Almost 10,000 People Have Developed Cancer From 9/11 Dust

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y., Aug. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Recent news reports indicate nearly 10,000 people have developed cancer from breathing toxic dust caused by the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Parker Waichman LLP is investigating these claims and assisting victims in getting the compensation they are entitled to.

Cancers Numbers Mount Leading Up to 17th Anniversary of Attacks

According to an online report from the New York Post, the federally funded World Trade Center Health Program has released updated numbers as to reported illnesses, counting 9,795 total cases to date of 9/11-related cancer in first responders, downtown workers, residents, and students. More than 400 people who developed 9/11-related cancers have died, bringing the total fallen victim count above 1,700. The new numbers come as New York approaches the 17th anniversary of the World Trade Center attacks.

The World Trade Center Health Program at Mount Sinai Hospital reportedly receives about 15 to 20 new referrals of 9/11-related cancers each week. Because of the latency periods associated with many cancers, more and more people are diagnosed every year.

Victims Face Grueling Treatments

Victims who are continuing to fight 9/11 cancers have already faced grueling treatments and still have long roads ahead. A former NYPD sergeant spent more than 340 hours working at Ground Zero following the attacks in 2001. Sometimes, he slept at the site or in a nearby landfill, ready at any time to continue the search for survivors.

Seven years later, this former NYPD sergeant started experiencing gastrointestinal and sinus issues, and he was soon diagnosed with aggressive cancer of the tongue. He had one-third of his tongue removed and underwent extensive radiation treatment. The former sergeant told the New York Post he would soon need surgery to reconstruct his jaw because of damage sustained from radiation. Still, this first responder says he is grateful, and he maintains his passion for public service. Should another terrorist attack ever happen in New York, he says he wouldn't hesitate to jump back on the frontlines.

Another 9/11 cancer victim struggles with taxing medical care and fears about the future. At the time of the attacks, this victim was 23 years old and a receptionist for the National Coffee Association. In the weeks after 9/11, she spent numerous hours amid the chaos in her office, trying to recover important paperwork for her colleagues. She says she was covered in dust each day.

Eight years later, she suffered two seizures at work. She was quickly diagnosed with advanced brain cancer and underwent an eight-hour surgery to remove a large tumor. She and her husband were hoping to have children, so she delayed chemotherapy to freeze her eggs. However, she was ultimately unable to do so, a reality that left her heartbroken. These days, this young woman says she feels like 9/11 took away everything from her, and she is afraid all the time.

Parker Waichman LLP Handling Zadroga, 9/11 Claims

Parker Waichman LLP is handling 9/11 Zadroga Act claims on behalf of people affected by the World Trade Center attacks. Contact Parker Waichman today to discuss your case with an experienced attorney during a free consultation. You can reach our offices by calling 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529) or by filling out our online contact form.

SOURCE Parker Waichman LLP