Were You a Student in Downtown Manhattan During 9/11? Here's How the VCF Can Help

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.

Students in Downtown Manhattan Experienced 9/11 in a Unique Way

Students attending school in Downtown Manhattan on the morning of 9/11 found themselves in the midst of an unprecedented national tragedy. As the Twin Towers were struck and subsequently collapsed, the schools in the vicinity were quickly evacuated. As Lila Nordstrom, author of Some Kids Left Behind, wrote, “The people who suffer the most in disasters big and small are often the people with the least agency — kids.” Many students, from elementary schools to community colleges, had no agency in the response that was happening around them, or were left to navigate the chaos alone or with their classmates, not knowing what was happening, all while a steady stream of sirens blared and the air filled with toxins such as ash and debris.

If You Were a Student in Downtown Manhattan on 9/11, You’re Eligible for the VCF

What many former students may not realize is that they are eligible for financial compensation and support through the VCF. The VCF was established to provide financial assistance to individuals who suffered physical injuries or illnesses as a result of the 9/11 attacks, including those who were in the immediate area of the World Trade Center in the weeks and months following the attacks.

If you were a student attending school in the vicinity of the WTC, or if you were present in the area on that day or during the 2001-2002 school year, you may be entitled to compensation. This includes students who were enrolled in elementary, middle, or high schools, as well as those attending colleges or universities in Downtown Manhattan. Click here for our list of schools and universities in the Exposure Zone. 

The health impacts of being in close proximity to Ground Zero are well-researched and documented. Research has shown that thousands of individuals have developed conditions such as respiratory issues, various types of cancer, gastrointestinal issues, mental health conditions, and other illnesses linked to exposure to the toxic dust and debris that filled the air when the towers fell. Even if your health issues developed years later, they may be connected to 9/11, as some illnesses have long latency periods, meaning they develop years after exposure to toxins. Therefore, you might still be eligible for compensation through the VCF.

How Can a VCF Attorney Help Students?

Navigating the VCF claims process can be complex, especially when it comes to proving your presence in the exposure zone and connecting your health issues to 9/11. This is where the experience and knowledge of a VCF attorney become invaluable.

A knowledgeable attorney can help you apply to the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) for certification of your 9/11-related condition and file a claim with the VCF by the applicable deadlines. An attorney can also help you gather the necessary documentation, such as school records, medical records, and witness statements, to support your claim. They can also assist in identifying all eligible conditions and ensuring that you receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to under the VCF.

Get the Support You Deserve as a Downtown Manhattan Student on 9/11

The VCF was created to support those who were affected by the 9/11 attacks, and that includes students who were in Downtown Manhattan on that day, or in the aftermath of the attacks. The traumatic experiences endured, along with the potential long-term health effects, are recognized by the VCF, and students have the right to seek compensation for their losses

At Hansen & Rosasco, LLP, our team of experienced 9/11 attorneys is dedicated to helping former students and others affected by 9/11 navigate the VCF claims process. We understand the unique challenges faced by those who were students during the attacks, and we are committed to ensuring that you receive the compensation and care you deserve. If you were a student in Downtown Manhattan on September 11, 2001, we invite you to reach out for a free consultation.