Pitta & Baione LLP: 9/11 Fund Lawyer

WHAT IS THE 9/11 VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND?

The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) was originally established in the immediate aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks. From 2001 to 2004 the VCF worked to compensate those who were injured or killed, or who had family members that were hurt or died. However, the impact of 9/11 extended far beyond 2004 and the need for a new VCF or a 9/11 fund became apparent as more survivors and first responders who were exposed to toxic air conditions continued to suffer physically and financially.

WHAT LOSSES CAN I RECOVER UNDER THE 9/11 FUND?

The Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) gives financial awards for economic losses (such as past out-of-pocket medical expenses, lost earnings, and lost benefits) and for non-economic losses (such as pain and suffering). Awards for replacement services, such as the cost of house cleaning or child care, are also available but are not often granted. The fund is authorized to issue as much money as necessary to pay out all claims through 2090.

FILING A CLAIM WITH THE 9/11 VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND

The 2010 Zadroga Act reinstated the VCF and expanded it to provide benefits for anyone who was exposed to toxic air conditions in designated disaster zones as a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. On July 29, 2019, the VCF became permanently authorized, extending the claim filing deadline from December 18, 2020, to October 1, 2090.

To be eligible to make a claim under the VCF, you or your family member must:

• Have been present in the New York City Exposure Zone (the area south of Canal Street, Manhattan and/or in Fresh Kills, Staten Island) at any time between September 11, 2001 and May 30, 2002; and
• Be diagnosed with a 9/11-related health condition certified under the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP).

If you were below Houston Street any time between September 11, 2001 and July 31, 2002, contact us, and we’ll handle the complex process of determining your eligibility for benefits or compensation. Our experience has helped many clients navigate the system, even when they initially thought they didn’t qualify.

Covered conditions include almost all types of cancer, lung diseases, and aerodigestive disorders. The WTCHP website maintains a current list of covered conditions. It is important to note that, unlike the WTCHP, psychological conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder or anxiety are not covered under the 9/11 fund.

A 9/11 FUND LAWYER CAN HELP YOU REGISTER YOUR CLAIM WITH THE VCF

If you were present in the New York City Exposure Zone and have not been diagnosed with a WTCHP 9/11-related health condition you can still register a claim. Our 9/11 fund attorneys regularly register claims on behalf of our clients to preserve their rights.

Registration is critical because:

• Registration is a different process from filing a claim, and you can register a claim even if you have not been diagnosed with a health condition.
• If you are registered with the VCF and are later diagnosed with a covered condition, you may be able to access your funds more quickly when you need money to cover medical bills and other urgent needs.

We can make sure you meet applicable registration deadlines to protect your claim. An experienced 9/11 fund lawyer at Pitta & Baione LLP can help you determine when you are eligible to register a claim under the VCF.

WHY SHOULD I HIRE A 9/11 FUND LAWYER?

Filing a claim under the VCF is a complex process. An experienced 9/11 fund lawyer at Pitta & Baione LLP will:

• Help you determine when you are eligible to file a claim under the VCF,
• Walk you through the application process for proving your claim, and
• Make sure your application is complete, complies with all rules and regulations, and meets all deadlines.

Approximately 90% of all VCF claimants are represented by a 9/11 fund lawyer. When you work with a lawyer, your claim is more likely to be paid quickly and is less likely to be denied. If you think you may be eligible for financial compensation under the VCF, such as a VCF cancer award, even if you have not been diagnosed with a health condition, we strongly encourage you to contact us at 844-637-5574 today.