9/11 Victims Compensation Fund Lawyers

Everyone watched in horror as the terrorist attacks unfolded on September 11, 2001. Thousands of people in the United States tragically lost their lives that day, and thousands more continue to suffer injuries and illnesses received as a result of those attacks. Scientific researchers and air pollution experts have determined more than 2,500 contaminants were released into the air as the World Trade Center collapsed to the ground. This toxic dust exposed thousands of individuals to conditions that lead to adverse health effects. Today, these victims are eligible to receive compensation from the U.S. government. 

To date, our compassionate World Trade Center attorneys at Jacob Fuchsberg have helped hundreds of 9/11 survivors and their families receive compensation to help ease the burdens associated with their suffering. Our New York lawyers are very experienced with VCF registration and are highly skilled at navigating the complicated claims process. We thoroughly understand the pain you are going through. Please call us at 212-869-3500 for a no-obligation free consultation. We are here to support you through this very emotional process and will do everything we can to ensure you receive justice.

What is the World Trade Center Victim Compensation Fund?

The U.S. government authorized a fund called the World Trade Center Victims Compensation Fund (VCF). It was designed to offer WTC victims and their families financial help for the severe illnesses and injuries they sustained as a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Over the last 20 years, this program has been given reauthorization for funding several times by Congress and the President(s) to ensure 9/11 victims receive what they need.

What is the Zadroga Act?

The first September 11th victim compensation fund was created almost immediately, but it ran out of money in about three years. In 2010, Congress passed a law to authorize a new fund with approximately $3 billion dollars. President Obama signed the bill, called the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 (Zadroga Act), into law. This fund was set to operate for five years. In 2015 another bill was signed into law reauthorizing the Zadroga Act for another five years with $4 billion added to the VCF.

In July 2019, the VCF fund was given another extension under the Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act, which was signed by President Trump. This fund allows for replenishment until 2090. Essentially, Congress will continue to fund the VCF for the next several decades to allow eligible victims to apply to receive free lifetime access to a special healthcare program and a potential tax-free cash award. 

What is the World Trade Center Health Program?

The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) is a separate program from the VCF that offers specific groups of individuals free healthcare for their 9/11-related illnesses. 

• NYC Fire Department (including firefighters and emergency medical responders who worked at least one-day performing rescue and recovery.
• New York City emergency responders, including NYC police officers, PAPD, port authority employees, cleanup workers, and many others who participated in rescue, recovery, or cleanup in specifically designated areas.
• Survivors in New York City, including people who lived, worked or were otherwise present for specified amounts of time on or after 9/11.
• Specified groups of individuals present at the Pentagon or the Shanksville, PA crash site on or after 9/11 may also qualify for the WTCHP.

To receive benefits from the WTC Health Program, we’ll help you prove a demonstrated presence in one of the exposure zones and proof of a medical condition resulting from toxic dust or other exposures stemming from 9/11. Our skilled WTC VCF lawyers will walk you through every step to ensure we collect everything we need to enroll you in the program.

9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Benefits

Under the Zadroga Act, eligible persons can have us file a claim to receive a financial benefit. Those eligible include individuals injured on September 11, 2001, or during the cleanup effort, and family members who lost loved ones on 9/11. Additionally, anyone present in Lower Manhattan on 9/11 through May 30, 2002, are also eligible for us to file a claim. This includes residents, workers, students, daycare attendees, adult day program participants, and others.

To determine the amount of compensation a victim is eligible is a complex calculation. Our attorney will handle all aspects of your case, including the many factors used by the VCF’s Special Master, a person designated to consider the losses of each individual who applies, to determine compensation.

9/11 VCF Benefits: Victims Are Eligible for Both Economic and Non-economic Losses

Economic Losses

• Past and future lost wages due to an illness or injury.
• Medical care and bills.
• Daily living costs such as childcare, transportation, and other expenses.

Non-economic Losses

• Pain and suffering.
• Loss of enjoyment of life.
• Physical disabilities.
• Disfigurement.

These factors are all taken into consideration when a VCF compensation award is calculated.

What Illnesses Are Covered Under the Zadroga Act?

Persons covered under the Zadroga Act must have suffered from one or more specified illnesses. The list is quite extensive and includes over 75 different types of cancer, acute traumatic injuries, Aerodigestive Disorders, COPD, Lon-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Mesothelioma, Mental Health Conditions, etc. It’s important to talk to an experienced 9/11 attorney since different illnesses, and physical injuries continuously become eligible.

Do I Have a Claim Under the James Zadroga Act WTC Victim Compensation Fund?

Anyone with a condition and able to prove they were in lower Manhattan south of Canal Street between 9/11/01 and 5/30/02 can have us help you apply (dates may change). People eligible include first responders, fire, police, EMS, construction workers, office workers, residents, students, cab drivers, and others involved in the cleanup effort in the 9/11 aftermath. Essentially, anyone present who suffered exposure.

There are a few exceptions for people exposed who worked outside of this designated area, including those working at the city morgue, Staten Island landfills, and barges along the rivers that were involved in the cleanup. An experienced WTC attorney can examine any situation and determine eligibility based on location.

Victims did not have to have be present on 9/11 to be eligible.

Do I Need a 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Lawyer for My 9/11 VCF Claim?

An experienced WTC attorney will ensure your paperwork is complete and send it in on time to safeguard your legal right to place a claim on the WTC Victim Fund.

The VCF process is a complex one, and it’s easy to miss a step that will typically result in an application being denied, further delaying the process. Right now, it is critical to submit a fully intact application because the deadline to apply for a VCF claim currently expires on July 29, 2021. If you successfully register before this date, your right to file a VCF claim is protected until 2090 when the Zadroga Act expires. Three Important Steps To Obtain Compensation Under The Victims’ Compensation Act

The experienced Jacob Fuchsberg Victim Compensation Fund Attorneys will help you locate all necessary documents and verification items required to file a VCF claim.

We’ll guide you step by step, with sound legal advice, as you go through our three process:

1. Our legal team will help you obtain the necessary records proving you were in the exposure zone, near lower Manhattan on 9/11, and on the dates required. This is important since the VCF is very specific about documentation. We’ll determine which types of documents will serve as verification to prove eligibility you worked or lived in the designated areas on or after 9/11. Business records, leases, contracts, photographs are all acceptable forms of proof.
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2. Our attorneys will help gather any medical records necessary to show you have a 9/11-related condition. Cancer, mesothelioma, respiratory illness, and other conditions are prevalent in those individuals who have become sick since being exposed to the toxic dust and other contaminants around the WTC site and at Ground Zero.
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3. Once these two steps are taken, our lawyers will file a VCF claim on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve to help you pay for your medical treatment, medical bills, lost wages, and any other expenses you’ve incurred due to your illness or injury. Please call us at 212-869-3500 to talk to an experienced and compassionate WTC lawyer.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our 9/11 Fund Lawyers Today

Jacob Fuchsberg Victim Compensation Fund Attorneys are committed to helping 9/11 survivors and their families receive justice. The events of 9/11 were devastating on many levels, and those who continue to suffer almost 20 years later can have this pain eased, even if just a little, by compensation, to help eliminate the financial burdens they carry. It’s difficult enough to live every day suffering the consequences of that terrible day; victims shouldn’t have to struggle with any expenses relating to the cost of their healthcare and loss of wages as well.

Our personal injury attorneys are compassionate and fully understand the challenges and difficulties our clients face every day. We listen to our clients, hear their experiences, and work hard to file a claim to get them the best recovery possible. The Jacob Fuchsberg Victim Compensation Fund Attorneys, offer our clients personalized attention and promise to work hard on your behalf. Call our law firm at 212-869-3500 to learn how we can help you. All of our legal services are without fee or cost to you unless and until compensation is obtained.