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Out-of-Pocket Burial or Memorial Expenses

Sadly, many families have lost loved ones who suffered 9/11-related physical health conditions that they developed after being exposed to the chemicals and contaminants in the toxic dust cloud. If your family member was a responder or survivor who passed away due to an eligible 9/11 cancer or illness, you may be able to receive compensation for your loss — including burial and memorial expenses — from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. The attorneys at The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. provide experienced and compassionate counsel to families who are filing VCF deceased claims to help ensure they are fairly and adequately compensated.

Documentation to Support a 9/11 Burial or Memorial Expense Claim

Funeral costs can be significant. If your loved one died as a result of their 9/11-related physical health condition, the VCF may cover the costs associated with a burial or memorial service. Any 9/11 burial or memorial expense claim must be included when you submit your claim package.

The VCF reimburses claims for burial and memorial expenses on an individual basis, and looks to the documentation that has been provided in making the determination. The personal representative of the victim’s estate should submit any receipts or proof of payment related to the funeral costs, as well as any documents concerning any portion of the costs that were already reimbursed by another source.

For example, death benefits or burial expense reimbursement may have been provided by:

• The victim’s union
• Professional or social organizations
• A mutual benefit society
• Workers’ Compensation

If Workers’ Compensation or any state or federal agency provided reimbursement for burial expenses, a copy of the decision on the claim should be provided to the VCF.

In issuing an award for 9/11 burial or memorial costs, the VCF will only provide compensation for the part of the claim that is directly connected with the victim’s passing and memorializing their memory. While the VCF will not compensate any part of the claim for burial or memorial expenses that was already paid by any other entity, the family may still be able to recover any unreimbursed costs by filing a claim.

Filing a VCF Claim for Burial and Memorial Expenses

Even if you’re the victim’s spouse or dependent, it’s important to understand that the personal representative of the estate must be the person who files the 9/11 burial or memorial expense claim with the VCF claim for economic damages.

The personal representative is the individual who has the legal authority to file a claim with the VCF on behalf of a deceased victim and distribute payment to the victim’s eligible dependents. If the personal representative is not the same person who paid the 9/11 burial or memorial expenses, it’s critical to provide them with the necessary documentation, receipts, or proof they will need for the VCF to process a claim for burial and memorial expenses.

Contact a Dedicated 9/11 VCF Attorney

It’s essential to provide the VCF with the necessary paperwork when submitting a 9/11 burial or memorial expense claim in order to be compensated for your economic damages. An attorney who is familiar with the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund regulations can help make sure that you provide the VCF with sufficient documentation to recover the maximum amount to which you’re entitled. The VCF attorneys at the Dearie Law Firm, P.C. have been providing the families of 9/11 responders and survivors with assistance filing VCF claims for over a decade. Contact us for a consultation.

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