The terrorist attack that happened on September 11, 2001, remains one of the most solemn moments in American history. To this day, first responders and survivors continue to suffer health concerns because of their exposure to toxic chemicals, including asbestos. Decades after the attack on American soil, individuals continue to suffer mesothelioma cases. With this guide, individuals will learn more about asbestos exposure and the illness it causes.
Lurking Dangers in the World Trade Center
At Ground Zero, the World Trade Center, dangers were lurking that were hidden in the depths of the disaster. Many people did not know they would eventually suffer all types of health concerns after the World Trade Center attacks. Thousands of people were exposed to asbestos on that horrid day. Years later, many of them have died or suffered serious health concerns.
Unfortunately, it can take twenty to fifty years for a person to learn they have mesothelioma. When the Twin Towers collapsed, the thick cloud of dust and smoke contained many toxic chemicals that entered the lungs of victims, residents, and first responders. This dust contained toxins like asbestos, benzene, mercury, lead, and dioxins.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a condition that can be deadly. The only known cause for this condition is exposure to asbestos. Unfortunately, asbestos fibers are minuscule and stay airborne for days, weeks, or even years. Regrettably, authorities in Manhattan did not close and quarantine the area as they should have. The exposure levels were massive on the day of the terrorist attack and continued many weeks, months, and years later.
Mesothelioma is a rare disease but it is highly progressive. Mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the internal organs. The following are some of the symptoms associated with asbestos exposure.
- Anemia
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing up blood
- Progressive fatigue
- Fever
- High white blood cell count
- Loss of appetite
- Pain in the chest and lungs
- Chronic cough
- Weight loss
- Shortness of breath
If a person notices the above symptoms, they need to seek medical care right away. It is essential 911 victims, residents, and first responders seek legal help if they have been exposed and developed health concerns as a result.
Affected Victims Should Consider Seek Legal Help
Although the government has offered funding to help victims of the World Trade Center attack, funding has since been depleted. Government officials continue to urge Congress to take the steps necessary for further helping victims. Only time will tell if these efforts are successful.
Seek Legal Help Right Away
Victims of the 911 attacks need to be aware of their rights as injured victims. After surviving the terrorist attacks, injured victims should not have to continue suffering alone.
Meeting with a lawyer is essential for helping mesothelioma victims. Putting in a claim begins with getting help from an attorney. Attorneys that work with mesothelioma and 911 victims will provide extensive legal services for injured clients.
Schedule a Consultation Appointment Right Away
One of the first things victims need to do after they are under medical care is to schedule a consultation appointment with the lawyer. Many lawyers offer free consultation appointments for injured victims.
Preparing for the consultation appointment will ensure individuals are prepared to glean as much information as possible from their meeting with the lawyer. The lawyer will help their injured client through the entire process to ensure they receive the fair compensation they are owed.