Wall Street's Forgotten 9/11 Victims: CDC Data Shows Hundreds of Thousands Haven't Filed Claims

Twenty-four years after September 11th, a startling truth remains: the CDC estimates that 400,000 to 500,000 people were exposed to toxic 9/11 dust, yet only about 65,600 have received VCF compensation. This means hundreds of thousands of potentially eligible New Yorkers and others—many of them financial services employees, small business owners, and downtown Manhattan residents—have never filed a claim. If you worked or lived in lower Manhattan between September 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002 (under certain circumstances consideration is given to exposure all the way through July 31, 2002), this article could change your life.

The Myth That Keeps People from Filing

The biggest misconception about the VCF? That it's "only for first responders." This couldn't be further from the truth. The fund has awarded compensation to victims from all 50 states, with members in 434 of 435 congressional districts, proving that claims extend far beyond traditional first responders.

Consider these eligible groups often overlooked:

• Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and other financial firm employees
• Small business owners and their employees in lower Manhattan
• Residents of Battery Park City, Tribeca, and the Financial District
• Construction workers and utility providers
• Students at Pace University, Borough of Manhattan Community College, and area schools
• Delivery workers, maintenance staff, and service industry employees
• Visitors and tourists present during the attacks and aftermath

No Minimum Exposure Required

Another critical fact: there is no minimum exposure time required for eligibility for the Fund, if you were present on 9/11, in the exposure zone and caught in the dust cloud. If not present on 9/11 and you did not have to be,, the amount of exposure required for eligibility is determined based upon many factors with which your attorney will be very familiar. Whether you spent months working or living in the exposure zone and in some circumstances just a single day or less, you may qualify for compensation if you develop a 9/11-related illness.

The VCF's Interactive Presence Guide, launched in 2024, makes it easier than ever to document your presence in the exposure zone. The tool suggests various forms of proof, including:

• Employment records and pay stubs
• Credit card statements
• Medical records
• School records
• Lease agreements or utility bills
• Even personal photos and affidavits from witnesses

Your attorney can help determine the type and amount of proof necessary.

The Geographic Reality: It's Not Just Ground Zero

The exposure zone extends far beyond Ground Zero, encompassing:

• South of Canal Street in Manhattan (in some circumstances the zone includes South of Houston Street)
• Any area where debris was transported in you were involved in such activity
• Locations where contaminated equipment was moved even if outside of New York
• The Medical Examiners Office
• Fresh Kills Landfill in Staten Island

Claims have been approved for people who worked in buildings blocks away from the World Trade Center, many of whom didn't realize they were exposed to toxic dust that infiltrated HVAC systems throughout lower Manhattan.

Why Now Is the Critical Time to Act

The statistics tell a compelling story:

• Over 900 new claims are filed monthly in 2024-2025
• The World Trade Center Health Program reports 35,955 members with cancer certifications
• Over $14.9 billion has been awarded to more than 65,600 claimants
• The fund remains open until 2090

More importantly, many 9/11-related cancers have long latency periods.-they may not develop for many years. Mesothelioma, for example, typically appears 20-40 years after asbestos exposure. We're entering the window when these serious conditions are expected to spike.

Breaking Down the Barriers

If you haven't filed because you think:

• "Others need it more" – The fund has no cap; your claim doesn't take away from anyone else
• "I feel fine" – Registration preserves your right to compensation if you get sick later
• "It's too late" – The fund is open until 2090 and most individuals are still timely to register now (even if you or a loved one became ill many years ago or have since passed away)
• "I can't prove I was there" – The VCF accepts many forms of documentation
• "The process is too complex" – Experienced attorneys handle everything at no upfront cost

Your Next Step

With 400,000-500,000 people exposed but only 65,600 compensated, those unfiled claims represent real people—your colleagues, neighbors, friends—who deserve compensation for their 9/11 exposure. Don't let another anniversary pass without taking action.

Cannata, Hendele & Cannata offers free consultations to determine your eligibility. We've helped Wall Street professionals, small business owners, downtown residents, students and teachers, construction workers and first responders navigate the VCF process successfully. Contact us today to join the 900+ people monthly who are finally claiming the compensation they deserve.

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