Hansen & Rosasco, LLP

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a type of cancer associated with 9/11 exposure, it is crucial to be informed about the rights and job protections available to you. The legal framework surrounding 9/11-related cancers and illnesses can be complex, but a clear understanding of these laws and the corresponding job protections can help safeguard your employment while you undergo necessary medical care and recovery. 

According to data gathered by the World Trade Center Health Registry, about 10% of enrollees in the program have continued to struggle with symptoms of PTSD. People often suffer from more than one 9/11-related mental health condition. In response to the attacks, there are legal options available to those who suffered emotional injury, trauma, and other health issues related to 9/11. 

Research indicates that, as time passes, individuals who were repeatedly exposed to WTC particulate matter may have a greater chance of developing mild cognitive impairment and other neurological complications like alterations in white matter connectivity. This may put them at a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

How much a VCF award will or will not affect your public housing assistance benefits depends on how the award is paid. If you are concerned about losing Public Housing Assistance or other benefits, the time to plan for an award is before any amounts are paid by the VCF or the VCF award funds are disbursed by your lawyers. 

June is National Cancer Survivor Month, a time to recognize and celebrate individuals, families, and caregivers who have fought hard in their battles against cancer. If you are a cancer survivor, you know the strength it takes to rise above the many obstacles that come with diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. You also know how a cancer diagnosis can affect every aspect of your life. Fortunately, for those who have been impacted by the fallout from the September 11th terrorist attacks, there are legal options and medical and compensation resources available to help. 

People who have been diagnosed with 9/11-related cancers and illnesses may be eligible for financial compensation through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), and for no-cost medical treatment and monitoring through the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP). A VCF attorney can help guide you through the process of filing a claim and ensuring you receive the maximum amount of compensation for your situation.

You can receive Social Security Disability and an award from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. Many people affected by the post-9/11 toxic air were caused to be disabled – due to cancer or severe breathing condition – and qualified for Social Security Disability Benefits or a Disability Pension based on their  9/11-related conditions. These same people may also qualify for an award from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). Yes, you can receive both.

The 9/11 dust and fumes caused pancreatic cancer in downtown residents, workers, students, and first responders. In 2014, the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) formally recognized the definitive link between pancreatic cancer and exposure to the toxic fallout from the 9/11 attacks. At first, the WTCHP did not recognize the link between exposure to the 9/11 toxins and pancreatic cancer. Then in 2014, the WTCHP recognized the findings of the WTCHP Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee that 9/11 exposure is found substantially likely to be a significant factor in aggravating, contributing to, or causing the individual's pancreatic cancer. This finding made, for the first time, pancreatic cancer eligible to be certified for WTCHP treatment services as well as compensation from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) for the cancer victim or, if the person passed, to their family. 

Early detection is key to successful treatment and a better prognosis for the thousands of  breast cancer cases that are diagnosed each year. As such, researchers have been looking for ways to improve the speed and accuracy of breast cancer screening programs, which has led to the development of artificial intelligence (AI) for breast cancer detection. Also called computer-assisted detection, this AI-driven technology has the potential to revolutionize the way breast cancer is detected and treated, leading to higher breast cancer detection rates, earlier diagnosis and improved outcomes for breast cancer patients. 

September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) payouts can range between tens of thousands of dollars and $250,000 or more. With such a substantial award, planning for the future with your VCF award money is essential to ensure you protect your future quality of life and maximize the value of your award. Dissipation risks, future medical expenses, and income replacement should all be taken into consideration when planning for your VCF award money. 

Approximately 25,000 children were living or going to school in lower Manhattan on the day of the 9/11 attacks. The lasting health effects of this exposure on New York City’s (NYC) students – from physical illnesses to mental health issues – are still being felt by students of all ages who were present in or around the World Trade Center (WTC). This includes the area of Manhattan that is south of Houston Street and a large part of Brooklyn Heights.