9/11 Workers Asbestos Exposure Attorneys
The tragedy of 9/11 affected us all in some way. But those effects are more than traumatic for the first responders at Ground Zero. They can be deadly. During search and rescue operations, these brave men and women exposed themselves to toxic and carcinogenic substances like asbestos. If you or a loved one is suffering from the effects of asbestos exposure after working at Ground Zero, consider speaking to the New York asbestos exposure attorneys at Hach & Rose, LLP about obtaining compensation through a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
We may be able to help you get compensation to cover medical bills or lost wages. Call us today at (212) 779-0057 for a free, no-obligation consultation, and let us review your case. The men and women who assisted in the massive clean-up and rescue operations following the WTC attacks deserve nothing less than our best. Call Hach & Rose, LLP today, and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
Asbestos and the WTC Buildings
The World Trade Center complex, completed in 1973, included the two largest buildings. Each tower was just over 1,300 feet high and contained enough office space for 35,000 people and 400 businesses. The construction of the complex was also the largest construction zone in the world.
At that time, asbestos was still used in construction as a fire retardant and insulation material. The plumbing, electrical lines, HVAC system, and fire suppression system inside the twin towers were all coated in asbestos padding. As the buildings burned and fell, asbestos entered the dust clouds around the site and was inhaled by victims and first responders.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring group of minerals that resist heat and corrosion and act as insulators. Asbestos was commonly used in many products, such as floor tiles, roofing shingles, textiles, friction products like brake pads, and fire-resistant insulation. Numerous attempts have been made to ban the use of asbestos in the United States since the 1970s, but none have succeeded. Although asbestos usage is highly regulated, the product is still used in the construction and manufacturing of many consumer products, like brake pads and fireproof clothing.
The Dangers of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a known carcinogen. Inhaling even a small amount of asbestos fibers can cause severe and lasting injury in several body parts. Exposure is permanent; there is no known way to remove asbestos fibers from the body.
Any level of asbestos exposure is dangerous, but the people who suffer the most severe health consequences are the ones who are regularly exposed to high levels of asbestos, such as construction workers, shipbuilders, miners, and car mechanics.
Some of the diseases caused by asbestos exposure include the following:
- Mesothelioma
- COPD
- Pleuritis
- Asbestosis
- Pleural plaques
- Pleural thickening
- Lung cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Laryngeal cancer
- Asthma
- Chronic cough
- GERD
There’s also ample evidence to suggest that asbestos exposure increases the risk of stomach, rectum, and colon cancers. Asbestos can also cause secondhand injuries or disease, as asbestos fibers can attach to clothing or equipment and be carried into homes or offices.
How We Can Help
We may be able to help you pay for medical treatment or other expenses through a personal injury claim or lawsuit. All first responders, volunteers, victims, and those at Ground Zero are eligible for compensation through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. This fund was put in place specifically to provide financial help to anyone present at the WTC bombing site, the Pentagon crash site, or the Pennsylvania crash site on 9/11. The fund has been reauthorized thrice, and the last bill signed by President Trump in 2019 authorized funding through December of 2090.
If you suffered harm from asbestos exposure at Ground Zero, chances are you are eligible for compensation through the VCF.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer for My 9/11 Asbestos Claim?
Filing a claim with the VCF is a complex process that requires filling out several forms, gathering a bevy of documentation, and answering questions about your medical history following your asbestos exposure. Hiring a lawyer isn’t required, but it can make the process more manageable and easier for you and your family.
Your attorney will do more than help you fill out paperwork. We will thoroughly examine your case and determine your tangible and intangible losses to ensure you get the maximum payout for your claim. We will gather all the evidence and documentation needed to support your claim, leaving you free to move on with your life.
The VCF has rules and regulations to prevent fraud and stringent requirements for properly submitting a claim. Hiring an attorney can help ensure your claim is complete, accurate, and backed by evidence.
We can also assist if your claim was denied, the benefit amount was lowered, or if you are amending your claim to request additional benefits. The appeals process for denied claims can be lengthy and time-consuming, and amending your claim essentially requires starting the process from scratch. Your attorney can help walk you through all the procedures necessary to obtain compensation for your injuries.
Why Hire Hach & Rose, LLP to Assist with My Asbestos Claim?
We have over a decade of experience helping New York residents get compensation for injuries of all types. Our attorneys believe in putting the needs of our clients first. We will treat you with the respect and dignity you deserve. Our clients come to us with problems they can’t solve on their own, and we want to help you and your family through a difficult time in any way possible.
We will provide the support and guidance you need at all times. We will answer every call, respond to every clarification request, and be available to answer questions whenever necessary.
Call Hach & Rose, LLP Today
If you’re ready to get the compensation you deserve after your 9/11 experience, contact Hach & Rose, LLP immediately for a free, confidential consultation. We will review your case and discuss your options at no charge. Let us help you get the just and fair compensation you deserve. Call (212) 779-0057 today.