Hansen & Rosasco, LLP

Choosing the right lawyer is an important decision, and choosing the right VCF lawyer is crucial.The two federal 9/11 programs – the World Trade Center Health Program and the  September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) – are complicated with hundreds of pages of federal rules and regulations. Hiring the right, experienced 9/11 lawyer can make the difference of getting approved or denied lifetime healthcare from the WTC Health Program and receiving the maximum award by the 9/11 VCF or being denied compensation. Here’s what you need to know to make the best choice for legal representation.

Lung Cancer Screening is available on a yearly basis from the World Trade Center Health Program. 

Lung cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer in the United States. Currently, it is the 6th most common “certified” cancer by the World Trade Center Health Program and causes more 9/11-related deaths than almost any other. Unfortunately, Hansen & Rosasco have seen an increase in calls for assistance with 9/11-related lung/bronchus cancer claims. 

After intense lobbying in Congress (including a huge push by our friends at 9/11 Health Watch) to close an unintended gap in the Zadroga Act which denied lifetime health benefits to certain 9/11 hero responders, the  National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2024, signed by the President on December 22, 2023, has now fixed the problem.

Multiple myeloma has emerged as one of the most common 9/11-related blood cancer diagnoses for people exposed to toxic dust and fumes after the 9/11 attacks. The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) recognizes multiple myeloma as a 9/11-related condition with over 700 cases as of the end of 2023. This prevalence highlights the importance of frequent health monitoring for 9/11 first responders and survivors, including individuals who lived, worked, went to school, or were otherwise present in the area in the months following the attack.

The 9/11 Notice Act represents a significant development in the ongoing efforts to inform and educate downtown Manhattan office and other civilian workers that they are eligible for lifetime healthcare from the World Trade Center Health Program and also a tax-free award from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. The Notice Act is to ensure that forgotten victims – such as office workers, finance professionals, building service workers, teachers/staff, retail workers, hospitality workers, delivery people, and all other workers – are made aware of the substantial available benefits. 

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month reminding us of the importance of screening for colorectal cancer. Screening is important to detect any signs of both colon and rectal cancer, and when detected at an early stage, treatment is most likely to be successful. For anyone who lived or worked in lower Manhattan on 9/11 or through 2002, awareness of colorectal cancer is particularly essential due to the established links between the toxic exposure to dust and debris at Ground Zero and an increased risk of developing such cancers.

Cancer is one of the most common of these health risks for anyone who lived, worked, or went to school in lower Manhattan (south of Canal Street) between 9/11 and May 30, 2002. Over 35,000 cancer cases have been certified by the WTC Health Program to date, including 68 types of cancer such as skin cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, and colon cancer. Many of the cancers related to 9/11 have long latency periods (the time from exposure to a toxin until the time a cancer or other condition develops) and may not show up for many years after exposure to toxic pollutants. This makes continued 9/11 cancer screenings an essential practice for 9/11 victims to ensure early detection and timely treatment.

At Hansen & Rosasco, LLP, we understand the devastating impact that the 9/11 attacks had on the Staten Island community. Our firm, with its deep history in representing 9/11 victims since the attacks, is committed to addressing the unique needs of those who themselves or lost a loved one due to cancer or other serious 9/11 health conditions. Our Staten Island office stands as a testament to this commitment, providing accessible and local legal support for 9/11 victims and survivors on Staten Island. Our office is located at 1725 Richmond Road, Staten Island, NY, and is open by appointment. You can schedule a free consultation with us by calling (929) 209-2429. 

When financial hardships hit, we understand the wait for help can be excruciating. While the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) monetary award was designed to provide vital support to those affected by the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center (WTC), the time it takes to process a claim can be lengthy. Given the weight of physical, emotional, and financial burdens that come with a 9/11-related condition, many 9/11 survivors seek to accelerate the 9/11 VCF payout to find prompt financial relief. While the VCF claims process is designed to be thorough and equitable, there are provisions for expedited claims under certain dire circumstances. Your VCF claim may be expedited if you are experiencing a terminal illness or significant financial hardship.

The year 2023 has been pivotal for cancer research, with groundbreaking advancements promising a new era of cancer care and treatment options for patients, including those suffering from one or more of the 70+ different 9/11 cancers. From the approval of innovative therapies by the Food and Drug Administration to significant strides in clinical trials, these developments are changing the landscape of oncology. Here's a look at some of the year's most promising advancements.