Thousands of responders, volunteers, and survivors continue to live with injuries and illnesses as a result of exposure to the toxic environment created from the 9/11 crash sites and debris removal areas. The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) exists to compensate eligible people for losses and health conditions stemming from this exposure. If you believe your illness or the death of a loved one is related to 9/11 exposure, contact an attorney as soon as possible. The process is deadline-driven and evidence-heavy. Legal help can make all the difference.
VCF Basics in Plain English
- The VCF pays economic loss, like lost income, and non-economic loss, pain and suffering, for eligible conditions linked to 9/11 exposure.
- Eligibility turns on where and when you were present and whether you have a covered condition that is properly certified and documented.
- The VCF is separate from the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP). WTCHP provides medical monitoring/treatment; the VCF handles compensation. Many claims involve both programs.
Why You Should Call a Lawyer First
- Strategy and timing. A lawyer aligns your WTCHP certification and VCF filing so your medical evidence is complete when you apply.
- Evidence gathering. An attorney helps prove presence like work records, affidavits, responder logs. They will help gather the necessary documents for diagnoses, causation language, and lost earnings.
- Form accuracy. The VCF forms are detailed. Errors and missing exhibits can delay or reduce awards.
- Appeals and amendments. Attorneys preserve your right to appeal, add conditions, or amend for worsening disability.
Who May Qualify
- FDNY/NYPD and other first responders
- Public and Private recovery or cleanup workers
- City, state, and federal employees assigned to the sites
- Residents, students, and workers present in the NYC Exposure Zone during the covered period
Common Covered Conditions, Some Examples:
Respiratory diseases (asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis), certain aerodigestive disorders, many eligible cancers, and recognized mental health conditions related to exposure events. A lawyer will check your diagnosis against current VCF/WTCHP criteria.
Documents Your Lawyer Will Help You Collect
- Proof you were within the exposure zones during the covered time windows
- Medical records showing diagnoses and treatment history
- WTCHP certification or equivalent medical documentation
- Income evidence (tax returns, employer letters) to support economic loss
- Affidavits from co-workers, supervisors, school or building officials, or neighbors verifying your presence
Deceased Claims
If a loved one passed away from a 9/11-related condition, the VCF allows deceased claims by the personal representative of the estate. Your lawyer will coordinate the estate paperwork, medical proof, and benefit allocation for eligible family members.
What to Do Now
- Contact an attorney to map out the WTCHP/VCF strategy and timelines.
- List every place and date you were present in the exposure areas; identify witnesses who can verify it.
- Gather medical records and treatment histories for all potentially related conditions.
- Collect income documents to quantify lost wages or diminished earning capacity.
- Avoid delays. VCF procedures and deadlines apply; filing late or with incomplete evidence can affect your award.
Free case review
If you or a family member were exposed and now suffer from a 9/11-related illness, contact The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. for a free, confidential consultation. We guide clients through WTCHP certification, VCF filing, appeals, and amendments.