VCF Lawyers for the 9/11 Community
If you’ve developed a medical condition or lost a loved one due to exposure to toxins at the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center attacks, you may be entitled to compensation for your illness or lost loved one under the 2010 James Zadroga Health and Compensation Act.
Get started with your VCF claim today.
We’re here to help you through the complicated VCF claims process. Contact us now at (973) 383-2700 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Due to the aftermath of attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, thousands of people have fallen ill or sadly died from diseases that have been linked to inhaling or ingesting the toxins and contaminants in the clouds of dust created by the Twin Towers collapsing.
Not only first responders – firefighters, police officers and EMTs, but those who were employed in the area or came to the area to help, suffered such illnesses as cancer, COPD, asthma and more. Researches also learned that the diseases that are sickening so many people had long incubation periods, possibly as long as a 40-50 year latency period.
The James Zadroga Health and Compensation Act
In 2001, Congress created the first 9/11 Victims’ Compensation Fund. However, this fund quickly ran out of money. Therefore, in 2010, Congress passed The James Zadroga Health and Compensation Act, “The Zadroga Act.” Not only did the Zadroga Act provide health care coverage for those suffering from exposure to the contaminants, but also allowed victims to apply for financial compensation.
President Obama extended this act again in 2015 and increased the VCF from $2.775 billion to $7.372 billion, allowing more victims to receive the compensation they deserve.
Filing for Victim’s Compensation Fund Benefits
Filing for VCF Benefits under the current, second version of the VCF requires a two step procedure for filing a timely claim. The first step required registration with the VCF on or before July 29, 2021, even if the victim was not sick at the time of registration. Registering by the 29th of July, 2021 protected your right to file a claim if needed in the future.
The second step is the more daunting task and where the help of a knowledgeable law firm is very beneficial. There are certain cancers and other illness that are presumed to be from exposure. Presumptively covered conditions eligible for certification include the following:
- Interstitial Lung Disease
- Chronic Respiratory Disorder
- Asthma
- Chronic Cough Syndrome
- Upper Airway Hyper Reactivity
- New Onset Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- WTC-Exacerbated Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome
- Chronic Rhinosinusitis
- Chronic Nasopharyngitis
- Chronic Laryngitis
- Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disorder
- Sleep Apnea
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Acute Traumatic Injuries
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- All Forms of Cancer
If a person is diagnosed with one of these forms of cancers or other illnesses and were within the “exposure zone” at any time between September 11, 2001 until May 31, 2002, whether as a first-responder or working within the area, and they registered on or before July 29, 2021, can then file their claim with VCF.
