Hansen & Rosasco, LLP

VCF Awards and Medical Care for Out-of-State Responders

On September 11, 2001, as the Twin Towers collapsed, thousands of men and women first responders rushed to the pile to help. Many of those first responders were groups of out-of-state responders and volunteers who quickly made their way to the disaster site when most would have rushed away. In the face of danger, first responders, construction workers, and volunteers from our surrounding states (and from many states across the country), counties, and towns rushed to aid New York City and its residents, workers, and students. Even as the days and months passed, many out-of-state responders stayed or continued to come to help in the cleanup and recovery at Ground Zero.

It has been nearly 20 years since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Since that fatal day, over a hundred thousand volunteers, responders, and survivors have found themselves diagnosed with a variety of long-term chronic illnesses, cancers, and respiratory conditions. To help these individuals, Congress opened the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). This fund is the only fund that helps survivors of 9/11 obtain financial compensation for the pain and suffering they endure, plus awards for lost earnings and for wrongful death due a 9/11 disease or cancer.

COVID-19 coronavirus deaths in New York have now passed 14,000 as of April 20, 2020. This horrific number is more than the deaths on 9/11 itself and 9/11-related deaths to date – combined. It is likely that COVID-19 deaths will permanently eclipse 9/11 deaths to date and future related deaths. This is yet another tragedy for New Yorkers, and all Americans, to overcome. 

Many answered the call on September 11, 2001. Firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and medical professionals – among a long list of brave professionals. One group that has either gone unmentioned or received little coverage is made up of the men and women who attend to communication, electricity, water, and gas utilities. Yes, utility workers. They were also there on 9/11, as well as the months after the attacks, and they too deserve recognition – in addition to rightful compensation.

It was 17 years after seeing the first tower of the World Trade Center collapse that Marya Columbia first began to suffer.

9/11 Lung Cancer screening is available through the World Trade Center Health Program for first responders, lower Manhattan residents and lower Manhattan workers.