Hansen & Rosasco, LLP

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. 

Troy Rosasco quoted in Politico:

NY Governor Signs the 9/11 Notice Act: Educating Civilian Victims Eligible For Lifetime 9/11 Healthcare and Compensation

On September 11th, 2023, the New York State Governor signed legislation (S. 2946-B/A. 75-B), the “9/11 Notice Act.” This new law requires employers to inform employees of the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund and the World Trade Center Health Program. This new legislation will help alert over 360,000 civilian survivors of 9/11 of their eligibility to file for free lifetime medical care and substantial compensation for illnesses such as 69 types of cancer.  

Published on LegalReader.com

Were you in Lower Manhattan for any reason between September 11, 2001 and July 30, 2002? Since then have you been diagnosed with any type of cancer or breathing condition?  If so, you may be entitled to significant compensation and free lifetime medical care from the federal government. Congress passed the James Zadroga Act in 2010 and re-opened the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund to compensate victims and families for illnesses arising out of exposure to toxins in lower Manhattan after the Twin Towers fell.  Sixty nine + different cancers are now covered and eligible victims may be entitled to hundreds of thousands of tax free compensation in addition to free lifetime medical care. However, navigating the federal bureaucracy to obtain these valuable benefits can be difficult for anyone – much less someone who is dealing with a serious illness.

Partner Troy Rosasco was quoted in the abc News 10 article NYS expanding awareness of 9/11 compensation program published on June 3rd.