Benefits for Deceased Loved Ones
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9/11 VCF Claims for Deceased Loved Ones
In addition to working with our clients on their 9/11 personal injury-related claims, at Pitta & Baione LLP, we also represent families before the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) to seek compensation on behalf of deceased loved ones.
Lian Kuang-Maoga, a 9/11 lawyer and survivor, works with families in obtaining the legal right to pursue and collect a 9/11 VCF award on behalf of deceased loved ones. Pitta & Baione LLP offers this legal representation to our New York clients for free, as it is a cornerstone of our main mission as a 9/11 law firm: To advocate for the men, women, and families who were impacted, and continue to be impacted, by the events of 9/11.
About 9/11 Claims for Deceased Loved Ones
Appointment of a Personal Representative
VCF claims for someone who has died may be submitted only by an authorized personal representative of the deceased. A personal representative is appointed by the court, who is authorized to take actions regarding the deceased person’s estate. Each state has laws that define the process for appointing a personal representative and the scope of his or her authority.
In most cases, this will be the deceased’s spouse, children, grandchildren, or brothers or sisters. Once the court accepts the personal representative, it will issue Letters of Administration (if the decedent did not have a will) or Letters Testamentary (if the decedent had a will).
Additional Documentation Requirements
The claims process for deceased loved ones is very similar to the process of filing a 9/11 personal injury claim. With the help of a 9/11 lawyer, the claimant must show that the deceased was present in a 9/11 exposure zone, and that his or her condition was certified as being 9/11-related by the WTC Health Program.
In addition to these requirements, there are a few additional documents the personal representative must also submit before beginning a claim for the deceased:
- The victim’s death certificate: An original, certified copy is required. The long form is preferred.
- Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary: The letters must be sufficient to demonstrate to the VCF that the claimant has the authority to pursue the claim on behalf of the victim’s estate and that there are no limitations that would interfere with his or her ability to do so.
- Proof of the victim’s cause of death: If this is not included on the victim’s death certificate, other documents may suffice.
- A complete claim form signature page: Must be signed by the personal representative
About Our Holistic Approach to 9/11 Advocacy
As proud New Yorkers, every 9/11 lawyer at our firm understands the weight that the memory of September 11th, 2001 carries. It is even more so for the men, women, children and families who lost a loved one in the attacks that day, or at a later time due to disease and illness. Our collective role as your 9/11 lawyer extends beyond paperwork and deadlines.
For our clients in New York and around the country, we provide free in-house probate counsel for claims that involve the estates of deceased 9/11 victims. Our Senior Associate, Lian Kuang-Maoga, oversees the firm’s probate, administration, elder law, trust, and estate planning practices – which were developed to ensure we provide the legal solutions that our extended 9/11 families need in order to move forward.
Our 9/11 Lawyer is Here to Help You and Your Family
If you plan to file a VCF claim on behalf of a loved one, you should consider speaking to Senior Associate Lian Kuang-Maoga to learn about your legal options. To get started, please contact a 9/11 lawyer at Pitta & Baione LLP by using our online contact form or by calling us at 844-596-1441.
Your Attorneys On-Call
Pitta & Baione LLP was founded to advocate for 9/11 victims and provide dependable counsel. Beyond our core work, we serve as trusted legal advisors on various matters, including litigation, real estate, business law, and have experience with mass tort cases, such as Round Up. Our experienced team and extensive pofessional network ensure comprehensive support. Think of us as your on-call attorneys — ready to help when you need us.
Pitta & Baione LLP was founded to advocate for 9/11 victims and provide dependable counsel. Beyond our core work, we serve as trusted legal advisors on various matters, including litigation, real estate, business law, and have experience with mass tort cases, such as Round Up. Our experienced team and extensive pofessional network ensure comprehensive support. Think of us as your on-call attorneys — ready to help when you need us.
