How a Family Found Justice After 9/11

Katie Carter was a devoted mother and administrative assistant working in Lower Manhattan on September 11, 2001. She was caught in the dust cloud from the Twin Towers’ collapse. Her office, just a few blocks from Ground Zero, reopened in October, after the E.P.A. assured the public that “the air is safe.”

Years later, Katie developed unexplained fatigue and a persistent cough, eventually diagnosed as aggressive lung cancer. She fought valiantly but passed away in early 2019, leaving her husband David and two children behind.

In grief, David didn’t know about the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund and assumed it was only for first responders. It wasn’t until 2023 that a friend urged him to contact Barasch & McGarry. We reassured him that it wasn’t too late and we guided him through the process, despite challenges like Katie’s former employer going out of business.

Thanks to our extensive database that included names of colleagues who worked at Katie’s former company, we were able to secure two affidavits which were necessary for a successful VCF claim. David and the children received an award of $650,000, providing financial security to the family.

Today, the Carter family’s resilience continues to inspire. Their eldest daughter, now completing her medical residency, plans to specialize in oncology—a choice deeply influenced by her mother’s battle with cancer.

David often speaks about the profound impact of the support he received. “This wasn’t just about financial help,” he said. “It was about honoring Katie’s life and ensuring that our children could go to college.”

For our team, helping the Carters was a reminder of why we do what we do. Every case represents a story of courage and resilience, of families finding strength despite unimaginable loss.

The family’s last name has been changed for privacy.