A week after the attacks of September 11th, the EPA told people there was no long-term danger to their health. Residents and workers returned to the disaster area where there were still high levels of carcinogenic particles and chemicals such as asbestos, fiberglass, mercury, and benzene, among others. Studies continue to find stronger links between exposure and cancer.
From 2001 to 2004, the federal government established a Victim Compensation Fund for all those physically harmed or killed as a result of the tragedy. In 2011, Congress reenacted the fund calling it the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, named after an NYPD officer and first responder who died of respiratory disease. 50 different types of cancers have since been added to the list of diseases eligible for compensation. The Zadroga Act was reauthorized this year extending the compensation fund for an additional five years.
Weisfuse & Weisfuse, LLP represents victims before the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.
