Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum, P.C. | August 11, 2020 | Personal Injury

Another brave firefighter dies of cancer linked to the 9/11 attacks and Ground Zero exposure. Sadly, he is not the first person to die this year from cancer that was related to Ground Zero exposure. He may not be the last first responder to pass away this year from 9/11 cancer.

The Hackensack Fire Department confirmed that Richard Kubler’s death is considered a line-of-duty fatality. Mr. Kubler died from cancer on July 25, 2020. He had been with the fire department just three years before he was sent to Ground Zero on September 11 to assist with the recovery effort.

More 9/11 First Responder Deaths in 2020

Other first responders have lost their battle with cancer in 2020 after serving at Ground Zero.

Steve Bailie was just 68 years old when he died on July 17, 2020. The Kennewick Firefighters Union announced his death on their Facebook page. Mr. Bailie served at Ground Zero after the terrorist attacks.

The Union stated that Mr. Bailie died after a long battle with cancer, which was linked to his career as a firefighter and service at Ground Zero.

Earlier this year, FDNY firefighter Daniel Foley died of cancer on February 22, 2020. Mr. Foley was a 21-year veteran of the FDNY. He had helped recover his brother’s body at Ground Zero after the terrorist attacks.

On the eleventh day of searching, Mr. Foley found his brother, a fellow firefighter, in the rubble. Even though he was not assigned to the recovery efforts, he returned each day to help through May 2002. 

Mr. Foley died from pancreatic cancer linked to his work at Ground Zero.

Thousands of First Responders, Volunteers, & Victims Die of Ground Zero Cancers

Thousands of first responders, victims, volunteers, and NYC residents breathed in the toxic fumes and microscopic debris that filled the air after the attacks on the World Trade Center. For months, first responders, volunteers, and contractors worked at Ground Zero to recover the remains of those who died that day.

After the recovery effort ended, thousands of workers continued to clean up the site. The prolonged exposure to the toxins in the air has resulted in hundreds of health conditions related to Ground Zero exposure.

The Centers for Disease Control has an extensive list of the covered conditions under the WTC Health Program on its website. The list is updated as health officials learn more about the effects of 9/11 exposure on first responders and others.

There are numerous types of cancer included on the list as being linked to Ground Zero exposure. Some of the cancers that appear on the list include, but are not limited to:

In addition to numerous types of cancer, other conditions are related to Ground Zero exposure. The WTC Health Program also covers conditions, including acute traumatic injury, mental health conditions, aerodigestive disorders, and musculoskeletal disorders.

The survivors, first responders, and workers at Ground Zero lived through an unimaginable event. Only those present at Ground Zero can understand the emotional and mental distress caused by the recovery and cleanup efforts. After giving months of their lives working at Ground Zero, years later, they suffer from cancer and illnesses related to their time at Ground Zero.

Now, these brave individuals are suffering from financial hardships, physical pain, and mental anguish as they battle cancer and other illnesses. They deserve compensation for their injuries, losses, and damages.

Victims of 9/11, including first responders and survivors, may be eligible for lifelong medical treatment through the World Trade Center Health Program. However, they may also be entitled to compensation for the damages caused by 9/11-related cancers and illnesses.

Lawsuits against New York City, contractors, and other parties for failure to provide respirators and other safety equipment have resulted in compensation for victims. Victims may also file claims with the Victim Compensation Fund.

It can be very difficult to determine the best course of action to take when pursuing a 9/11 injury claim. Depending on your role, you might have one or more options for recovering compensation. You could qualify for VCF payment, or you may have a claim against one or more parties through a personal injury lawsuit.

If you are unsure how to proceed with a 9/11 claim, it can be helpful to talk with a personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can explain your legal rights and options while providing guidance on how to seek the 9/11 compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in New York City

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Manhattan, NY, and need legal help, contact our New York City personal injury lawyers at Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum, P.C. to schedule a free consultation.

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