Hansen & Rosasco, LLP

The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) was established by the James Zadroga 9/11 Victim Compensation Act (Zadroga Act) to provide tax-free compensation to people who developed cancer after being exposed to the 9/11 dust between 9/11 and May 30, 2002. If you were present in Lower Manhattan after the attacks and have since received a cancer diagnosis, National Cancer Survivor Month is an excellent time to learn more about how the VCF can support you. 

Navigating the 9/11 VCF appeals process for a denied or unsatisfactory decision from the VCF can be daunting, especially given the short deadline involved. Understanding the appeals process and adopting best practices can significantly improve the outcome of your appeal. When a 9/11 VCF claim is denied or the VCF has made an award that the claimant feels does not fully account for the scope of their losses, this may feel like a huge loss. However, it’s important to remember that this decision is not necessarily a final ruling. The VCF allows claimants to appeal the VCF decision or amend their VCF claim. Here's how you can effectively challenge your VCF decision.

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.

May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month and serves to highlight that Skin Cancer is the most common (by far) cancer suffered by 9/11 victims as a result of the toxic exposure in downtown Manhattan between 9/11 and May 30, 2002. To date, over 10,500 9/11 victims have been “certified” by the World Trade Center Health Program with either Basal cell or Squamous cell carcinomas. In addition, over 1250 9/11 victims have been diagnosed with Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer and the most difficult to treat.

Kidney cancer is one of the more common concerns within the 9/11 community. The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) plays a crucial role in providing both treatment and support to 9/11 victims coping with kidney cancer. The related September 11th Victim Compensation Fund provides financial relief to sufferers of kidney cancer, with pain and suffering awards of up to $250,000 plus lost earnings and other available compensation. 

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.

Anyone who lived, worked, or went to the school in the area in the months after the attacks may be at an increased risk of developing 9/11-related conditions, including liver cancer. With over 35,000 survivors and responders certified by the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) for various types of cancer, it's clear that ongoing support is essential for 9/11 victims and their families coping with liver cancer. This support is provided in the form of medical monitoring and treatment through the WTCHP, and financial compensation through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF).