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. There is a budget of $7 billion and funds are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

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). 

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 844-982-2667 today.

Pitta & Baione LLP Successful Claims

BREAST CANCER

^$3+ Million

Secured an expedited award for a former Lower Manhattan corporate executive who developed 9/11 breast cancer.

BRAIN CANCER

^$1.95+ Million

Favorable result secured for an NYPD detective who responded to the attacks and later suffered from 9/11 brain cancer.

LUNG CANCER

^$1.76+ Million

Secured a wrongful death claim on behalf of a union carpenter who worked on the 9/11 cleanup efforts at Ground Zero and was later diagnosed with 9/11 lung cancer.

THYROID CANCER

^$1.65+ Million

Secured a favorable result for an area worker in Lower Manhattan who later developed 9/11 thyroid cancer.

BRAIN CANCER

^$1.7+ Million

Secured an expedited award for New York State Supreme Court employee who was disabled by 9/11 brain cancer.

LEUKEMIA

^$1.3+ Million

Secured a wrongful death award on behalf of a Lower Manhattan corporate executive who was diagnosed with 9/11 leukemia.

LUNG CANCER

^$1.1+ Million

Secured an expedited award for a union carpenter who worked in Lower Manhattan after 9/11 and was later found disabled by 9/11 lung cancer.

LUNG DISEASE

^$1.1+ Million

Secured an expedited award for a Local 94 operating engineer who worked in Lower Manhattan after 9/11 and was later found disabled by 9/11 lung disease.

NASAL CAVITY CANCER

^$1+ Million

Secured an xpedited award for a DSNY sanitation worker who assisted in the 9/11 cleanup efforts at Ground Zero and was later diagnosed with 9/11 nasal cavity cancer.

BRAIN CANCER

^$1+ Million

Secured an expedited award for a New York City Department of Corrections corrections officer who served as a volunteer responder on 9/11 and later developed a disabling and rare 9/11 brain cancer.

LUNG CANCER

^$960+ Thousand

Secured a favorable result for a wrongful death claim on behalf of a TWU Local 100 MTA worker who participated in the 9/11 recovery efforts and later developed 9/11 lung cancer.

COLON CANCER

^$770+ Thousand

Successfully represented an union carpenter who built temporary structures at Ground Zero as a 9/11 responder and later developed disabling 9/11 colon cancer.

View More Successful Claims