Esophageal Cancer

9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Awards for Esophageal Cancer 

• Non-Economic Loss (Pain & Suffering – No loss of work required): For cancer conditions like esophageal cancer, VCF awards usually reach the statutory non-economic cap of $250,000 for pain & suffering as set by the Zadroga Act.
• Economic Loss: This covers financial losses such as lost earnings, lost pension benefits, lost health benefits, out-of-pocket medical expenses related to eligible conditions, and funeral expenses, if applicable. The amount varies based on individual circumstances, including age, income, the extent of disability, and receipt of other benefits such as 9/11-related Social Security disability, long-term disability benefits, workers’ compensation, disability pensions, and Public Service Officers Benefits (PSOB) caused by esophageal cancer. 
  
  

9/11 Esophageal Cancer Loss of Earnings Awards 

To calculate a 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Loss of Earnings Award, the VCF uses a complicated economic analysis requiring 9/11 lawyers to write a detailed legal brief to maximize a final compensation award. The VCF Loss of Earnings relevant factors include: 

• Documentation of Pre-Disability Earnings History: From Social Security earnings records and/or past tax returns in most cases
• Establishing Loss of Future Earnings/Benefits Because of Permanent Disability, often requiring a finding of a “percentage of disability” finding from a governmental agency such as Social Security disability, workers’ compensation, a disability pension, or private long-term disability benefits
• Loss of Employment: Documentation and evidence demonstrating that the individual is unable to continue working due to their 9/11-related illness.
• Age at Disability: The age at which the person becomes unable to work.
• Estimated Future Work-Life Expectancy: How many years of loss of income and benefits if you cannot return to work?
• Inflation and Growth Rates: Adjustments/additions for expected increases in income over time due to inflation and career growth.
• Collateral Benefits Offset: Adjustments/deductions for compensation benefits received from other sources related to the 9/11 illness, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or workers' compensation and risk of future unemployment. 
  
  

Additional Non-Economic and Economic Damages 

The individual could also be entitled to non-economic damages for pain and suffering (up to $250,000 for esophageal cancer). Additional economic losses, such as medical expenses and loss of benefits, could further increase the award.

Statistics on 9/11 Related Cancers and Esophageal Cancer Nationwide 

As of March 2024, the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reports the following member cancer statistics: 

• 19,006 9/11 victim responders and 16,949 9/11 survivors have been diagnosed with cancer
• 1,903 9/11 victim responders and 1,022 9/11 survivors have died of cancer.
• Nationwide, in 2024, the National Cancer Institute estimates 22,370 new cases of esophageal cancer will be diagnosed and esophageal cancer accounts for 2.6% of all cancer deaths, with a predicted 21.6% 5-year survival rate.
• According to Wayne Hofstetter, MD, an esophageal cancer surgeon at MD Anderson Cancer Center, many esophageal cancers are diagnosed “because someone is already under surveillance for another reason — such as acid reflux — and the cancer is found incidentally during a scan or a scoping procedure”.
• As of June 2023, more than 33,000 9/11 victims are being monitored for Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or Barrett’s Esophagus at the World Trade Center Health Program. 
  
  

Treatment Options For 9/11 Esophageal Cancer 

The following types of treatment are used for 9/11 Esophageal Cancer: 

• Surgery (Daniela Molena, MD at Memorial Sloan Kettering is one of the best esophageal surgeons in the United States)
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Chemoradiation therapy
• Immunotherapy for Esophageal Cancer
• Laser therapy
• Electrocoagulation
• HER2 - Targeted therapy
• In 2024, new types of treatment for Esophageal Cancer are being evaluated in esophageal cancer clinical trials across the country. 
  
  

Navigating the 9/11 Claims Process For Your Esophageal Cancer

Navigating the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund claims process can feel overwhelming, especially if you have a serious illness, but you don’t have to face it alone. The experienced attorneys at Hansen & Rosasco have been representing thousands of 9/11 victims for over 23 years, helping people like you secure the financial compensation and healthcare benefits they deserve. From obtaining all the proof necessary to file your VCF claim to the mandatory step of certifying your condition through the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), we will guide you every step of the way so you can focus on your health. 

Your Health and Justice Are Our Priority 

We understand the immense emotional and physical toll an esophageal cancer diagnosis can bring. That’s why we’re here to make the VCF claim process as seamless as possible while fighting for the maximum compensation you’re entitled to. At Hansen & Rosasco, your claim is more than just paperwork, and our entire team of caring legal professionals is here to help guide you through the sometimes long and frustrating government claims process.