Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, eleven more people have died over the last six weeks since the anniversary.
There is now an effort for new legislation to replace the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act for victims of Ground Zero who became ill as a result of their work there, as the Act expired on September 30 this year.
It is thought that more than 1,700 people have died from illnesses relating to Ground Zero including mesothelioma. The health program related to the World Trade Center has found that although mesothelioma typically develops around 11 years after exposure to asbestos, other studies have found that 96% of cases over 20 years to appear and around a third even 40 years. Hence it is vital that victims who may still develop the disease have access to health care and compensation for many years still to come.
There are now 63,000 people being monitored for health issues relating to 9/11 and of those 33,000 have at least one health problem related to the terrorist attacks.
It appears that to renew the legislation there is support across the Senate from both parties and it is expected to be passed. However getting any major legislation through Congress and signed by the President takes time and the fiscal impact need to be analyzed. As far as this Act is concerned it would cost around $4.4 billion over 10 years and if the Victims’ Compensation Fund is also extended that would be billions more.
If you have been diagnosed with any an asbestos related disease, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. To find out how we can help you recover for your asbestos related claim, contact the Law Office of Brayton Purcell, LLP at (800) 598-0314 immediately, or contact us online for a free consultation.
