The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund ,also known as the VCF, was passed in order to provide monetary compensation to individuals or representatives of deceased individuals who sustained injuries, certain diseases, or were killed due to the terrorist-related aviation crashes of September 11, 2001. The VCF also provides compensation to victims who suffered harm caused by the […]
The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund ,also known as the VCF, was passed in order to provide monetary compensation to individuals or representatives of deceased individuals who sustained injuries, certain diseases, or were killed due to the terrorist-related aviation crashes of September 11, 2001. The VCF also provides compensation to victims who suffered harm caused by the debris removal efforts that followed the crashes. The original September 11th Victim Compensation Fund began in 2001 and lasted until 2004. In 2022, President Barack Obama signed the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 (Zadroga Act) into law. Title II of the Zadroga Act reopened the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund in October 2011 and was permitted to continue for five more years.
President Barack Obama and Congress reauthorized the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 on December 18, 2015. President Obama also reauthorized the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund for five more years allowing victims to file their claims until December 18, 2020. The law included important changes to the Victim Compensation Fund’s procedures and policies when the government evaluates claims and calculates each claimant’s losses.
On July 29, 2019, President Donald Trump signed The Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act ( H.R. 1327) into law. The Victim Compensation Fund Permanent Authorization Act has extended the VCF’s filing deadline to October 1, 2090, and sets aside the funds necessary to pay all qualified claims. More information can be found on the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund website.
After the reauthorization of the VCF in 2011, there have been more than 67,000 claims submitted. Victims are slowly becoming knowledgeable of their legal rights and are filing to receive their due compensation. The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund provides economic compensation to qualifying first responders and survivors who have contracted certain diseases after they were exposed to toxic substances in the NYC exposure zone after the 911 terrorist attacks.
The compensation covers acute traumatic injuries, such as eye injuries, burns, brain trauma, fractures, musculoskeletal issues, cancers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, lung diseases, and certain mental health issues. The fund also awards compensation for certain types of economic and non-economic losses. These damages may include, but are not limited to, lost wages, lost benefits, and economic losses. All 9/11-related medical issues and diseases must be authorized by the WTC health program prior to victims receiving any reimbursement from the Victim Compensation Fund.
“Economic Loss” is a legal term used to describe the loss of certain earnings and benefits due to a physical ailment caused by an accident or intentional harm. These losses are similar to the type of losses a person seeks from a workers’ compensation claim or a disability claim when they are unable to work due to a health condition. The Victim Compensation Fund will also determine if applicants seeking economic losses cannot work or if they have a diminished capability to work due to a medical condition caused by the 9/11 fallout. Claimants will be required to provide the following to verify economic loss:
The Victim Compensation Fund will determine how much compensation the claimant is to receive and will consider several variables, including the claimant’s age, percentage of disability, income, date of the injury, and payments they receive from other sources such as V.A. benefits, life insurance, and disability benefits.
The term “Non-economic Losses” means that the damages suffered cannot be accurately measured in terms of money. For example, physical and emotional suffering, mental anguish, bodily harm, disfigurement, diminished quality of life, and loss of relationships, among other things. The expected judgment for non-economic loss claims for deaths is $250,000, plus $100,000 for the claimant’s spouse and each of their dependents. The maximum amount of monetary compensation for claimants filing for non-economic damages for injuries will vary depending on the severity of their medical conditions. Moreover, cancer-related claims are expected to pay out $250,000, and non-cancer-related medical conditions will cap at $90,000.
The Victims Compensation Fund will assist survivors and first responders, but their claims cannot move forward until the claimant registers themselves. It is advisable to retain an experienced attorney to assist you in this complex process and to ensure your documents are completed correctly.
As a New York-based law firm, we, too, were affected by the events of 9/11. Our dedicated VCF lawyers promise to work diligently to win you the economic compensation your case deserves under the Zadroga Act. Contact our 9/11 Claims Lawyers today at 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-768-7529) or fill out our online contact form to get a free case review with no obligation.