Hansen & Rosasco, LLP

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month reminding us of the importance of screening for colorectal cancer. Screening is important to detect any signs of both colon and rectal cancer, and when detected at an early stage, treatment is most likely to be successful. For anyone who lived or worked in lower Manhattan on 9/11 or through 2002, awareness of colorectal cancer is particularly essential due to the established links between the toxic exposure to dust and debris at Ground Zero and an increased risk of developing such cancers.

Cancer is one of the most common of these health risks for anyone who lived, worked, or went to school in lower Manhattan (south of Canal Street) between 9/11 and May 30, 2002. Over 35,000 cancer cases have been certified by the WTC Health Program to date, including 68 types of cancer such as skin cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, and colon cancer. Many of the cancers related to 9/11 have long latency periods (the time from exposure to a toxin until the time a cancer or other condition develops) and may not show up for many years after exposure to toxic pollutants. This makes continued 9/11 cancer screenings an essential practice for 9/11 victims to ensure early detection and timely treatment.

At Hansen & Rosasco, LLP, we understand the devastating impact that the 9/11 attacks had on the Staten Island community. Our firm, with its deep history in representing 9/11 victims since the attacks, is committed to addressing the unique needs of those who themselves or lost a loved one due to cancer or other serious 9/11 health conditions. Our Staten Island office stands as a testament to this commitment, providing accessible and local legal support for 9/11 victims and survivors on Staten Island. Our office is located at 1725 Richmond Road, Staten Island, NY, and is open by appointment. You can schedule a free consultation with us by calling (929) 209-2429. 

When financial hardships hit, we understand the wait for help can be excruciating. While the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) monetary award was designed to provide vital support to those affected by the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center (WTC), the time it takes to process a claim can be lengthy. Given the weight of physical, emotional, and financial burdens that come with a 9/11-related condition, many 9/11 survivors seek to accelerate the 9/11 VCF payout to find prompt financial relief. While the VCF claims process is designed to be thorough and equitable, there are provisions for expedited claims under certain dire circumstances. Your VCF claim may be expedited if you are experiencing a terminal illness or significant financial hardship.

The year 2023 has been pivotal for cancer research, with groundbreaking advancements promising a new era of cancer care and treatment options for patients, including those suffering from one or more of the 70+ different 9/11 cancers. From the approval of innovative therapies by the Food and Drug Administration to significant strides in clinical trials, these developments are changing the landscape of oncology. Here's a look at some of the year's most promising advancements.

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, exposed 500,000 downtown workers, residents, and students to cancer-causing dust between 9/11 and May 30, 2002.  Those who lived, worked, or went to school in lower Manhattan (anywhere south of Canal Street) and were diagnosed with any cancer (or lost a loved one), have potential benefits available to them that include lifetime 9/11-related healthcare and a tax-free cash payment. 

The 9/11 attacks covered all of lower Manhattan with vast amounts of toxic cancer-causing dust that was breathed in by 500,000 downtown workers, residents, students, responders, and others during the many 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 many other types. Many of those sickened do not know of the strong link between the 9/11 dust and their cancer which was often diagnosed many years later. There has also been a stark lack of awareness of the downtown civilian population (the area workers, residents, students, and others) that help is available, including lifetime 9/11 healthcare from the World Trade Center Health Program (the WTCHP) and tax-free compensation from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (the VCF). 

For survivors of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the increased risk of breast cancer for those who lived worked, or went to school in the surrounding areas during the 9/11 attacks, or in the many months after the attacks. It is important that those who were exposed to the toxic cloud of dust and debris in the aftermath of the attacks are aware of the risks associated with exposure, as well as the various rights, benefits, and compensation available to them.

Filing a claim with the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) can be a complex and daunting process that requires a detailed understanding of the required procedures, the expert preparation of affidavits or other proofs, detailed documentation, and meeting all deadlines. In response to the complex demands of the federal VCF, about 80% of all VCF claimants chose to retain a lawyer dedicated and focused on handling 9/11 VCF claims. By having the help of such an attorney, a 9/11 claimant can be assured that nothing slips through the cracks – so they will get the maximum award in the shortest period of time.

A Comprehensive Guide to 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Awards

The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) is a federal compensation program that makes tax-free awards to eligible individuals who developed 9/11-related illnesses (such as any cancer) after they lived, worked, or went to school in the 9/11 Disaster Area (Manhattan south of Canal Street) between 9/11 and May 30, 2002.