Fire, police, and rescue personnel raced to respond to the call for help on September 11, 2001. They ran toward the danger without regard for their safety. First responders were not the only people to go to the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Shanksville, PA. Reporters, producers, tv camera operators, photographers, and audio engineers also ran down to the crash sites. News personnel provided an invaluable service to inform the world of the unfolding tragedy that claimed almost 3,000 lives.
We remember the sacrifices made by every first responder, and rightfully so. Unfortunately, the reporters who covered the attacks, recovery, and cleanup tend to be forgotten. We forget how close these reporters were to the World Trade Center towers before the structures collapsed, only to return to the area later to record the rescue and recovery efforts.
Over the past two decades, we have learned of the thousands of first responders and survivors who developed 9/11-related illnesses. Many reporters and journalists are often left out of the conversation when considering everyone who suffered from the devastating effects of exposure to 9/11 toxic dust. As with the other responders and survivors, reporters and journalists are among the victims who face debilitating medical conditions, such as cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
Recent stories have emerged concerning journalists who have suffered cancer and other 9/11-related illnesses caused by exposure to toxic dust around Ground Zero. An unfortunate reality of the 9/11 attacks is that all walks of life were affected, and reporters/journalists are no exceptions.
There are two federal government programs that were designed to help everyone who worked, lived, or went to school in the New York City Exposure Zone. The first program is the World Trade Center Health Care Program (WTCHP). The other is the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). Any journalist or reporter who worked within the Exposure Zone should consider enrolling in these programs if he or she is suffering from a 9/11-related injury or illness.
How the WTCHP Can Help You
The WTCHP provides medical monitoring and treatment to qualifying individuals who have suffered from a 9/11-related injury or illness. Many individuals who have enrolled in the WTCHP have been diagnosed with cancer and other serious health conditions following exposure to 9/11 toxins. Were you at the Exposure Zone on 9/11 or in the months that followed, and do you believe that you were exposed? To qualify, you must have a medical condition certified by the WTCHP. If accepted into the program, you will receive medical monitoring and treatment for your condition, fully subsidized through the WTCHP.
Certification is important. It means you received an official decision from the WTCHP that exposure to 9/11 toxins caused your illness. Some examples of 9/11-related health conditions include, among others, the following:
- Most cancer types;
- Airway disorders; and
- Digestive disorders.
These broad categories encompass hundreds of diseases and medical problems, which do not take into account the physical injuries and mental health conditions stemming from the 9/11 attacks. The WTCHP provides coverage for both physical and mental health conditions.
Seeking Compensation from the VCF
The Department of Justice administers the VCF, which compensates qualifying individuals who were present at the World Trade Center or in the New York Exposure Zone between September 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002. The VCF also provides compensation to qualifying individuals who were present at any of the other attack sites on 9/11. Fewer people are eligible for the VCF than the WTCHP. Moreover, generally, you must enroll in the WTCHP before you can seek compensation from the VCF.
The VCF allows 9/11 toxic dust exposure victims and surviving family members of deceased victims to seek compensation for their pain and suffering associated with 9/11-related injuries and illnesses.
Filing a claim with the VCF is similar to filing a personal injury claim after an auto accident. The VCF provides compensation for medical losses and economic losses. Conversely, the VCF does not authorize payment for emotional losses or psychological injuries.
Are You a Reporter or Journalist Suffering From a 9/11-Related Illness?
Enrolling in the WTCHP and filing a VCF claim provides the means for anyone exposed to 9/11 toxic dust to seek the medical benefits and compensation they deserve. Reporters and journalists who are facing a cancer diagnosis or other 9/11-related health condition have an opportunity to participate in programs intended to ensure that no 9/11 victim is forgotten.
Contact Pitta & Baione Today For a Free Consultation
If you are a reporter or journalist who is suffering from a 9/11-related health condition, you should consider reaching out to a qualified attorney. At Pitta & Baione, our 9/11 lawyers are experienced, knowledgeable, and dedicated to helping clients receive the compensation they deserve through the VCF. To schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation with a 9/11 lawyer, contact us today by calling (844) 901-1312.
