Blog

World Trade Center Health Program Uterine Cancer Petition

November 17, 2021
HomeBlogWorld Trade Center Health Program Uterine Cancer Petition

More than two decades ago, not only did thousands of Americans suffer at the hands of a tragic terrorist attack but tens of thousands of others unknowingly became the victims of illnesses they would not know about for years. The toxic cloud of carcinogenic substances that plagued New York City for so long following the 9/11 attacks has caused substantial and irreversible damage to innocent victims.

Because of the suffering so many survivors and first responders have gone through, Congress enacted the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 to ensure that victims have an opportunity to receive benefits through the World Trade Center (WTCHP) and compensation through the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF).

Over the last few years, there has been a push to add uterine cancer, which includes endometrial cancer as the most common subtype of uterine cancer, to the list of approved conditions linked to the exposure of toxic substances present in and around Ground Zero. Uterine cancer is the only cancer excluded from the list of conditions covered by the WTCHP.

Pitta & Baione LLP – Experienced 9/11 Attorneys

At Pitta & Baione LLP, our 9/11 attorneys continue to fight for the rights of our clients. Along with medical professionals, scientists, and certain members of Congress, we make every effort to ensure all 9/11 victims have an opportunity to receive benefits and compensation through the WTCHP and VCF.

Uterine and endometrial cancer are no different, and you may qualify for a 9/11 uterine cancer claim now that this type of cancer will be added to the list of covered health conditions linked to the exposure of toxic substances in and around Ground Zero. Consider contacting our 9/11 cancer claims attorneys today for a free consultation.

What Does the Recent Petition to Add Uterine Cancer Say?

A petition to add uterine and endometrial cancer to the list of WTC-related health conditions was denied in late 2019. The reason for denial was primarily because there was a lack of available evidence to show a strong link between exposure to carcinogens following the 9/11 attacks and uterine cancer, which includes endometrial cancer.

While the 2019 petition failed, medical doctors, scientists, lawmakers, 9/11 victims, and the attorneys of Pitta & Baione LLP did not give up. In September 2020, a group of doctors and scientists from the WTCHP Clinical Center of Excellence at Rutgers University filed a petition to add uterine cancer to the list of 9/11-related health conditions.

What is the Purpose of the Petition?

The purpose of the petition was to “identify a plausible link between the toxins found in World Trade Center dusts and uterine cancer,” as explained in a September 2021 press release issued by Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, who represents the 11th District of New Jersey. Evidence documenting the “plausible link” has been reviewed by the WTCHP’s Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC), and the recommendation has been made to add uterine cancer to this list of WTC-related health conditions.

STAC Meeting Discusses Addition of Uterine Cancer to Health Condition List

On November 18, 2021, the WTCHP held a STAC meeting to discuss the addition of uterine cancer, which includes endometrial cancer, to the list of WTC-related health conditions. The STAC released a preliminary report ahead of the meeting with recommendations to add uterine cancer to the list because there is a “reasonable basis” to do so. Now female 9/11 survivors and first responders with uterine cancer will have an opportunity to seek benefits and compensation through the WTCHP and VCF.

Do I Have a Potential 9/11 Uterine Cancer Claim?

Proving that exposure to toxic substances caused a person’s cancer diagnosis can be difficult when there is insufficient data to link the two. Insufficient data does not mean there is no link. Rather, insufficient data means that a medical issue has not been sufficiently studied. Now that the science is catching up with what many doctors, female 9/11 victims, and 9/11 attorneys have been claiming for years, victims now have a chance to receive the coverage they deserve.

Factors Influencing Uterine Cancer Claims

Whether you qualify to pursue a 9/11 uterine cancer claim will depend on a variety of factors, some of which include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Whether you are a survivor or first responder who was exposed to the toxic cloud that followed the 9/11 attacks;
  • Whether you have been diagnosed with uterine cancer (with endometrial cancer being the most common type of uterine cancer); and
  • Whether the date of diagnosis had a sufficient latency period (in other words, a few or more years have gone by since the date of last exposure and the diagnosis of cancer).

Why Should I Speak to an Attorney?

Because all cases are unique, speaking with a 9/11 cancer claims attorney is a good first step to learning about potential legal options. In addition to incurring medical expenses, 9/11 victims have experienced pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages as a direct result of exposure to the 9/11 dust cloud.

Victims Come Forward to Share Their Experiences

Whenever a decision is made to consider the addition of a medical condition to the list of qualifying WTC-related illnesses, public meetings are held to welcome viewpoints from all sectors of society, including the victims themselves. Uterine and endometrial cancer victims have helped further their cause by sharing their stories about not only being a 9/11 survivor or first responder but also about the pain and anguish associated with uterine or endometrial cancer.

Victims who have the courage to testify make a strong impression on the committees that have the power to enact change. The WTCHP and VCF are specifically for the benefit of victims, and victims know better than anyone else how their experiences have had a significant impact on their lives, including the lives of loved ones.

Contact the 9/11 Attorneys of Pitta & Baione LLP for a Free Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with uterine or endometrial cancer, and you believe you developed cancer after being exposed to the toxic cloud emitted following the 9/11 attacks, consider reaching out to a 9/11 benefits lawyer. At Pitta & Baione LLP, we dedicate a large portion of our practice to representing the rights of injured and ill 9/11 victims who suffered through no fault of their own. To schedule your free consultation with one of our 9/11 attorneys, contact our office today by calling (844) 901-1237.