The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), also known as the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, is a federal program designed to provide financial compensation and assistance to individuals who suffered physical harm or died as a result of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and the related rescue and cleanup efforts.
If you or a loved one suffered physical harm or has been diagnosed with a condition such as a respiratory disease, cancer, mental health conditions, and more, you may be eligible for compensation. Please contact the team at Phillips Law Group today to discuss your options.
Who is Eligible to Claim Under the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund?
“The VCF is not limited to first responders,” the official VCF website notes.
“Compensation is also available to those who worked or volunteered in construction, clean-up, and debris removal; as well as people who lived, worked, or went to school in the NYC exposure zone.”
Eligible 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Cases
The 9/11 attacks resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries among individuals who were present at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the crash site in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
The VCF provides compensation to victims who suffered physical harm, including injuries and illnesses such as respiratory diseases, cancers, and mental health conditions, as a result of their exposure to the toxins released during and after the attacks.
If that includes you or a loved one, please don’t hesitate to contact our firm to determine your legal options.
Eligibility for VCF
To be eligible for compensation from the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, individuals must meet certain criteria:
- Must have been present at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, or the Shanksville crash site during the attacks or the immediate aftermath
- Must have suffered physical harm, including injuries or illnesses, as a direct result of the attacks or the rescue and cleanup efforts
- Must register with the VCF and submit a claim within the specified deadline
If you or a loved one were present at the 9/11 attack sites and have suffered physical harm as a result, it’s important to explore your eligibility for compensation through the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund.
What Is the New York City Exposure Zone, and How Do I Prove I Was There?
The New York City Exposure Zone encompasses lower Manhattan south of Houston Street. It also includes a 1.5-mile radius around the World Trade Center site and a portion of the western edge of Brooklyn.
Anyone eligible for the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) must have been present in the area during the period immediately after the attacks. The immediate aftermath is defined as September 11, 2001, to May 30, 2002.
To qualify, you must provide records of employment or volunteer service in the area or proof that you lived within the affected area or were enrolled at a school there within the relevant timeframe. Firefighters, police officers, EMTs, construction workers, utility crew, and sanitation workers may be eligible. Anyone who attended or was employed at a school, office, or retail establishment in the area could be eligible. Furthermore, people exposed to World Trade Center debris and toxins at the Fresh Kills landfill in Staten Island and workers at the New York City Morgue could claim under the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (WTC lawyer).
How Can a VCF Attorney Assist With My Claim?
The 9/11 compensation claims process for the victim fund is complex. Other programs may provide similar benefits depending on various factors and different time limits for asserting claims.
The attorneys at Phillips Law Group are familiar with several programs and their rules for processing claims. They can explain which sources of compensation apply and ensure your claim is complete, includes all the necessary supporting documentation, and is filed on time.
Compensation is granted on a tiered basis, depending on the severity of the illness, its impact on your career and lifestyle, the duration of your symptoms, and other factors. Phillips Law Group’s skilled attorneys can present your claim to maximize the amount of compensation.
Can Family Members of Deceased Victims File a Claim?
Yes, the estate of a deceased person can file a claim. However, only the estate’s personal representative can file. The personal representative is the individual a probate court appoints to manage the deceased person’s estate. This representative is usually a family member, but it could be someone else.
Compensation from the VCF is paid into the deceased person’s estate and is subject to entitlements against it. Then, it is distributed to the deceased person’s heirs according to the will or the laws of intestacy in the state where they resided.
How Long Does It Take To Receive Compensation From the VCF?
The VCF processes claims as they are submitted and, once approved, aims to issue payment within one year of receiving the application. More complex claims require an extended review period, and delays can occur when required information is missing from an application.
Applicants who can prove financial hardship may be eligible for expedited processing. They must demonstrate that they face eviction, foreclosure, utility shutoff, or a similar situation.
Expedited processing can result in a decision on the claim and payment within four weeks. During a free, no obligation consultation, an attorney at Phillips Law Group can explain whether expedited processing is possible in your case.
Do I Need an Attorney To File a VCF Claim?
While an attorney is not necessary for filing a VCF claim, it is advisable to use one. An incomplete claim or one with inadequate supporting documentation can lead to delays, rejection, or diminished compensation.
There is no upfront cost for having a lawyer from Phillips Law Group prepare your claim. Professionally prepared claims usually result in compensation that exceeds the legal fees. Philips Law Group can answer all your questions, help you set reasonable expectations, and ensure efficient processing.
Please give us a call today at 602-222-2222 to learn more!
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