9/11 Asthma & Respiratory Claims

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 9/11 VCF attorneys at Weisfuse & Weisfuse, LLP.

9/11 VCF Payout for Asthma & COPD

Asthma and COPD are among the respiratory conditions recognized by the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) as directly related to toxic exposure from the 9/11 attacks. If you were present at the World Trade Center site, the Pentagon, or Shanksville, PA, either on 9/11 or in the aftermath as a rescue, recovery, or cleanup worker, you may be eligible for medical monitoring, treatment, and compensation through the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF).

The WTCHP offers comprehensive treatment options to help manage asthma and COPD symptoms. While there is currently no cure for asthma, the program covers essential treatments such as medications, inhalers, and alternative therapies like breathing exercises and acupuncture. These treatments are vital in controlling symptoms and improving quality of life for those affected by 9/11-related respiratory conditions.

Once your asthma or COPD is certified as a 9/11-related condition by the WTCHP, you may be eligible for a VCF payout. The compensation you receive is intended to cover both economic and non-economic losses, including out-of-pocket medical expenses, lost wages, and the pain and suffering caused by your condition.

9/11 VCF Payouts for Respiratory Illnesses

New Yorkers exposed include first responders, cleanup, Manhattan workers, construction 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 Zone 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

Are you eligible for 9/11 asthma & respiratory compensation?

If you lived, worked, or attended school in Lower Manhattan after 9/11 and now suffer from asthma, you may qualify for compensation from the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). This fund was established under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act to provide compensation for both economic and non-economic losses related to 9/11 illnesses, such as asthma and COPD.

The VCF’s permanent funding was ensured in 2019 by the “Never Forget the Heroes Act.” To qualify for a 9/11 VCF award, you must have a certified 9/11-related condition like asthma and demonstrate presence in the affected area between September 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002. Registration with the VCF is the first step in claiming compensation.

9/11 VCF payout awards for asthma & other respiratory illnesses include compensation for economic and non-economic losses. Economic loss compensation covers loss of earnings, benefits, and out-of-pocket medical expenses. Non-economic loss compensation addresses the impact of your 9/11-related respiratory illness on your life, with awards ranging from $10,000 to $90,000 based on the severity of your condition.

Contact Weisfuse & Weisfuse, LLP Today

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 9/11 fund 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.