Hansen & Rosasco, LLP

As we approach the 24th anniversary of September 11th this week, 9/11 is still claiming victims on a daily basis. Unfortunately, Hansen & Rosasco help families with 9/11 death claims on a daily basis. Whether caused by 9/11 related cancers or respiratory disorders, many individuals who lived or worked in Lower Manhattan have lost their lives due to exposure to toxic dust and debris in the aftermath of the collapse of the Twin Towers. These include first responders, cleanup workers, downtown Manhattan workers, residents, teachers, students, and volunteers. For those who have lost a loved one to a 9/11-related illness, filing a death claim with the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) can provide more than financial compensation; VCF awards also offer recognition of your loss and a way to honor your loved one’s legacy.

The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, established under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 (Zadroga Act), provides substantial tax-free financial compensation to individuals and families impacted by the terrorist attacks and their aftermath. While these awards cannot replace what was lost, they are an acknowledgment of the suffering and sacrifice endured by individuals and families affected by the attacks and their loved ones. Every day, the team at Hansen & Rosasco helps families navigate the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund bureaucracy and the filing of necessary paperwork with Surrogate Courts around New York and across the nation for 9/11 death claims. Unlike most other 9/11 law firms, Hansen & Rosasco employs a full-time Senior Estates paralegal to help families with Surrogate Court filings to appoint family members as “Personal Representatives” who can file claims and distribution documents to disburse monetary awards to the correct family members. 

When filing a claim for compensation with the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), one of the most important eligibility requirements is proving that you were present in the New York City (NYC) exposure zone during a specific time frame. Whether you were a first responder, a debris removal worker, a NYC resident, or a downtown worker, student, or other visitor in Lower Manhattan, you must provide documentation that shows your physical presence in the NYC exposure zone between September 11, 200, and May 30, 2002. This is where presence statements come into play in supporting your claim.

September 11, 2001, is a time for reflection, remembrance, and continued commitment to supporting the community of individuals who have been affected by the violence of that day. At Hansen & Rosasco, LLP, we take a moment to honor our friends, neighbors, family members, community members, and all others who we lost that day. We remember and pray for the heroes who responded, and the countless individuals who continue to suffer from the long-term health effects. As we mark this somber milestone, we remain resolute in our devotion to continued advocacy and fighting for all those sickened or impacted by the attacks.

Why choose Hansen & Rosasco, LLP, as your 9/11 law firm? When it comes to filing a 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) claim, your choice of legal representation can make a significant difference. Several law firms now handle 9/11 claims, but not all firms offer the same level of dedication, experience, and individual care and attention. Hansen & Rosasco stands out because our firm focuses exclusively on helping members of the 9/11 community, including filing VCF claims for compensation and getting lifetime health benefits from the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP). 

Whether you’re a 9/11 first responder, a civilian who was present in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, or a family member of a deceased 9/11 victim, choosing a dedicated 9/11 legal team will ensure your journey is smooth, you experience compassionate service, and you receive the maximum compensation for your individual circumstances. 

Five hundred thousand people were exposed to the toxic dust cloud released in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and many now suffer from a 9/11-related health condition. The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) was created to provide medical monitoring and treatment to individuals in the 9/11 community. The first step to receiving care through the WTCHP is getting your condition certified. This certification confirms that your medical condition is linked to 9/11 exposure. Certified WTC Health Program members are eligible for no-cost treatment and health monitoring through the WTCHP, and may file a claim for financial compensation through the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF).

While the WTCHP and the VCF are separate programs with different rules and application processes, they are connected in the sense that you must first receive certification from the WTCHP before filing a claim with the VCF. Here's what you need to know to get the certification process started.

At age 57, University of Colorado head football coach and NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders recently revealed that he was diagnosed with bladder cancer that resulted in having his bladder removed. Fortunately, the cancer was caught early during routine testing, and Sanders is now recovering and considered cancer-free.

Pancreatic cancer has proven one of the most challenging cancers to treat, with low survival rates and limited treatment options. However, a wave of innovative clinical trials is now offering new possibilities for pancreatic cancer patients, including those affected by 9/11-related exposures. Advances in targeted therapies, precision medicine, and immunotherapy are changing the world of pancreatic cancer care. For individuals diagnosed after being exposed in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, these advances bring with them hope for more positive outcomes and better treatment options for individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) provides financial compensation to individuals suffering from certified 9/11-related health conditions. While many people are aware that the VCF offers compensation for lost income and benefits, and for pain and suffering, many may not realize that they may also be eligible to claim out-of-pocket medical expenses. If you've paid for medications, treatments, specialist visits, or assistive devices related to a certified 9/11 illness, you may be entitled to reimbursement. Here, we explore the types of expenses covered, the eligibility requirements for claiming these expenses, the documentation you’ll need, and how an experienced VCF lawyer can help you get the maximum award amount for your individual circumstances.

In the weeks after the September 11th attacks, thousands of truck drivers played a critical yet often overlooked role in the removal of debris and other cleanup efforts. Many of these drivers spent weeks or even months transporting materials from Ground Zero to the Fresh Kills Landfill, breathing in toxic dust, often without adequate protection.

If you were a 9/11 truck driver, you may be eligible for financial compensation through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) and health monitoring and treatment through the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP). 

In determining if a breathing or digestive disorder is related to the exposure to the 9/11 dust and fumes the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) generally require that the victim claimant be treated and diagnosed with the condition within five years of their 9/11 exposure (a “maximum time interval”). There are exceptions to this five-year rule (also called a minimum latency period), including exacerbated or new-onset COPD and all types of interstitial lung disease (ILDs). 

Determining if a particular breathing or digestive condition is 9/11-related under the rules of the WTC Health Program and VCF is often tricky, so it’s strongly suggested that a potential 9/11 claimant get guidance and advice. Satisfying the maximum time interval and the other 9/11 program rules is essential if you want to qualify for lifetime medical treatment through the WTCHP or financial compensation through the VCF.