911 Victims File New Claims. The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) which provides compensation to 9/11 victims and their families, has announced that it is accepting new claims using a new claim form. The VCF and the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program were funded upon reauthorization of the Zadroga Act in December 2015. The WTC Health Program provides medical treatment and monitoring to responders and survivors.After Zadroga reauthorization, the claim form was redesigned and became available on August 1, 2016, according to an announcement from Special Master Rupa Bhattacharyya. Both the online and hard-copy version of the form have been simplified. VCF said it reduced the form to questions that were deemed truly necessary.
“We appreciate the 9/11 community’s support as the Fund’s staff worked over the past six months to finalize the new claim form and believe claimants will agree it was worth the wait,” said Special Master Bhattacharyya. “There is much work yet to be done and I stand ready to help the VCF build upon its successes and move into the next phase of the program with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to the 9/11 community to provide the deserved compensation to those who have suffered as a result of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.”
Claimants Will Need to Submit Fewer Documents.
With the revised claim form, claimants will need to submit fewer documents to support their claim. Additionally, a single signature page has replaced multiple attestations, certifications and exhibits. The online system is easier to use and navigate. Claimants are directed only to answer questions relevant to their situation and a “smart” document checklist feature identifies what documents the claimant will need to submit.
The WTC Health Program and VCF were established to provide benefits to injured and sick 9/11 responders and survivors. Toxic dust exposure has been linked to various health problems, including respiratory conditions, digestive issues and cancer claims. The World Trade Center Health Program reports that more than 5,400 cases of cancer have been associated with the 9/11 attacks as of June 30, 2016, significantly higher than the 1,822 cases reported in January 2014.
Need Legal Help Regarding 911 Victims?
The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).
Further Zadroga Act resources:
