Hansen & Rosasco, LLP

Situations can change after filing your initial claim with the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), which provides a cash award to individuals suffering from a 9/11-related cancer or other condition. If you developed a new 9/11-related health condition or experienced a new economic loss (including becoming disabled from work due to your 9/11 cancer or other condition) after filing your original VCF claim, you may need to amend your original claim. Here’s how the amendment process works and why it might be necessary for you to amend your claim.

Since the terrorist attacks, 9/11-related sarcomas – rare cancers that can affect soft tissue and bone – have been diagnosed in downtown residents, workers, and responders. While sarcomas are rare, anyone who lived, worked, or was otherwise present in lower Manhattan and the surrounding area on 9/11 and into mid-2002 is at an increased risk of developing sarcoma due to exposure to toxic dust, chemicals, and smoke. 

Uterine cancer is recognized as part of the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), individuals diagnosed with 9/11-related uterine cancer can access health monitoring and treatment and financial compensation. In January 2023, the World Trade Center Health Program issued a final rule adding all types of uterine cancer, including endometrial cancer, to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions. The addition of uterine cancer to the list of 9/11-related conditions marked a significant development for many women affected by exposure to toxins following the attacks on the World Trade Center. In addition to healthcare and financial compensation, counseling and support groups are available that can provide necessary emotional support and mental health care. Here, we discuss the various resources available to those diagnosed with 9/11-related uterine cancer.

The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) allows claims to be amended to seek additional compensation for a variety of reasons.  A VCF claimant can amend their claim for an increased additional award if, among other circumstances: 

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.

Since the terrorist attacks 23 years ago, every day I represent people with claims before the federal 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. Not one has told me they have been asked about plea deals.

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.