The VCF (which stands for “Victim Compensation Fund”) provides financial compensation for those who were physically injured or died as a result of an eligible 9/11-related illness (these include cancer claims).
What are the VCF payouts and how likely you will get one? Here are popular VCF payout questions answered:
Do you know what the world trade center VCF payouts have been recently?
The VCF payouts really could range anywhere from $15,000 to $250,000 and beyond.
There was a period of time where the VCF payouts were being lowered and cut due to funding issues but it was actually refunded recently and now the VCF is fully funded all the way through October 1st of 2090.
So people do not have to worry about taking a percent of a particular award, they are issuing full awards again.
Video: How much are VCF cancer payouts?
Do you have to file a lawsuit if you have cancer? Would I hire a world trade center 911 compensation lawyer to get these funds?
The victim’s compensation fund isn’t actually a case that you would file. For example if you were to have a car accident you’d file a summons or a complaint in court and you would sue the person who you’re in a car accident with. The whole purpose behind this statute is because of what happened, there isn’t anyone to actually sue. So you run into a problem where all of these people with cancerous conditions, respiratory conditions all sorts of conditions due to the exposure to the dust and asbestos do not have an avenue to sue anyone for compensation. So this is why the victim’s compensation fund was set up.
To file a claim, instead of filing a case in state or federal court you actually have to file with the World Trade Center Health Program. First they will certify your particular injury and then once that is certified you can then file with the victims compensation fund to pursue your claim.
Are your chances of winning and the possible payout higher if you work with a Zadroga act lawyer?
I believe that it would be a lot easier to work with an attorney. Any case that’s taken on by an attorney there is a chance that you could lose, that you may not be able to prove your claim.
However if you’re someone sitting at home and you’re suffering from a condition like a respiratory illness or a particular 9/11 related cancer you do not need the added stress of pursuing your own claim.
What you should be focusing on is your treatment so if you were to come to Parker Waichman, we can help shepherd you through this entire process without the added stress of file deadlines, endless paperwork and phone calls.
These are all the things that we can not only assist you with but possibly speed up the process while you’re taking care of yourself.
Do you know what some of the 911 victim compensation fund award and payouts have been?
Yes there has been a wide range of awards. However those awards are set up by statute. So to give you an example of how this is different from filing your case in supreme court or federal report where you would get try your case in front of a jury and they decide if your conditions were related to 9/11 exposure.
They would decide that you have particular injuries as a result and that the defendant is at fault then that jury would come up with a damages award and choose what was appropriate.
When you’re dealing with the VCF there is a statute in place so if you have a non-cancer condition and you develop a condition listed under the statute that may be worth $20,000.
Any non-cancer condition is capped at $90,000 based on the severity. If you were to develop a cancer condition you could receive a payment that’s capped at $250,000 depending on what it is. With the VCF you would not take your claim before a jury.
Speak With One of Our 9/11 Zadroga Act Attorneys Today
As a New York-based law firm, we, too, were affected by the events of 9/11. Our dedicated 9/11 lawyers promise to work diligently to win you the compensation you deserve under the Zadroga Act. Call our 9/11 victims’ compensation fund lawyers today at 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free case review with no obligation.
Further Zadroga Act resources: