Hansen & Rosasco, LLP

Multiple types of cancers – including rare cancers such as soft tissue cancers – have been linked to exposure to the toxic cloud of dust and debris that covered Manhattan in the weeks and months following the 9/11 attacks. In the years since the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center (WTC), an alarming increase in various health issues has been revealed not only in the first responders, but also at an alarming rate in Downton residents, office and other workers, and students. 

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. 

What is the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund? 

The VCF is a federal program to provide financial compensation to individuals who were injured or lost loved ones as a result of their presence at one of the sites of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, including all people present (first responders and civilian residents, workers, and students) of lower Manhattan south of Can Street present between 9/11 and May 30, 2002. The VCF provides for both economic and non-economic losses from  9/11-related injury or death to those who qualify.

Securing an award from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) is often an important step in managing the physical, emotional, and financial hardships of 9/11-related health conditions. Receiving a VCF award, however, doesn't mark the end of the road. Instead, it provides a stepping stone to creating long-term financial stability and security.

If you or a loved one submitted a claim for financial compensation to the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) and the claim was denied, the situation can feel discouraging. It may seem like you've hit a wall. We want to assure you, however, that a denial from the VCF is not a dead end, but rather a hurdle that can be surmounted with the right assistance and knowledge.

Prostate cancer is a major health concern for men around the world, affecting millions of men globally. But did you know there's a shocking connection between the devastating terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and an increased risk of prostate cancer? September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, so it’s a good time to delve into the facts about prostate cancer and 9/11 exposure, explore symptoms of prostate cancer, and consider the treatment options and avenues for financial compensation that are available to 9/11 first responders and survivors through the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund.

Article by Troy Rosasco, Published in the New York Law Journal

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.  

Awards made by the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) are not subject to federal taxes, even any part of a VCF award that is to replace lost earnings or wages. IRS Publication 3920 is clear that any amounts awarded and paid by the VCF are not income subject to taxes: ”Payments from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 are not included in income.”