If you or a loved one were injured or suffer from health issues due to the 9/11 attacks, you or your family member may be able to receive compensation through the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund. Many brave people helped those who were caught in the attacks, as well as to rebuild in the aftermath. Here are five things to know about the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund:
- The Fund is Still Accepting Claims
While the original 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund was in operation from 2001-2004, it was renewed by President Obama, who signed into law the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, which reactivated the fund. The fund was in operation from 2011-2016, and thanks to the reauthorization of the Zadroga law, will now be accepting claims through December 18, 2020.
- Exposure to Toxins
The 9/11 attacks resulted in a large amount of toxic materials being disseminated throughout Lower Manhattan, many of which could be responsible for a wide variety of respiratory health issues. These problems include COPD and lung disease, problems with digestion, asthma, and injuries to the naval cavity.
- Both Economic, Non-Economic Losses, and Collateral Source Payments Are All Covered
The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund covers economic losses, which can include expenses like lost wages, medical bills, and replacement services. Non-economic losses include things like emotional suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life (also known as hedonic damages), and loss of consortium (filed by family members for their suffering), and loss of society and companionship. Any payment that relates to the 9/11 attacks, including life insurance, 9/11 attack-related lawsuit settlements, government entity-payments, and death benefit programs, are covered under the fund as collateral source payments.
- When To Register With the VCF
You are considered to have been registered on-time if you register within two years of learning of your 9-11 attacks-related injury. This entails being eligible to register with the fund, due to the fact that you were either present at the site of the aircrashes, or part of the debris removal process during the time immediately after the attacks, and are then are determined to have sustained an injury as the result of the 9-11 attacks by a federal, state, or local government entity (However, determination of eligibility is not limited to such an entity). The two-year registration period begins from the state of the date the victim is determined to be eligible.
- A Lawyer Can Help You With Your Claim
Receiving your compensation means getting your claim through the fund’s system, and a lawyer can help you do that. If you or a family member were at the site of the 9/11 attacks, the Dearie Law Firm can help you get the compensation you deserve. The Dearie Law Firm has represented over 600 people with 9/11 attacks-related injuries, and can speak with you about the specifics of your situation, including the kinds of medical issues involved. Contact us today at DearieLaw.com or call us at 1-800-2-Dearie.
Daryl Green