NY Workers Comp Attorney discusses cancer and our 9/11 Heroes

Hundreds of New Yorker workers who bravely risked their lives to provide assistance at the World Trade Center site on or after 9/11 are facing another terrible tragedy: cancer. Many of these individuals suspect that the toxic dust that enveloped the WTC area long after the twin towers fell is responsible for their illness, and they are looking for compensation.

Tragically, these brave men and women don’t have many people on their side right now. Critics of WTC cancer lawsuits claim that cancer rates among those who gave their time and effort at ground zero are no different than the rates of cancer among the general public.

In addition, three major research studies have failed to link toxic WTC dust to any kind of cancer suffered by 9/11 volunteers and workers. Not only that, but doctors claim that the cancers affecting ground zero workers are fairly common, so it is not surprising that some number of workers are affected.

However, this isn’t the end of the story. Scientists admit that they don’t completely understand how cancers are caused and there is no way to know when cancer might develop because of exposure to something like toxic dust.

Some ailments like asthma and other respiratory diseases have been linked to ground zero exposure. Workers suffering from these ailments are more likely to see compensation. But this still leaves the question of all those workers affected by cancer – don’t they deserve some financial compensation as well?

It may take time for researchers and doctors to fully understand the impact of 9/11 toxic dust. Some cancers can take 30 years to develop, which means that hundreds or even thousands of WTC workers and victims could be facing a cancer diagnosis down the road. Will the legal system be there for them after such a long time has elapsed, or will they be out of luck?

There are no easy answers in this situation. These workers and volunteers, who threw themselves into rescue and recovery efforts without concern for their own well-being, deserve to be taken care of now that they are suffering.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help no matter what your workplace injury situation. Please contact the experienced New York workers’ compensation lawyers at Markhoff & Mittman immediately.

Markhoff & Mittman, P.C.

14 Mamaroneck Avenue

Suite 400

White Plains, NY 10601

Toll Free: (866) 205-2415

Phone: (914) 946-1452

Fax: (914) 946-0810

Workers' Comp Attorney New York