If you’re a 9/11 responder or survivor who suffers from a health condition linked to the toxins in the dust cloud, you may be eligible to receive compensation from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. However, understanding how to navigate the VCF’s regulations and guidelines can be confusing — and any errors regarding your claim could lead to delay or denial. With so much at stake, it’s important to have an experienced 9/11 VCF attorney by your side to ensure you obtain the monetary recovery you deserve.
A 9/11 VCF Attorney Can Determine Your Eligibility
The VCF has strict eligibility criteria. Not only are there specific time and location requirements, but you must also have an eligible 9/11 health condition certified by the WTC Health Program. A knowledgeable 9/11 VCF attorney can evaluate the specific facts of your case to determine your eligibility before you take the time to prepare your application.
A 9/11 VCF Attorney Can Help You Understand the Compensation You Should Receive
The VCF issues awards for economic and non-economic losses for responders and survivors who have been diagnosed with eligible 9/11-related health conditions. But the calculations can be complex — and many 9/11 responders and survivors may be unclear as to how much compensation they should expect to receive.
Economic loss includes lost wages, loss of benefits or pension, and a variety of other pecuniary losses. Non-economic loss covers the pain and suffering experienced in connection with a 9/11-related illness. A 9/11 VCF attorney can best explain the different types of compensation and give you an idea of the amount of compensation to which you may be entitled in your case.
A 9/11 VCF Attorney Can Assist You with Filing Your Claim
Filing a claim with the VCF requires more than simply submitting paperwork — the VCF will not issue compensation unless there is sufficient evidence to accompany your claim. In many cases, the necessary documentation may be difficult to obtain. An attorney who is familiar with the VCF’s regulations can assist you with obtaining the information you need to verify your 9/11-related illness and establish proof of presence, including:
- Medical records
- Employment documentation
- School records
- Witness statements and affidavits
- Work orders to confirm tasks performed
A 9/11 VCF attorney can also help to ensure your application is correct, complete, and submitted in its entirety to avoid any potential delays.
A 9/11 VCF Attorney Can Help You File an Amendment or Appeal
Although they are very different, VCF amendments and appeals are often confused. If the VCF denied your claim — or new information arose that would have resulted in a different award amount — a 9/11 VCF attorney will know whether filing an appeal or an amendment is the correct course of action. They will also be able to determine whether filing an appeal or amendment is likely to result in a different outcome.
A 9/11 VCF Attorney Can Ensure You Don’t Miss Any Required Deadlines
While the claim filing deadline is not until October 1, 2090, there are numerous other deadlines associated with filing a VCF claim. Specifically, there are different registration deadlines, depending on the facts of your case and when you were diagnosed with an eligible condition. There are also certain time frames in which additional information must be provided to the VCF if it has been requested in support of your claim. An attorney who handles VCF claims on a daily basis will have knowledge regarding these deadlines to ensure they are not missed — and help you avoid delay or denial of your claim.
Contact a New York City 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Attorney
If you are an eligible 9/11 responder or survivor, it’s vital to consult with an experienced 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund attorney to understand your rights and avoid any pitfalls concerning your claim. The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. is dedicated to helping responders and survivors navigate the claim filing process and receive the maximum amount of compensation available to them.
The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund attorneys at The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. have represented claimants and their families in 9/11 VCF claims for over a decade. For a free consultation, contact us today.