Hansen & Rosasco, LLP

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

According to data gathered by the World Trade Center Health Registry, about 10% of enrollees in the program have continued to struggle with symptoms of PTSD. People often suffer from more than one 9/11-related mental health condition. In response to the attacks, there are legal options available to those who suffered emotional injury, trauma, and other health issues related to 9/11. 

Research indicates that, as time passes, individuals who were repeatedly exposed to WTC particulate matter may have a greater chance of developing mild cognitive impairment and other neurological complications like alterations in white matter connectivity. This may put them at a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Partner Troy Rosasco and Hansen & Rosasco client Gary D'Onofrio were recently quoted in the Spectrum News 1 article 9/11 Notification Bill Awaits Governor's Signature.

How much a VCF award will or will not affect your public housing assistance benefits depends on how the award is paid. If you are concerned about losing Public Housing Assistance or other benefits, the time to plan for an award is before any amounts are paid by the VCF or the VCF award funds are disbursed by your lawyers. 

June is National Cancer Survivor Month, a time to recognize and celebrate individuals, families, and caregivers who have fought hard in their battles against cancer. If you are a cancer survivor, you know the strength it takes to rise above the many obstacles that come with diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. You also know how a cancer diagnosis can affect every aspect of your life. Fortunately, for those who have been impacted by the fallout from the September 11th terrorist attacks, there are legal options and medical and compensation resources available to help. 

People who have been diagnosed with 9/11-related cancers and illnesses may be eligible for financial compensation through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), and for no-cost medical treatment and monitoring through the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP). A VCF attorney can help guide you through the process of filing a claim and ensuring you receive the maximum amount of compensation for your situation.

You can receive Social Security Disability and an award from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. Many people affected by the post-9/11 toxic air were caused to be disabled – due to cancer or severe breathing condition – and qualified for Social Security Disability Benefits or a Disability Pension based on their  9/11-related conditions. These same people may also qualify for an award from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). Yes, you can receive both.

The 9/11 dust and fumes caused pancreatic cancer in downtown residents, workers, students, and first responders. In 2014, the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) formally recognized the definitive link between pancreatic cancer and exposure to the toxic fallout from the 9/11 attacks. At first, the WTCHP did not recognize the link between exposure to the 9/11 toxins and pancreatic cancer. Then in 2014, the WTCHP recognized the findings of the WTCHP Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee that 9/11 exposure is found substantially likely to be a significant factor in aggravating, contributing to, or causing the individual's pancreatic cancer. This finding made, for the first time, pancreatic cancer eligible to be certified for WTCHP treatment services as well as compensation from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) for the cancer victim or, if the person passed, to their family. 

Breast cancer is the third most common cancer caused by the 9/11 dust and fumes. The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) reports over 2,625 cases of 9/11 caused breast cancer since that program opened in 2011. Of this total, 480 responders and 2,145 survivors – people who lived, worked, or were students in lower Manhattan between 9/11 and May 30, 2002 – were diagnosed with 9/11-related breast cancer. There are likely thousands more women (and men) who have been diagnosed with breast cancer since 2001 and do not know of the link between their presence in lower Manhattan in 2001-2002 and a diagnosed case of breast cancer, often a decade or more later.