Compensation is Available for September 11th Survivors with GERD

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a condition that occurs when acid from the stomach flows back up the esophagus and irritates the esophagus’ lining. While many people suffer from heartburn or acid reflux from time to time, GERD is more serious and occurs in mild form at least twice a week or moderate to severe form at least once a week. 9/11 survivors and responders are particularly susceptible to GERD; as of the date of publication, GERD is the second most-common condition certified by the World Trade Center Health Program. An attorney at Pitta and Baione is here to help, if you suffer from 9/11 gar

Symptoms of 9/11 GERD

GERD symptoms are similar to those of heartburn and generally present little cause for alarm when they first develop. Some common symptoms include: 

• A burning sensation in the chest 
• Chest pain
• Difficulty swallowing
• Regurgitation of food 
• The sensation of a lump in the throat
• Chronic cough
• Laryngitis
• New or worsening asthma
• Interrupted sleep

While GERD symptoms usually are mild to moderate, you should contact a doctor in the following scenarios:

• You experience severe or frequent GERD symptoms
• You take over-the-counter medication for heartburn more than twice per week

Contact Your Doctor and a Lawyer to Discuss Your Options if You Experience 9/11 GERD Complications 

Over time, GERD can cause chronic inflammation to the esophagus, which can lead to a number of complications, such as: 

• Esophageal strictures occur when damage to the lower esophagus from stomach acid causes scar tissue to form, narrowing the pathway for food and leading to difficulty swallowing.
• Esophageal ulcers occur when stomach acid wears away tissue in the esophagus, causing an ulcer. Ulcers can cause bleeding and pain and make swallowing difficult. 
• Barrett’s esophagus occurs when stomach acid damage causes changes in the tissue lining the esophagus, increasing the risk of esophageal cancer.

If you suffer from GERD, you should contact your doctor to discuss treatment options to minimize the risk of your condition becoming chronic. To find out what your potential legal options are as they relate to your complications, speak to a 9/11 lawyer as soon as possible.

The Connection Between World Trade Center Exposure and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

There is some evidence that exposure to the toxins of 9/11 has resulted in higher incidences of GERD symptoms among 9/11 survivors and responders. In a study published by the American Journal of Gastroenterology, researchers surveyed over 37,000 adults who lived or worked near Ground Zero who did not report any GERD symptoms before 9/11. Of those, 20% showed new GERD symptoms after 9/11, while 13% showed symptoms that persisted for at least five to six years. The researchers suspect that inhaled and swallowed dust — particularly dust containing alkaline cement — may have damaged the upper gastrointestinal tract and laid the groundwork for future GERD symptoms. 

Contact a September 11th Lawyer if You Are Experiencing 9/11-Related GERD Symptoms

GERD is one of the most common conditions among 9/11 survivors and responders. If you were exposed to Ground Zero toxins and are now experiencing GERD symptoms, you may be eligible for benefits. For more information, please contact a 9/11 lawyer at Pitta & Baione by using our online contact form or calling us at 844-982-2667.

Pitta & Baione LLP Successful Claims

BREAST CANCER

^$3+ Million

Secured an expedited award for a former Lower Manhattan corporate executive who developed 9/11 breast cancer.

BRAIN CANCER

^$1.95+ Million

Favorable result secured for an NYPD detective who responded to the attacks and later suffered from 9/11 brain cancer.

LUNG CANCER

^$1.76+ Million

Secured a wrongful death claim on behalf of a union carpenter who worked on the 9/11 cleanup efforts at Ground Zero and was later diagnosed with 9/11 lung cancer.

THYROID CANCER

^$1.65+ Million

Secured a favorable result for an area worker in Lower Manhattan who later developed 9/11 thyroid cancer.

BRAIN CANCER

^$1.7+ Million

Secured an expedited award for New York State Supreme Court employee who was disabled by 9/11 brain cancer.

LEUKEMIA

^$1.3+ Million

Secured a wrongful death award on behalf of a Lower Manhattan corporate executive who was diagnosed with 9/11 leukemia.

LUNG CANCER

^$1.1+ Million

Secured an expedited award for a union carpenter who worked in Lower Manhattan after 9/11 and was later found disabled by 9/11 lung cancer.

LUNG DISEASE

^$1.1+ Million

Secured an expedited award for a Local 94 operating engineer who worked in Lower Manhattan after 9/11 and was later found disabled by 9/11 lung disease.

NASAL CAVITY CANCER

^$1+ Million

Secured an xpedited award for a DSNY sanitation worker who assisted in the 9/11 cleanup efforts at Ground Zero and was later diagnosed with 9/11 nasal cavity cancer.

BRAIN CANCER

^$1+ Million

Secured an expedited award for a New York City Department of Corrections corrections officer who served as a volunteer responder on 9/11 and later developed a disabling and rare 9/11 brain cancer.

LUNG CANCER

^$960+ Thousand

Secured a favorable result for a wrongful death claim on behalf of a TWU Local 100 MTA worker who participated in the 9/11 recovery efforts and later developed 9/11 lung cancer.

COLON CANCER

^$770+ Thousand

Successfully represented an union carpenter who built temporary structures at Ground Zero as a 9/11 responder and later developed disabling 9/11 colon cancer.

View More Successful Claims