9/11 Prostate Cancer Claims

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and was present in the New York City 9/11 Exposure Zone (Manhattan below Canal Street) between 9/11/2001 and May 30, 2002, you may be eligible for substantial tax-free compensation and free medical monitoring and treatment. Prostate cancer is among the most frequently diagnosed 9/11cancers among first responders, recovery workers, and downtown Manhattan residents, students, teachers, and employees. Through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) and the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), eligible individuals can receive financial and medical care to face the challenges that come with 9/11-related prostate cancer.

At Hansen & Rosasco, LLP, our 9/11 attorneys have been representing 9/11 victims and their families for more than two decades. We’re here to help you understand your rights and eligibility under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. We will guide you through the process of filing a VCF claim and registering with the WTCHP for certification of your 9/11-related illness, so you can focus on your health and recovery.

Prostate Cancer is the Most Common Diagnosis Among Men Who Were Exposed to 9/11 Toxins

According to data from the World Trade Center Health Program, prostate cancer is the second most common certified cancer in the program. The alarming rate of prostate cancer diagnoses among 9/11 responders and those present in the aftermath of 9/11 reflects the long-term impact of exposure to the toxic dust, debris, and airborne carcinogens released during and after the collapse of the World Trade Center (WTC).

This dust cloud contained over 2,500 contaminants, including known carcinogens such as asbestos, benzene, cadmium, and dioxins, and other harmful substances such as smoke, glass, and pulverized concrete. Many of the individuals exposed to these hazardous substances worked long hours in rescue, recovery, and cleanup operations or lived, worked, or attended school in lower Manhattan in the days, weeks, and months following the attacks, not knowing the dangers.

The Link Between 9/11 and Prostate Cancer

While prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men generally and the second leading cause of cancer death in men, studies have shown that 9/11 responders have a significantly higher risk of developing this disease than the general population. 9/11 Cancer Researchers believe this may be due to the combination of prolonged toxic exposure and inflammation due to stress that may accelerate cancer development.

The World Trade Center Health Program recognizes prostate cancer as a covered 9/11 condition and will provide lifetime medical treatment and monitoring for individuals with a certified diagnosis who were present in the aftermath of the attacks. If your prostate cancer is certified by the WTCHP, you may also qualify for financial compensation for economic and non-economic losses through the VCF.

Common Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

There are minimal early warning signs of prostate cancer. It can develop slowly and without pain in its early stages, making it possible to have the cancer for years without knowing it. However, in more advanced cases, once a tumor causes the prostate gland to swell or the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, symptoms may begin to show. These may include:

Difficulty urinating or a weak urine stream
Blood in the urine or semen
Frequent urination, especially at night
Erectile dysfunction
Pain in the hips, pelvis, or lower back
Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
Pain or burning when urinating
Reduced semen
Pressure or pain in the rectum
Inability to urinate while standing
Leaking urine when laughing or coughing

If you experience any of these symptoms and were exposed to 9/11 toxins, it’s important to consult with your doctor and enroll in the World Trade Center Health Program for ongoing prostate cancer screening. Early detection can significantly improve your health outcome and quality of life.

How to Know if You Qualify for Prostate Cancer Compensation From 9/11 Exposure

To be eligible for compensation from the VCF, your prostate cancer must be certified by the WTCHP. Eligibility is generally based on:

Presence in the NYC Exposure Zone: You must have been present in the exposure zone (generally south of Canal Street) between September 11, 2001 and May 30, 2002. This includes responders, recovery workers, downtown residents, workers, and students.
A Certified 9/11-Related Health Condition: The WTCHP must determine that your prostate cancer is linked to your exposure to 9/11 toxins.
Timely Registration: You must register your claim with the VCF by the applicable deadline, which depends on the date of your diagnosis or death and the date of WTCHP certification.

If you are the spouse or family member of someone who died from 9/11-related prostate cancer, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim for financial compensation for your loss.

VCF Compensation for 9/11 Prostate Cancer Claims

Once your prostate cancer is certified by the WTCHP, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation from the VCF for both economic and non-economic losses.

Economic loss compensation reimburses claimants for out-of-pocket medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning capacity, the loss of employer benefits like pension and retirement contributions, employer-paid health insurance, sick and vacation pay, and annuities, and loss of household services provided. In wrongful death claims, surviving family members may receive compensation for the victim’s lost income and support.

Non-economic loss, also known as pain and suffering, is awarded based on the severity and impact of your illness. For prostate cancer, these awards typically range from $90,000 to $250,000, depending on how aggressive or advanced the disease is and how it affects the claimant’s life. These awards recognize the pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life that accompany a cancer diagnosis.

Our experienced VCF attorneys can help ensure your loss is fully documented in your VCF claim so you receive the maximum award available to you and your family for your individual circumstances.

Prostate Cancer Treatment Options

The treatment for prostate cancer varies depending on the stage and aggressiveness of the disease, as well as personal factors such as age, how healthy you are, personal preferences, and other health conditions you may have. Common treatment options include:

Active surveillance or watchful waiting for slow-growing tumors
Surgery (radical prostatectomy)
Radiation therapy
Hormone therapy
Chemotherapy or immunotherapy in more advanced cases
Bisphosphonate Therapy
Cryotherapy or Cryosurgery
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)

All medical care related to certified 9/11 health conditions is covered at no cost through the WTCHP.

Support Resources for Prostate Cancer Patients

A prostate cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. In addition to the VCF and WTCHP, several organizations offer counseling, peer support, and educational resources. These include:

ZERO

Offers support groups, treatment navigation, and financial resources.

Prostate Cancer Foundation

A nonprofit providing support, research, education, and advocacy for prostate cancer survivors and their loved ones.

CancerCare

Offers free counseling, financial assistance, and support groups for people with prostate cancer.

Speak With Our 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Lawyers to See If You’re Eligible for Free Healthcare and Compensation

The claims process for the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund can be complex, especially for individuals already dealing with a cancer diagnosis. The attorneys at Hansen & Rosasco, LLP are here to help. We’ll handle all aspects of your claim, including enrollment in the WTCHP, certification of your condition, and submission of your VCF application with supporting documentation.

We’ve secured millions in compensation for clients with 9/11-related prostate cancer, and we’re committed to helping you obtain the justice and support you deserve.

If you’re not sure whether you qualify, don’t wait. Contact us for a free consultation today, and we’ll help you determine if you are eligible for compensation and no-cost healthcare.

“My husband died as a result of cancer. This firm was able to help me obtain the compensation I deserve for me and my two minor children. I had no idea we were entitled to that high of a compensation and this firm really worked hard for us! We will always be thankful.” -Gina E.