or schools and arrange written statements.
2. Show Medical History
The next thing you need is a well-documented medical history. Work with competent healthcare providers and compile records of symptoms, diagnosis, reports, and any treatments received. You should also include your family history to rule out other causes.
Additionally, document the timeline of your symptoms. Highlight when they began, how they have progressed, and the treatments you have undergone. Request records from all your healthcare providers and, upon asking your doctors whether asbestos exposure caused your cancer, request them to note it in your file.
3. Enroll in WTCHP
Finally, you must enroll in the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP). This program will provide official recognition of your exposure. This way, you can access the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) and specialized healthcare. Enrollment here is also the first step to getting a 9/11 fund cancer payout.
You start by visiting the WTCHP website, filling out an online application, and providing your identification and other documents. Remember, legal and medical help is always available if needed, so don’t hesitate to ask.
Endnote
Filing a mesothelioma claim can seem daunting as the years pass, but the right approach can significantly ease this process. You must remember that you are not alone and never without options. Follow the steps above to file your mesothelioma claim and get the compensation you deserve.
