
On September 11, 2001, the United States suffered the deadliest terror attack in its history. On that day, 2,997 people died in New York City, Washington DC, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. While these losses were devastating, the ripple effect of the 9/11 attacks due to exposure to toxins has affected people decades later.
The United States government has earmarked more than 10 billion dollars to compensate people who were exposed to toxic air after they were told that it was safe to return to Lower Manhattan. Tens of thousands of people have become ill and even died from this exposure – not just first responders. Our 9/11 victim compensation fund attorney will work with you to help you get financial compensation and healthcare through this fund.
The Law Offices of Thomas L. Gallivan advocates for people who have been injured in all types of accidents. We also represent individuals who were exposed to toxins in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. If you were in lower Manhattan on 9/11 or the months that followed, reach out to our law firm to schedule a free consultation with a White Plains personal injury lawyer.
What Is the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund?
The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) was created by the federal government to provide financial compensation to any person who suffered physical harm or was killed as a result of the terror attacks or the debris removal efforts afterward. The original VCF offered money to victims and their survivors from 2001 to 2004.
While the initial VCF was limited to people who were hurt or killed in the terrorist attack or the immediate aftermath, it soon became apparent that tens or hundreds of thousands of people may have suffered from exposure to toxins from the collapse of the World Trade Center in the months that followed.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the collapse of the Twin Towers created massive toxic dust clouds that covered lower Manhattan in ash, debris, and harmful particles – including asbestos, metals, silica, glass, and concrete. The CDC estimates that 400,000 people were exposed to toxic contaminants. This has led many people to develop conditions such as:
- Asthma
- Chronic cough syndrome
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
- Interstitial lung disease
- Respiratory illnesses
- Sleep apnea
- Breast cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Lung cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Liver cancer
- Colon cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Given the prevalence of 9/11-related cancers and other conditions, in 2011, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 (Zadroga Act) was signed into law. This act reauthorized the VCF for an initial period of 5 years and was extended another 5 years to 2020.
In 2019, the Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act was signed into law. The VCF Permanent Authorization Act extends the claim filing deadline for illnesses related to 9/11 until October 1, 2090. It also appropriates funds necessary to pay all eligible claims.
Who Is Eligible for Compensation Through the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund?
To be eligible for financial compensation through the Victim Compensation Fund, you must meet the following criteria:
- Show that you were present at one of the attack sites in New York, Virginia, or Pennsylvania, or that you were present within the New York City exposure zone from September 11, 2011, through May 30, 2002; or
- Show that you were present along a debris removal route during this same time, if you worked with the 9/11 debris in some way (such as loading, unloading, or transporting it); and
- Show that you have a 9/11-related physical injury or condition that is certified for treatment by the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program or that you were treated by a private physician for a condition verified as 9/11-related.
If you received an award from the original 9/11 VCF, you must also show that your condition worsened or that you have a new injury and have not been fully compensated for your losses. In addition, if you are filing a claim on behalf of a loved one who died as a result of 9/11, then you must show that you have the legal authority to do so.
In addition, you must register and file a claim by the appropriate deadline. Registration and claim filing are two distinct processes:
- Registration preserves your right to file a claim at some point in the future and is not the same thing as filing a claim. You must register with the VCF within 2 years of when you knew or should have known that you suffered physical harm as a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, or within 2 years of when you became eligible to file a claim with the VCF;
- Filing a claim involves seeking compensation from the VCF based on your 9/11-related condition. You must file a claim by October 1, 2090.
If you have been diagnosed with an illness such as breast cancer or a respiratory disorder and were exposed to toxins from 9/11, then it is often a good idea to register with the VCF. Registration does not obligate you to file a claim, but it does preserve your right to do so in the future. Our law firm can help you understand your rights and handle the registration and paperwork on your behalf.
If you are eligible for financial compensation, then you may be entitled to:
- Out-of-pocket medical expenses for your 9/11-related illness
- Lost income if you are unable to work because of your illness or condition
- Pain and suffering related to the trauma that you may have experienced related to 9/11 and your condition
- Household services for the responsibilities that you cannot perform at home because of your illness
- Survivor benefits for family members whose loved one died as a result of their 9/11-related illness
In addition, you may be eligible for medical monitoring through the WTC Health Program, which is administered through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Our 9/11 victim compensation fund attorneys will work with you to help you understand your rights, whether you are currently struggling with a 9/11-related illness or have a family member who died because of a 9/11-related condition. We treat each of our clients with compassion and respect while we work to protect your rights and get you the compensation that you deserve.
How a 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Attorney Can Help
You are not required to hire an attorney to register or file a claim with the VCF. However, having legal representation can make the process easier in several respects.
In addition to meeting the VCF deadlines, you will need to prove that you have a 9/11-related condition and that you were present in the NYC exposure zone to qualify for compensation. Our law firm will work with you to build a strong compensation claim. This may include working with doctors to confirm your diagnosis, filing a claim with the WTC Health Program, and contacting witnesses who can verify your presence in the area.
At the same time, we will work with experts who can help to build a claim for fair compensation. For example, we will analyze whether your 9/11 condition disables you to the extent that your ability to work has been impacted. If so, then we will review your past earning history to develop a potential claim for lost wages.
Once the supporting documentation has been completed, we will file it with the VCF. Typically, award determinations are made within 12 to 18 months. Our law offices will review the determination and help you decide if you should file an appeal based on the accuracy of the award. Your claim could also be re-opened in the future if your condition worsens.
9/11 victim compensation fund lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. Federal law caps attorney’s fees at 10% of the award. You’ll pay nothing out of pocket to hire our law firm – and the total amount charged will be no more than 10% of your award.
Contact The Law Offices of Thomas L. Gallivan to Learn More
9/11 was a terrible, traumatic day for millions of Americans. Unfortunately, the impact of these terrorist attacks continues to be felt by hundreds of thousands of Americans who were exposed to toxic dust and air from the collapse of the WTC. Our law firm helps people with 9/11-related illnesses get the compensation that they deserve from the VCF.
Based in White Plains, the Law Offices of Thomas L. Gallivan helps people who have been injured in any number of ways, from car accidents to medical malpractice to 9/11 exposures. We offer free initial consultations to all clients and never charge a fee unless we recover money for you. To learn more or to schedule an appointment with a 9/11 victim compensation fund attorney, give us a call at 914-220-1086 or fill out our online contact form.
Is the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Only for First Responders?
No. Hundreds of thousands of people were potentially exposed to toxins as a result of the WTC collapse, including office workers, construction workers, people who lived in lower Manhattan, students, teachers, and volunteers. Anyone who developed a 9/11-related condition after being in the area from September 11, 2001, to May 30, 2002, may be eligible for compensation.
If you have questions about filing a compensation claim, we can help. Reach out to the Law Offices of Thomas L. Gallivan to schedule a free consultation with a 9/11 victim compensation fund lawyer.
Is the WTC Health Program the Same as the VCF?
No. Two separate federal programs are designed to help victims of 9/11. The VCF provides financial compensation for people with 9/11-related conditions, while the WTC Health Program provides medical monitoring and treatment. Each program has its own eligibility criteria, registration process, and deadlines.
If you are considering filing a VCF claim, our law firm is here to help. Call the Law Offices of Thomas L. Gallivan to talk to a 9/11 victim compensation fund attorney. Initial consultations are always free of charge.