Hansen & Rosasco, LLP

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to highlight the risks of 9/11-related breast cancer. Breast cancer is a growing concern for many in the 9/11 community who were exposed to toxic substances following the terrorist attacks. Unfortunately, since 2001 Hansen & Rosasco has helped hundreds of 9/11 breast cancer victims. Our office recently won a $3.4 million plus award for a female downtown Manhattan executive disabled by breast cancer after having a radical mastectomy, chemo, radiation and lymphedema complications.  

The 9/11 attacks covered all of lower Manhattan with cancer-causing dust that was breathed in by 500,000 downtown workers, residents, students, responders, and others during the months after the attacks. In the years since, tens of thousands of those exposed to this dust have gotten sick with any number of 9/11-linked cancers, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, blood cancer, cancer of the digestive system, and more.

The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) was established to provide financial compensation to individuals who suffered physical harm or lost loved ones as a result of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. While many people are aware that the VCF exists, there are some little-known facts that can be essential knowledge for those who are eligible to file a VCF claim. Here are five unexpected facts about the VCF that all individuals affected by the 9/11 attacks should know.

Thousands of students in over 25 schools in Downtown Manhattan found themselves directly impacted by the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. The 9/11 attacks were particularly harrowing for students, leaving them in a state of confusion and uncertainty as a toxic cloud of dust and debris filled the air and exposed thousands of individuals to carcinogens and other harmful substances. If you were a student in Downtown Manhattan during the 2001-2002 school year, you are at an increased risk of developing a 9/11-related cancer or other health condition. Fortunately, the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) was created to provide financial compensation to support downtown students and others who were present during 9/11 and suffered as a result of the attacks.

September 11, 2001, is a time for reflection, remembrance, and continued commitment to supporting the community of individuals who have been affected by the violence of that day. At Hansen & Rosasco, LLP, we take a moment to honor our friends, neighbors, family members, community members, and all others who we lost that day. We remember and pray for the heroes who responded, and the countless individuals who continue to suffer from the long-term health effects. As we mark this somber milestone, we remain resolute in our devotion to continued advocacy and fighting for all those sickened or impacted by the attacks.

Choosing the right lawyer is an important decision, and choosing the right VCF lawyer is crucial.The two federal 9/11 programs – the World Trade Center Health Program and the  September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) – are complicated with hundreds of pages of federal rules and regulations. Hiring the right, experienced 9/11 lawyer can make the difference of getting approved or denied lifetime healthcare from the WTC Health Program and receiving the maximum award by the 9/11 VCF or being denied compensation. Here’s what you need to know to make the best choice for legal representation.

Lung Cancer Screening is available on a yearly basis from the World Trade Center Health Program. 

Lung cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer in the United States. Currently, it is the 6th most common “certified” cancer by the World Trade Center Health Program and causes more 9/11-related deaths than almost any other. Unfortunately, Hansen & Rosasco have seen an increase in calls for assistance with 9/11-related lung/bronchus cancer claims. 

After intense lobbying in Congress (including a huge push by our friends at 9/11 Health Watch) to close an unintended gap in the Zadroga Act which denied lifetime health benefits to certain 9/11 hero responders, the  National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2024, signed by the President on December 22, 2023, has now fixed the problem.

Multiple myeloma has emerged as one of the most common 9/11-related blood cancer diagnoses for people exposed to toxic dust and fumes after the 9/11 attacks. The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) recognizes multiple myeloma as a 9/11-related condition with over 700 cases as of the end of 2023. This prevalence highlights the importance of frequent health monitoring for 9/11 first responders and survivors, including individuals who lived, worked, went to school, or were otherwise present in the area in the months following the attack.

The 9/11 Notice Act represents a significant development in the ongoing efforts to inform and educate downtown Manhattan office and other civilian workers that they are eligible for lifetime healthcare from the World Trade Center Health Program and also a tax-free award from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. The Notice Act is to ensure that forgotten victims – such as office workers, finance professionals, building service workers, teachers/staff, retail workers, hospitality workers, delivery people, and all other workers – are made aware of the substantial available benefits.