At Napoli Shkolnik we are proud to stand with the 9/11 community and have established a reputation for securing maximum compensation for those affected by the terrorist attacks. We have represented and helped over 13,000 9/11 victims obtain compensation for their losses and continue to fight for maximum compensation for each client.
Our experienced legal team understands the complexities of the VCF and the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP). We fight for maximum compensatory relief allowed under the James Zadroga September 11th Victims Compensation Fund Statute to restore these victims. Here are five facts regarding the VCF, the WTCHP and filing a claim.
- You Can Still File A Claim
Many people think the window to bring a claim with the VCF has closed. The Fund remains open to any eligible individual who was affected by the attacks, including first responders, recovery workers, and most civilians who lived, worked or attended school in the designated NYC Exposure Zone around the WTC (all of lower Manhattan south of Canal Street for the VCF and south of Houston Street for the WTCHP).
If you were in the area of Ground Zero at the time of the attacks or during the months afterwards (up through mid-2003) and you later were diagnosed with certain conditions, you can still file a claim.
If you lost a loved one who was in the downtown Exposure Zone on or after 9/11, and that person later died of a 9/11-related condition, whether recently or as far back as 2002, you can file a claim on their behalf.
2. The Act Has Been Extended Several Times – You Can File Through 2090
The VCF was established as part of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act (Zadroga Act), and was initially designed to be temporary, with a limited period during which new claims could be filed. Due to ongoing health issues experienced by 9/11 survivors and first responders, most of which did not emerge until years after 9/11 exposure, the VCF has been extended multiple times. Most notably, the Zadroga Act was amended in 2019 to extend the VCF through 2090.
3. First Responder and Others Are Eligible
Although the VCF is most commonly connected to emergency responders and recovery workers, others also qualify for compensation. It is also available to anyone, including residents, workers and students, who were in the exposure zone on or in the months after 9/11. If you were living, working or going to school in Lower Manhattan when the attacks occurred or in the months that followed, you may be eligible for compensation – even if you were not involved in rescue and recovery efforts.
4. 9/11 Related Conditions Have a Latency Period
A healthy individual can register with the VCF, provided s/he spent time in the exposure zone during the designated time period. It has been found that many 9/11-related health conditions, including cancers and respiratory illnesses, have a latency period between the date of exposure and the date of the diagnosed condition. New cases are being filed today for people being diagnosed with cancers who were exposed over 20 years ago.
5. The VCF Is Distinct from the WTCHP – But They Complement Each Other
The VCF and the WTCHP are distinct entities, but they collaborate to ensure that 9/11 victims receive the full range of support they need. The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) is in charge of certifying 9/11-related health conditions and monitoring and treating them, while the VCF compensates people for economic and noneconomic loss related to 9/11.
In order to qualify for compensation from the VCF, your illness must be certified as related to your exposure to 9/11 by the WTCHP. This certification process is a critical step in submitting a claim to the VCF that will be approved.
Should You Hire an Attorney for the Claims Process?
The process of filing a VCF claim can be a daunting task especially with respect to collecting the required documentation and proving eligibility. An attorney skilled in 9/11 cases can guide you through your claim filing process, ensuring you provide all the necessary information and meet deadlines. A lawyer can also help with any appeals or disputes that may arise.
We encourage anyone who was beneath Canal Street between September 11, 2001 and May 30, 2002 is now battling a health condition they believe may be related to 9/11 or if a family member or loved one has passed away due to a 9/11 condition, to schedule a free consultation with our World Trade Center Litigation team to review your eligibility and discuss your legal options.
Napoli Shkolnik is here to fight for you to get maximum compensation just like we’ve done for countless others. We can also be reached by emailing WTC@napolilaw.com.