Support Available for 9/11 Victims on Staten Island

Many people who experienced the 9/11 attacks are from Staten Island. This includes the many people who commuted to lower Manhattan as 9/11 first responders, construction and cleanup workers, or to an office or other jobs in lower Manhattan downtown any time during the many months after 9/11. Many of these responders or civilian workers have since been diagnosed with cancer or other 9/11 illnesses, caused by the toxic air and environment that they were exposed to in 2001 and 2001.  

Recognizing the ongoing needs of these 9/11-exposed  Islanders, a range of support resources has been established to provide medical care and monitoring, and financial compensation to those affected by the attacks. This guide outlines the vital programs and services available to Staten Island's 9/11 victims, including those present in the area in the months following the attacks. 

9/11's Impact on Staten Island

Staten Island saw a significant number of its inhabitants directly impacted by the attacks, mourning 274 residents killed in the attacks. Whether they were first responders who rushed to the scene, workers in downtown Manhattan exposed to the toxic dust cloud, or others who lost loved ones in the attacks, the repercussions for Staten Islanders have been profound and long-lasting. 

For many Staten Island residents (even those who have since moved), the aftermath of 9/11 has included serious health complications. The collapse of the Twin Towers released a massive amount of hazardous materials into the air, creating an exposure zone that affected not only those present at the World Trade Center site but also anyone who worked as a responder (or as a regular worker in the offices or buildings south of Canal Street), or drove the trucks containing WTC debris, worked on the barges transporting the debris, and/or worked at the Fresh Kills landfill. The health conditions linked to this exposure are varied and can be severe, ranging from respiratory issues to various types of cancer. 

Resources Available for Staten Island's 9/11 Victims

Following the attacks, Congress passed the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act (Zadroga Act), which established essential resources for individuals affected by 9/11, including Staten Island’s 9/11 victims and survivors. These include the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). 

The World Trade Center Health Program

One of the most critical resources available to 9/11 victims is the WTC Health Program (WTCHP). This program provides no-cost medical monitoring and treatment for those who were present in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. The program is designed to address the needs of both responders and survivors, offering comprehensive health evaluations, diagnostic services, and medical treatment for 9/11-related health conditions.

Residents of Staten Island who were present in the exposure zone, including the area of Manhattan south of Houston Street, are eligible for the WTCHP. This program covers a wide range of conditions, including several different types of airway and digestive disorders, 69 types of cancer, mental health conditions such as PTSD, and musculoskeletal disorders in the case of WTC responders. 

The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund

In addition to health care, financial compensation is a vital aspect of support available for those who were south of Canal Street (the WTCHP exposure zone is larger and includes areas south of Houston Street) and affected by 9/11. The VCF provides cash compensation to anyone who suffered physical harm or to the families of those who lost their lives as a result of the attacks. The VCF covers a wide range of damages, including lost wages, medical expenses, and non-economic losses such as pain and suffering.

Staten Islanders who were responders or survivors, or who lost loved ones in the 9/11 attacks, are eligible to file claims with the VCF. The process involves submitting proof of presence in the Exposure Zone in the months following 9/11, and detailed documentation of health conditions and economic losses. 

Where Can Staten Island Residents Go for Support?

Staten Island residents seeking support have various options available to them. The WTCHP and the VCF are essential resources, but there are also local organizations and support groups dedicated to assisting individuals affected by 9/11. These organizations provide a range of services, from mental health support and counseling to employment and financial assistance.

• American Group Psychotherapy Association: Provides support for mental health professionals working in schools in Manhattan and Staten Island
• Friends of Firefighters: Offers individual and couples counseling, wellness trips, and special events for FDNY staff and their families.
• Lutheran Social Services of New York Midtown New Life Center: Facilitates counseling and support groups for those affected by 9/11.
• Council of Jewish Organizations of Flatbush: Provides employment assistance and training for people affected by 9/11.
• New York Disaster Interfaith Services: Offers financial assistance for people impacted by 9/11 with limited or no access to recovery assistance.
  
  

Consult the 9/11 Attorneys at Hansen & Rosasco

For those seeking to certify their condition with the WTCHP or file a claim with the VCF, the 9/11 attorneys at Hansen & Rosasco, LLP are here to guide you. We have an office not just in lower Manhattan at 250 Broadway (across from City Hall), but also an office at 1725 Richmond Rd, Staten Island, NY 10306 where we see our 9/11 clients. 

At Hansen & Rosasco, LLP, we offer comprehensive legal services, including help with initial VCF claims, appeals, and re-evaluations of previously settled claims if health conditions have worsened. Our team understands the emotional and physical toll that 9/11 has taken on survivors and their families, and we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal support.

For Staten Island residents impacted by 9/11, Hansen & Rosasco, LLP offers free consultations to discuss individual cases and determine the best course of action. By leveraging our experience, those affected by 9/11 can ensure that they receive the full extent of benefits and compensation to which they are entitled.