On September 11, 2001, 19 Al Qaeda terrorists hijacked four planes, resulting in two planes crashing into the Twin Towers, one crashing into the Pentagon, and another in a field in Somerset County, Pennsylvania.
Every year, we honor those who lost their lives on 9/11 and those who suffer still. We look to aid the grieving families and the survivors who still need our help.
9/11 Never Forget: The 22nd Anniversary Year
22 years later, the effects of this day still linger in Lower Manhattan and beyond. The grief only compounds as 9/11 survivors who were exposed to building residue and toxic dust clouds face life-altering or life-ending health conditions.
How Many People Died on 9/11?
2,996 people died from the terrorist attacks on 9/11(the total is 2,977 including the 19 hijackers). This number is the official one; however, officials acknowledge the victim count might have been higher.
Unfortunately, repercussions from the fires, the toxic dust cloud, and more have caused the death toll to rise. The original death count is about to be surpassed by the number of individuals who passed from September 11-related illnesses.
Ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial Plaza
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum is at 180 Greenwich Street in Lower Manhattan where the World Trade Center complex used to be. The ceremony on September 11, 2023, pays tribute to those who lost their lives to the terrorist attacks on both September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993. The names of the 2,983 victims will be read out loud at the 1 PM commemoration.
The Memorial Plaza is open from 7:30 AM to 7 PM. Entry is given to those with an invitation, letter, (sent out in August), Memorial Park identification cards, or P and T case numbers.
Throughout the day, six moments of silence, starting at 8:46 AM will mark the pivotal moments that defined the day.
The schedule, and corresponding 9/11 events, are as follows:
- 8:46 AM — Flight 11 crashes into the North Tower.
- 9:03 AM — United Airlines Flight 175 crashes into the South Tower.
- 9:37 AM — American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon.
- 9:59 AM — The South Tower collapses.
- 10:03 AM — Flight 193 crashes onto an empty field near Shanksville, PA.
- 10:28 AM — The North Tower collapses.
Community Day on September 10th
Community Day on 9/9/23 honors those whose loved ones died on 9/11 and 2/26/1993 or later on, from related ailments (as well as those who currently fight those illnesses themselves).
This event features an information session on the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). Organization members will share with toxic dust cloud survivors more about the programs, including who they can help and how.
Additional discussions will cover commonly asked questions on donating items to the permanent collection in the Museum in the future. This event takes place from 3 to 7 PM at the 9/11 Memorial Museum Education Center (180 Greenwich Street).
Tribute in Light
Those within a 60-mile radius of lower Manhattan will see twin beams of light from dusk on September 11 to dawn on September 12. This public art installation is accompanied by several New York landmarks switching to blue lighting.
Relief Recovery: 9/11 Casualties Are Still Ongoing
As of 2022, there are over 300 known FDNY fatalities from these conditions compared to the 343 firefighters who passed on 9/11. The President of the FDNY-Firefighters Association believes that number is actually much higher. As of 2019, 241 NYPD officers passed from resulting illnesses — 10 times more than the NYPD fatalities 22 years ago.
It’s not only first responders and clean-up crews facing additional losses. The CDC reports that nearby students, teachers, local workers, and residents, are among the 400,000 individuals who were exposed to toxins near Ground Zero.
The Zadroga Act
The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act ensures survivors of 9/11 have free access to medical treatment and financial compensation through the World Trade Center Health Program and the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund.
This act was signed by President Obama on January 2, 2011. It was set to expire before Trump re-authorized it on July 29, 2019, in a White House ceremony, largely thanks to a push from John Stewart and other 9/11 legal activists.
9/11 Victims Compensation Fund
The 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund (VCF) has an allotment of 7 billion dollars to fund economic (like medical bills) and non-economic damages (like pain and suffering) to September 11th survivors and their families.
The available funding is given out on a first-come, first-served basis; the deadline to file was recently extended to October 1, 2090. The registration and application process can prove tricky and time-consuming, which is why many people rely on 9/11 benefits lawyers to ensure they receive maximum compensation.
The World Trade Health Program
Passed in 2010 and fully funded through 2090, the World Trade Health Program provides free healthcare for qualifying conditions for eligible 9/11 survivors. Participating clinics are located in New York and throughout the United States.
Before seeking treatment, check with the Nationwide Provider Network that the physician is a WTC Health Program provider. So far, over 90,000 people have received treatment through this act and many get copay-free medications through a WTCHP pharmacy. It’s essential to note that first responders and other groups of survivors are billed differently even though the treatments are still free.
For more information on submitting an application, an expert in the World Trade Health Program can help guide you through the process.
Wrongful Death Benefits
Although no amount of money can replace the love lost, wrongful death benefits can make the grieving process smoother. Those who file for wrongful death benefits could receive financial compensation to help cover expenses such as funeral or burial costs, the deceased’s previous medical bills, as well as pain and suffering, loss of consortium, medical bills accrued in treating victims, and more.
Who Is Eligible for 9/11 Survivor Compensation?
If you were at Ground Zero or south of Houston Street, or in certain spots in Brooklyn, and have a resulting ailment, you might be eligible for survivor compensation. Other locations, like presence at the Fresh Kill landfill, New York City morgues, or places on the debris removal routes or garages used to clean emergency vehicles, are included too.
The list of covered conditions is extensive, including many types of:
- Blood and lymphoid cancer
- Eye and orbital cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Female breast cancer
- Male breast cancer (and other rare cancers not listed here)
- Brain cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Thyroid, skin, and soft tissue cancer
- Respiratory, urinary, and digestive system cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Aerodigestive disorders
- Mental health conditions
- Acute traumatic injuries
- Musculoskeletal disorders (only first responders)
- How Much Compensation Have 9/11 Survivors Received So Far?
As of 2021, almost $8 billion has been given to the survivors, heroes, and their families. At Pitta & Baione LLP, we’ve helped recover over $300 million for survivors, first responders, and loved ones of the deceased who struggle with the long-lasting effects of toxic dust.
We guide our fellow New Yorkers through the VCF claims process, no matter how long or the obstacles they face. We have a Pitta & Baione 9/11 attorney on call 24/7 and we don’t get paid unless we win — because we’re all in this together.
Honor This 9/11 Anniversary and Reach Out for Help
On the anniversary of 9/11 and every day after, we are here to help bring survivors what they rightfully deserve and need. If you experience exposure to 9/11 toxins, Pitta & Baione LLP is here to listen — and fight for you.
With two offices in New York, we offer legal representation, free in-house probate counsel for claims involving estates of the victims of 9/11, discounted estate planning services, and a client care coordinator. As New Yorkers, we know and love that the city is a melting pot: We have lawyers and staff who speak English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Taishanese, Italian, Urdu, and Hindi. First consultations are free and we don’t get paid unless you do. Contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation, and let us do the hard work for you.
