Respiratory illnesses manifest shortly after toxic exposure from the Exposure Zone. If you were a 9/11 first responder or survivor in the Exposure Zone, and suffer respiratory or aerodigestive symptoms shortly following the attacks of September 11th, 2001, call our experienced attorneys at Weisfuse & Weisfuse, LLP.
WTC Toxic Airborne Exposure Linked to Many Types of Respiratory Illnesses and Aerodigestive Conditions
New Yorkers exposed include first responders, cleanup, office and rescue workers, and residents of lower Manhattan. Respiratory disorders have been linked to toxic exposure in the New York City Exposure Zone.
Respiratory illnesses related to the 9/11 tragedy include:
- Alveolitis
- Asbestosis
- Asthma
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Chronic rhinitis
- Chronic sinusitis
- Intestinal pneumonia
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Reactive airway disease
- Sarcoidosis
Aerodigestive conditions related to the 9/11 tragedy include:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Other obstructive airway diseases (OADs) such as chronic respiratory disorder, asthma, reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS), and chronic cough syndrome
- Upper respiratory diseases (URDs) such as upper airway hyperreactivity, chronic rhinosinusitis, chronic nasopharyngitis, and chronic laryngitis
Gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) has a maximum time interval of one year from the last date of toxic exposure. Interstitial lung disease has no maximum time interval.
For claims based on aggravation of a pre-existing aerodigestive disorder, there must be an increased frequency in medical treatment within the maximum time interval for the new onset of that same condition.
Exposure Factors Will Affect Your Case
The Exposure Zone for the New York City World Trade Center site is all of Lower Manhattan south of Canal Street from the Hudson River to the intersection of Canal Street and East Broadway, north on East Broadway to Clinton Street, and east on Clinton Street to the East River. The sufficiency of exposure depends on your individual circumstances, including your location, nature of work, when you first arrived on site, and the duration of presence. A minimum number of hours present for cancer to develop is four hours or being directly in the dust cloud for any length of time.
Respiratory Symptoms From 9/11 Do Not Show Up Right Away
All conditions do not show up immediately. There are things you should be aware of that could be signs of respiratory problems.
They include:
- Chronic chest pain
- Chronic coughs
- Chronic mucus
- Coughing up blood
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
9/11 Victim Compensation Fund for Respiratory Victims
At Weisfuse & Weisfuse, LLP, we have a reputation for getting results for workers and other individuals who developed illnesses following the September 11th terrorist attacks. If you are eligible for a claim through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, our lawyers can help you through the complex process. Call 212-983-3000 or email our office for a free consultation regarding your 9/11 respiratory claim.
