The world will never forget the events of September 11, 2001. It was one of the darkest days in modern history, with multiple airplanes hijacked by terrorists and used for suicide attacks on famous American landmarks and structures, including the Pentagon and the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center.
Countless lives were lost in those attacks, with many more people injured as a result, and even the first responders and rescue workers who were involved in trying to save lives, recover bodies, and clean up the wreckage have had to deal with terrible consequences as a result of their brave and heroic actions.
Studies have shown that the rate of cancer can be significantly higher in people who were present at Ground Zero or in the Lower Manhattan area on or after 9/11, and it’s only in recent years that the full extent of these problems has begun to be revealed. As a result, many people who were in those locations back in 2001 are wondering what action they should take.
Know Your Rights
Before taking any particular action regarding your situation in relation to September 11 of 2001, it’s important to take some time, do your research, and understand the ins and outs of the situation. Many people are still unclear on the details, but there are a lot of online resources that can help you learn more.
Find out the basics of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), which is being used to provide compensation to people who were in and around the Lower Manhattan area during or after 9/11, and learn more about what you might be entitled to. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be to navigate the challenges that may lie ahead.
Visit Your Doctor
Upon learning that they may have been exposed to dangerous elements at Ground Zero that could lead to higher chances of cancers and other serious diseases, many people begin to panic. Similarly, if you already have an existing illness, you may start to wonder if your past experiences in Lower Manhattan could be connected.
In these situations, the best person you can speak to is a doctor. Medical professionals are trained to answer your questions, diagnose your problems, and provide the help and care you need in life. Speak with your doctor about any concerns you have, get yourself tested if you worry about conditions connected with 9/11, and find out more about the health risks associated with Ground Zero itself.
Contact a Lawyer
As well as speaking with a medical professional about your situation, it’s also wise to consult with a legal professional. There are various trained attorneys specializing in aiding people who were at the site of the 9/11 attacks and helping those who are trying to get compensation via the VCF, especially as many of those claims are actually denied due to lack of evidence.
A lawyer can help you gather proof that you were present in the Manhattan Disaster Area, as well as providing answers to the questions you might have and guidance for getting through the local process, filing your appeals and applications, and achieving the result you’re hoping for. A trusted lawyer can be an invaluable asset in your quest for compensation.
Gather Evidence
In order to make a claim via the VCF and assist your lawyer in building a case, you’ll need evidence. You have to prove that you were present in the Lower Manhattan area around the time of the 9/11 attacks, and this evidence can come in a range of forms, but it can be quite a challenge to track down the papers you need.
You may have to contact previous employers, for example, and get letters and files to show that you were working in the area, or get in touch with prior landlords if you were renting a home in Lower Manhattan. Pay stubs, residency records, school records, medical records, volunteer records, and more can all be useful here.
Final Word
If you were present at Ground Zero or the surrounding area, it’s important to understand the dangers you may have been exposed to. After the attacks, a huge dust cloud filled the air, containing all kinds of chemicals, carcinogenic elements, and dangerous materials like asbestos. The long-term health risks associated with this event can be devastating, but there’s no need to suffer alone. Reach out to a lawyer and get the assistance you need.