Hansen & Rosasco, LLP

On September 11, 2001, in addition to the destruction wreaked in Manhattan, the Pentagon was a target of the terrorist attacks, profoundly affecting its workforce. Employees present at the Pentagon during this critical time may be eligible for financial compensation through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). According to the most recent annual report, the VCF has paid over 10 billion dollars in awards since its creation. 

2025 Update: Recently, many past and present Verizon and Bank of America workers received a letter under the 9/11 Notice Act, alerting them that they may qualify for critical benefits, including health care and compensation. If you or a loved one worked in Lower Manhattan after 9/11, these programs may be available to you.

The enactment of the 9/11 NOTICE Act has ushered in a new era of responsibility for businesses in Lower Manhattan, particularly those below Canal Street – the areas polluted by the fallout from the 9/11 attacks. This Act aims to ensure that all potential 9/11 victims are informed of the benefits and compensation available to them. If you receive a notice from your employer under the Notice Act, it is important to not only know what benefits are available but also why you should act now even if you are not sick. 

Published in Newsweek on February 16, 2024

Hundreds of volunteer firefighters rushed to the scene of the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001. Unfortunately, many of these volunteer firefighters now endure various health conditions related to their service, including over 69 types of cancer. To support these individuals, specific benefits have been introduced by New York legislation (S1411B- A711B) to provide for volunteer firefighters who have developed cancer as a result of exposure to toxins and carcinogens while in the line of duty. Benefits provided by the New York State Volunteer Firefighter Gap Coverage Cancer Disability Benefits Act became effective January 1, 2019. Depending on individual circumstances, benefits may include a lump sum payment, a disability-based monthly payment, and/or an accidental death benefit for family members. 

At Hansen & Rosasco, LLP, our experienced 9/11 attorneys are dedicated to advocating for the 9/11 community. If you are a 9/11 volunteer firefighter who has developed cancer, we are available to answer your questions regarding the benefits and compensation available to you. We offer comprehensive legal services through every step of the process, ensuring you receive the support and compensation you rightfully deserve.  

The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program provides essential medical monitoring and treatment for survivors, both civilians and first responders, who were diagnosed with cancer or a respiratory/digestive condition after the 9/11 attacks. Enrolling in this program is a crucial step for those who were present in lower Manhattan between September 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002. Whether you are currently in good health or you are or have suffered from any 9/11-related health condition such as any cancer or breathing or digestive disorder, the WTC Health Program recommends that 9/11 survivors and responders enroll in the program immediately. 

Receiving an award from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) can be a significant turning point for those impacted by the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center (WTC). While this compensation brings some relief, it also presents a new challenge: managing and utilizing this award effectively. Navigating the financial aspects of a VCF award requires thoughtful planning, especially considering the long-term health concerns and financial impacts associated with 9/11-related conditions. What to do with your VCF award money depends on your unique circumstances, but the dedicated 9/11 attorneys at Hansen & Rosasco, LLP can offer practical advice and tips on how to use your VCF award to secure a stable and secure financial future, addressing both immediate needs and long-term goals.

As we welcome the beginning of another new year, anyone who was potentially affected by the 9/11 attacks should make sure they meet any deadlines, register with the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), and take the first step towards getting free lifetime 9/11 healthcare and enroll in the  World Trade Center Health Program. The VCF was established to provide necessary financial support to those who have suffered from physical health conditions in the aftermath of the collapse of the World Trade Center (WTC). 

Tragically, since 9/11, more people have died from a 9/11-related cancer or other illnesses due to the toxic dust and fumes than the amount of people who died that day due to the initial attack. To address this tragedy, the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) is open to families who have lost loved ones to a 9/11 cancer or breathing condition in the 20-plus years since the attacks. Even if the death of your loved one occurred many years ago, you may still be entitled to compensation from the 9/11 VCF. This fund is available to not only the families of first responders, but also the families who lost loved ones who lived, worked, or went to school in Lower Manhattan (anywhere south of Canal Street) between 9/11 and May 30, 2002. 

The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) was created to provide financial relief to the individuals and families affected by the 9/11 attacks and subsequent rescue and debris removal efforts. Yet, receiving a VCF award brings forth a new challenge: How to wisely use the award money to secure a financially stable future, especially considering the long-term health conditions and possible terminal illnesses many victims face. 

Beyond the immediate devastation, the tragic events of 9/11 also set in motion a public health crisis that continues to affect thousands of first responders as well as the downtown workers, residents, and students who were all exposed to the toxic dust, debris, and fumes that covered Lower Manhattan until mid-2002. Among the many health problems that have since emerged, lung cancer has stricken several hundred of the responders and downtown workers, residents, and students. For many, receiving the support needed to deal with a lung cancer diagnosis has been fraught with challenges, including an understanding of the two federal 9/11 programs that can help, the World Trade Center Health Program (healthcare) and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (financial compensation).