Iconic World Trade Center featured as landmark of the Twin Towers from New Jersey and Hudson River. Archival vintage cityscape of New York city skyline. Manhattan in NYC, United States.
The events of September 11, 2001 were horrible to those at ground zero, those around Lower Manhattan, and the world at large. On top of the 2,977 deaths and over 25,000 injuries, thousands of people in the vicinity contracted long-term health conditions.
As this was not their fault, the federal government saw it best to offer financial help to victims of the 9/11 attacks and their families. Thus, the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund (VCF) was set up. Read on to have a better understanding of what exactly the VCF entails and who’s eligible for compensation.
What Is The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund?
This is a compensation program for victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. It was set up by the U.S. Government to financially help the survivors of one of the worse terrorist attacks in the world’s history.
After the two planes hijacked by al-Qaeda terrorists rammed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center, many people working within the buildings and in the surrounding area sustained severe injuries from debris and shrapnel as the high-towering buildings collapsed to the ground. The rescue efforts that ensued also considerably inflicted injuries to rescue workers and volunteers.
In addition, experts claim that over 2,500 harmful substances were released into the air from the buildings that collapsed. These caused hundreds of diseases to residents and workers of Lower Manhattan, New York.
Do You Need A VCF Lawyer To File For Claims?
Frankly, filing for claims for the VCF is a complicated process and can prove nerve-racking if you don’t have someone experienced to guide you through the process. Remember that approval for compensation isn’t automatic. You need to put together substantial evidence that the 9/11 attacks are responsible for your predicament.
Therefore, it’s highly advisable to work with an experienced 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund lawyer to increase your chances of getting compensation. Check out the post right here for more information on one law firm that has so far obtained more than USD$300 million in compensation for 9/11 victims.
A good lawyer should be able to:
- Help you obtain the required records that prove you were in the exposure zone
- Help you obtain the necessary medical records that prove you have a 9/11-related condition
- File a VCF claim on your behalf
Who Is Eligible?
Vector banner design template with american flag and text on dark blue background for Patriot Day. National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of the Terrorist Attacks on 09.11.2001.
To be able to file for claims, the following are the qualifiers that make you eligible:
- If, at the time of the attacks, you lived, worked, or schooled within the designated exposure zone; I.e., Lower Manhattan, south of Canal Street.
- If you worked on the recovery, rescue, and clean-up exercises after the attacks.
- If you made deliveries to the Lower Manhattan area between September 11, 2001 and May 30, 2002.
- If you suffer from diseases such as mesothelioma, leukemia, pulmonary fibrosis, silicosis, asbestosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and various types of cancer like prostate, colon, thyroid, breast, brain, and stomach cancers which can be attributed to the poisonous substances released after the collapse of the twin towers.
- If you were dependent on someone who died from the attacks
- If you suffered permanent physical disability or traumatic injury as a result of the attacks.
- If you lost a family member to the terrorist attacks and as a result suffered emotional pain and loss of enjoyment of life.
- If the attacks left you unable to work and earn wages.
What Are The Deadlines For Filing Claims?
The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund has been evolving through the years. The first version was put into effect immediately after the attacks, but the allocated money ran out in three years. Come 2010, the Zadroga Act was signed by president Obama, adding USD$3 billion to the fund. And in 2015, the Zadroga Act was extended for a further five years, with an addition of USD$4 billion to the fund.
Further, in 2019, President Trump extended the VCF fund up to 2090 under the name ‘Never Forget the Heroes‘ Program. In this sense, you have until October 1, 2090 to file a claim. However, the sooner the better, especially for 9/11-related health conditions.
To Wrap It Up
Loss of wages and medical bills are two heavy burdens that 9/11 victims have to bear. But it wasn’t their fault. Getting financial help from the government can help ease these burdens and ease the victims’ lives to recovery and acceptance.
They won’t know what you’re going through unless you file a claim. So, contact a reliable 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund lawyer to help you chart the way forward.