People often speak of 9/11 and the events that happened that day. A person unfamiliar with the event may think the events spanned only one day, but nothing is further from the truth. Survivors of the attack and those who came to help were exposed to a variety of toxins. Many people near the twin towers that day find they now have debilitating chronic conditions or life-threatening diseases. Fortunately, Congress created the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) to help these men and women.
Who May File a Claim?
Anyone in lower Manhattan on September 11, 2001, or those exposed to toxic substances in the months following the attacks may file a claim to receive money from the fund. However, these individuals must file their claims within the statute of limitations. At this time, the law states a person may file a claim two years from the date they learned of their diagnosis. Men and women in this situation should visit 911cancerclaim.com to learn how to begin the process of receiving compensation.
Anyone who was present in lower Manhattan on 9/11/2001 or exposed to toxic substances in the following months may be eligible to file a claim. Prompt action remains essential, however. They officially have a deadline of 2 years from the date they first knew they had a possible claim. These individuals may receive compensation for any medical bills related to the exposure, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and more.
Who is Eligible?
Any person with a chronic condition or respiratory illness linked to their exposure to the debris and toxins resulting from the 9/11 attacks may have a claim. In addition, a decedent of an individual who died because of the 9/11 attacks, including from exposure to these toxins, can file a claim. Only decedents have the right to file a claim. Other relatives aren’t eligible under current law, although this may change at some time in the future. Congress would need to take action to allow other family members to file their claims.
Eligibility Criteria
The VCF defines which conditions qualify for compensation through the fund. This includes most types of cancer, obstructive airway diseases, chronic sinusitis or rhinitis, acid reflux disease, and more. If a person doesn’t see their condition listed, they should speak with their doctor. The doctor makes recommendations for specialists to ensure the patient gets the right diagnosis and receives the documentation necessary to prove the claim. Some conditions qualify, even when they don’t appear on the list provided, because they result from the exposure.
Type of Compensation Offered
Victims find they may seek two types of compensation from this fund. Financial losses refer to money lost because of this exposure and the resulting conditions. This portion of the fund covers medical bills in the past and future, lost wages, and replacement services needed because of the condition. Non-financial losses refer to these losses related to the individual’s pain and suffering.
Any person may file a claim on their own. However, many people find hiring an attorney to assist with the process is beneficial. The attorney ensures the client meets all deadlines, completes all documents accurately and thoroughly, and they include the information needed to prove the claim with the application. Victims find this help to be of significant benefit as they try to navigate the claim system and get the compensation they serve. The victim receives peace of mind, knowing their claim is being handled even as they work to recover their health to the highest ability possible.
