Napoli Bern, LLP is a law firm dedicated to protecting the rights of the police officers, firemen, EMTs, construction workers, and other rescue volunteers who have been injured by the aftermath of the World Trade Center attacks from 9/11. Many brave men and women may have been exposed to toxic materials which can lead to respiratory illnesses such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and even cancer.

World Trade Center Litigation

The collapse of the World Trade Center towers released a huge cloud of dirt and dust that stretched across the city.  Trapped in these clouds were millions of microscopic particles from the building debris.  Among these were particles of asbestos, mercury, lead, silica, polyvinyl chloride and other harmful materials.  The firefighters, police officers, EMTs, construction workers, and other volunteers working around the clock were exposed to these hazardous particles in the minutes, days, and weeks after 9/11. 

Unfortunately, health officials do not yet know the full extent of the exposure to these dangerous materials, these exposures may lead to a variety of serious disorders, including but not limited to, occupational asthma ("WTC Cough"), chronic bronchitis, asbestosis, mesothelioma, silicosis, emphysema and various cancers.  Clearly, many of the health disorders that have resulted from this exposure to hazardous materials have the greatest effect on the lungs.  Below are just some of the disorders and their associated symptoms.  If you believe that you may have one of these disorders as a result of working around Ground Zero, please see your doctor immediately.

Obstructive Airway Disease

Obstructive Airway Disease, also known as Chronic Obstructive Airway Disease or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is actually the name given to a family of respiratory diseases, which include among others, chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

The primary symptoms are shortness of breath, wheezing, and persistent coughing that may produce mucus or phlegm.  Further, there may be a decrease in the amount of oxygen the lungs can absorb, leading to a bluish discoloration of the extremities, primarily in the fingertips and lips.

Obstructive Lung Defects

RADS

Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS) is a type of occupational asthma.  It is defined by the fact that there is no latency period from the time of exposure and inhalation of irritating substances to the time the asthma develops.  If symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, or wheezing appear within 24 hours, this irritant-induced asthma is classified as RADS.  RADS is NOT an allergic type of asthma.  We do not yet know which specific substances cause RADS, but it is typically associated with exposure to gases, fumes, smoke, or vapors with toxins in high concentrations.

Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is an inflammation in the body that produces tiny lumps, also called granulomas.  These small lumps by themselves may be harmless and are virtually undetectable, however when these granulomas clump together they can form larger groups of lumps.  When these groups of lumps form on an organ, they can affect its performance.  The cause of sarcoidosis is unknown.  Typically it develops first in the lungs or lymph nodes.   

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is considered an occupational lung disease because it is caused by a heavy exposure to asbestos. 

Asbestosis is caused when inhalation of asbestos fibers permanently scars the tissue of the lungs.  When these tissues get scarred, the effectiveness of the lungs is reduced and their ability to absorb oxygen is reduced.  As a result, the primary symptom is a chronic shortness of breath.  Unfortunately, there is currently no treatment that will cure asbestosis. 

Napoli Bern, LLP is committed to helping America’s heroes and will gladly evaluate your claim free of charge.  For your free evaluation, please contact our office.

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