Over the past few years, lawmakers, 9/11 survivors and responders, advocacy groups, and the attorneys at Pitta & Baione LLP, have advocated for the addition of uterine cancer to the list of covered conditions under the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). Despite evidence linking the disease to 9/11 toxins, uterine cancer had been the only cancer that wasn’t covered.
After extensive efforts and a recognition of the scientific data which supports the link between exposure to 9/11 toxins and uterine cancer, on January 18, 2023, the WTCHP took the necessary step of adding uterine cancer as a 9/11-related condition. As such, 9/11 toxin exposure victims who are either experiencing symptoms of uterine cancer or have already been diagnosed with this condition, can seek medical monitoring and treatment funded by the WTCHP.
Uterine Cancer Was Once the Only Cancer Type Not Covered by the WTCHP
Prior to today’s announcement by the WTCHP, uterine cancer was the only cancer type that was not considered to be a 9/11-related health condition. One reason for this omission might be due to the fact that early on, most 9/11 first responders who participated in research studies were males. Uterine cancer had therefore not been on the radar until the past five-to-ten years. Now that the WTCHP covers all cancer types, no 9/11 survivor or responder who is suffering from uterine cancer – or any other cancer – should be denied medical benefits under the WTCHP.
Lawmakers Hail WTCHP’s Decision to Deem Uterine Cancer a 9/11-Related Condition
The hard work of numerous lawmakers has paid off after a long fight. Representative Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey’s Eleventh’s District, recently stated she is “…proud that we are finally fulfilling our promise to 9/11 first responders, including the many women who ran into danger and put their lives on the line for our country that day and on the days that followed” the 9/11 attacks.
Representative Sherrill, among other lawmakers who serve constituents that have been affected by the 9/11 attacks, played a critical role in pushing the WTCHP to take the action of adding uterine cancer to the list of 9/11-related covered conditions. Such efforts by lawmakers, along with public awareness and the advocacy of lawyers who represent 9/11 toxin exposure victims, closes a chapter on a long-standing issue that went unresolved for years.
The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF)
Now that uterine cancer is on the list of 9/11-related health conditions, qualifying individuals who file claims with the WTCHP to seek medical benefits may also be eligible to seek and obtain compensation under the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). The VCF provides financial compensation to responders and survivors who have suffered extensively because of their conditions.
Some individuals with 9/11-related conditions cannot work, thus leaving a financial hole that may not otherwise exist (absent the diagnosis of a 9/11-related health condition). Moreover, the physical and mental pain and suffering associated with a 9/11-related condition warrants an award of financial compensation The families of those who died from 9/11 related uterine cancer can now seek compensation for their losses as well.
Pitta & Baione LLP is Ready to Fight For Uterine Cancer Victims
The 9/11 lawyers of Pitta & Baione LLP do more than represent the rights of first responders and survivors, as well as family members of deceased 9/11 victims. Like many lawmakers, advocates, and the 9/11 community as a whole, the firm of Pitta & Baione LLP contributes to a widespread effort to ensure that not only all 9/11-related conditions – such as uterine cancer – are covered, but the funding of the WTCHP and VCF will continue for decades to come.
Contact the 9/11 Lawyers of Pitta & Baione LLP Today
If you or a loved one were exposed to 9/11 toxins and subsequently diagnosed with uterine cancer, you may be eligible to file a WTCHP claim to receive medical monitoring and benefits, as well as a VCF claim to seek compensation for your pain and suffering. At Pitta & Baione LLP, our seasoned 9/11 lawyers commend the WTCHP’s decision to include a group of 9/11 toxin exposure victims who have been unrecognized for far too long. To schedule a free consultation to speak with a 9/11 lawyer, contact Pitta & Baione LLP today by calling (844) 982-2667 or by submitting a case inquirythrough our website.
