9/11 Hero Dies in South Carolina From Lung Disease Connected to His Work at Ground Zero

In the 17 years that have passed since the horrible events of September 11^th, 2001, nearly 10,000 heroic firefighters, police officers, EMTs and others who rushed to Ground Zero in the hours, days, and weeks after the attacks have been diagnosed with cancer. More than 2,000 deaths have been connected to a range of 9/11-related illnesses and cancers caused by the inhalation of toxic dust and other hazardous materials at the World Trade Center site. In fact, many predict by that by the end of 2018, more people will have passed away because of 9/11-related cancers, illnesses, and other conditions caused by the toxic cloud that arose from the rubble at Ground Zero than died on 9/11 itself.

Sadly, another name was recently added to the list of heroes who have fallen victim to health problems caused by the terrorist attacks. Paul John Johnson, a retired New York police officer, died July 22, 2018, in Fort Mill, South Carolina at the age of 60 after being diagnosed with a lung disease caused by Ground Zero’s toxic air. A member of the NYPD’s Emergency Service Unit, Johnson was one of the first to respond to the World Trade Center site and spent countless hours and days looking for survivors and removing rubble.

Johnson developed breathing problems eight years ago which were soon connected to the 9/11 attacks. Health researchers keep learning more about the long-term health consequences related to the inhalation of toxic dust and other hazardous materials at the World Trade Center site. One recent study strongly suggests that those like Johnson who were present at the WTC site on 9/11 have an increased long-term risk for many heart and lung ailments, including increased levels of asthma, heart disease, diabetes and other chronic physical and psychological conditions.

What to Do If You Are Experiencing 9/11-Related Health Problems

Whether you are suffering from heart or lung problems or any other health issues arising from your presence at the World Trade Center on 9/11 or during the days, weeks, and months of recovery work that followed, you may be able to get access to resources, compensation, and cost-free medical treatment.  The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) and the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) were both established specifically to help those who have developed health problems relating to the attacks.

In order to receive these vital services and resources, you must register your claims with both programs. The registration process can be tricky and detailed, involves the submission of significant information and supporting documentation, and is subject to strict filing deadlines. If you fail to submit your claim properly or miss those deadlines, you could lose your ability to get compensation and care that is there specifically to assist 9/11 first responders and recovery workers. That is why over 80% of all 9/11 victims and their families choose to have a 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund lawyer help them with their claims.

At Turley Hansen & Rosasco, LLP in New York City, we have been helping survivors, first responders, and recovery workers recover compensation since shortly after the towers fell. Our deep commitment to 9/11 victims has resulted in the recovery of over $75 million in VCF compensation on behalf of over 1,200 clients.

Please call us today at 1-855-WTC-INFO (1-855-982-4636) or fill out our contact form to arrange for your free 9/11 claim evaluation. We look forward to assisting you.