The coronavirus pandemic has brought havoc to New York and states across the country, spawning both a health care and economic crisis.
September 11th responders and survivors are particularly at risk because respiratory and other medical conditions sustained during the attacks may make them more susceptible to severe symptoms and even death if they contract the coronavirus. Essential workers who continue to clock in during the pandemic are also at a higher risk of exposure.
At Pitta & Baione, our 9/11 fund lawyers are continuing to support clients and work aggressively to get them the benefits they deserve during this unprecedented time. The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund and the World Trade Center Health Program are open. That means our law firm is open, too.
We are also closely monitoring federal efforts to establish a new COVID-19 compensation fund for responders and essential workers who have been infected with the coronavirus. Our firm supports any and all assistance for people at the front line of the fight against COVID-19. We will be ready to help clients seek any COVID-19 compensation fund benefits if and when they become available.
Learn more about how we’re helping the 9/11 community during the coronavirus pandemic.
COVID-19 Impact on VCF Claims
The pandemic has shuttered business and slowed a wide range of activities, especially in New York. Similarly, we expect the slowdown to also increase waiting times for the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund process.
The Special Master overseeing the VCF has said it is aware of how critical it is for benefits recipients to continue to get those benefits in a timely manner. The Special Master says it is continuing to process payments daily and working to minimize any delays.
It is important to remember that deadlines for appealing certain benefits decisions remain in place.
Learn more about current VCF operations.
Compensation Benefits for Pandemic Heroes
A bill recently introduced in Congress would establish a compensation fund for essential workers who become infected with the coronavirus.
The proposed Pandemic Heroes Compensation Act would be modeled on the VCF, providing financial assistance to cover medical costs, missed wages and other income, and various virus-related expenses. It would also offer compensation to family members who live with an essential worker and contracted the virus.
As experienced 9/11 fund lawyers who have dedicated our careers to helping responders and survivors secure the benefits they deserve, we are keenly aware of how difficult it can be to get our country’s leaders to establish these kinds of benefits programs and ensure they are properly funded. Because of the nationwide impact of the pandemic, however, we are cautiously optimistic.
Our lawyers are fully prepared to help essential workers and their families get the full benefits that may be available, which means taking steps now so that you have the strongest possible claim down the road.
As in the 9/11 attacks, you have put your personal safety at risk to serve your community. We are pleased to be able to help essential workers in their time of need.
Learn more about the Proposed Pandemic Heroes Compensation Act.
How Our 9/11 Fund Lawyers Can Help
If you or a loved one is considering seeking 9/11 benefits – or if you are having trouble getting your claim approved – the September 11th benefits attorneys at Pitta & Baione can help. New and existing clients can continue to contact us around the clock.
For more information about eligibility requirements of the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund and the World Trade Center Health Program, contact a lawyer at Pitta & Baione LLP at 844-WTC-COMP or info@pittabaione.com.
