How the Zadroga Act Can Help With Your 9/11 Related Illnesses

How the Zadroga Act Can Help With Your 9/11 Related Illnesses

February 24, 2021 Off By Glespynorson

The incredibly tragic incident that took place on the 11th of September, 2001, in New York City had a significant impact on the country and the world.

But since that time, it has continued to affect people’s health and take lives.

The World Trade Center attack released massive amounts of carcinogens and toxic asbestos into the air. Therefore, it is estimated that anyone who was around a 1.5-mile radius of the World Trade Center could be at risk.

The people didn’t necessarily have to be in a 1.5-mile radius at that particular time. It could have affected people even after the attacks.

The first New York Police Department officer who passed away due to exposure during the attack was James Zadroga. He suffered from pulmonary fibrosis in 2006.

After some time, two bills were passed to help the people suffering from 9/11 related illnesses.

Let’s take a look at what the Zadroga Act is and some health tips for relevant persons.

The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act

In 2010, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act was created. Its purpose is to compensate and provide medical treatment to people suffering from any 9/11 related health issues.

The Act was only supposed to last for five years. However, another bill was passed that further extended the coverage of the Act. Finally, the bill was renewed again in 2019. Now, it is valid till 2090.

Considering that it will last for around 69 years more, you can understand the seriousness of the matter.

While it’s made to provide help to the relevant individuals, it’s not easy to get compensated under the Zadroga Act. Therefore, you need to have an excellent Zadroga Act lawyer on your side.

Two Important Eligibility Requirements of the Zadroga Act

You or a loved one should have been in the exposure zone within New York City. It should be anytime between the 11th of September, 2001 and 30th of May 2002. These two are the most crucial requirements of eligibility for claiming compensation under the Act.

The exposure zone of 9/11 was mostly Lower Manhattan. That includes:

  • Tribeca
  • Lower East Side
  • SoHo
  • Bowling Green
  • China Town
  • Greenwich Village
  • Battery Park

Considering Clinton Street, East Broadway, and Canal Street as borders, everything that comes on the south is probably included. You can check the full map of the exposure zone on a government website.

Health Safety Tips For People in the 9/11 Exposure Zone

After looking at the exposure zone, you should be able to tell if you were there or not. Therefore, you should closely monitor your health if you were in that exposure zone.

Catching any health issues early on can allow you to have better treatment options. Subsequently, you will have better odds of a complete recovery.

You should consider:

  • Getting a medical evaluation of your respiratory and digestive system
  • Having an extensive evaluation of your mental health
  • Sticking to the treatments prescribed by your doctor