The Department of Justice announced today that Allison Turkel has been appointed as the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund’s new permanent Special Master, replacing interim Special Master August Flentje who was appointed following the departure of former Special Master Rupa Bhattacharyya. Allison Turkel has dedicated her career to victims’ services, including over 14 years at the Department of Justice. As an experienced prosecutor and victim advocate, she brings considerable experience and a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this position. Hansen & Rosasco, LLP looks forward to working with her as we continue our work on behalf of the entire 9/11 community.
Turkel was born and raised in New York City, was a former Philadelphia area police officer and lieutenant, and a former prosecutor with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. We congratulate her and wish her the best of luck in this new role. We are grateful to Mr. Flentje for his leadership over the past 10 months, and his many contributions in support of our mission. Throughout this transition period and beyond, our experienced staff will work with the 9/11 VCF and Ms. Turkel to ensure there are no delays in processing 9/11 Victim Compensation claims so that claimants promptly receive the payments to which they are entitled.
The 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund (VCF) has made tremendous progress since it was re-opened in October 2011. As of February 28, 2023, over $11.1 billion in compensation has been awarded to more than 50,000 responders and survivors who have been diagnosed with a 9/11-related condition because of their exposure to 9/11 toxins. We expect continued success from new Special Master Allison Turkel reviewing and rendering proper awards to eligible victims and continuing to reduce award processing waiting times.
The team at Hansen & Rosasco, LLP looks forward to collaborating with Special Master Allison Turkel in our efforts to help all 9/11 first responders (including those at the Pentagon) and survivors in the 9/11 community. “This is a program that has always operated with transparency and compassion, and this will not change as we continue to work to provide full compensation to those who have suffered as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001,” says Turkel. Well said and we wish you the best of luck!
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