9/11 Victim Blog

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers impacting 9/11 survivors. The World Trade Center Health Program’s list of almost 70 covered cancers linked to 9/11 includes skin cancer, including 9/11 melanoma.

James Zadroga was a New York City Police Detective who served at Ground Zero during rescue, recovery and cleanup operations for an extended period of time. After 9/11, he developed a chronic cough and severe breathing troubles due to his exposure to the “toxic soup” near Ground Zero. His medical condition quickly deteriorated and he needed an oxygen tank to breath. He passed away in 2009 at age 34 leaving a four year old daughter. The James Zadroga Health and Compensation Act of 2010 re-opened the original 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 that was established soon after the terrorist… READ ARTICLE

The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (“VCF”) was created to provide compensation for any individual (or family of a deceased individual) who suffered physical harm or was killed as a result of the terrorist-related aircraft crashes of September 11, 2001 or the debris removal efforts that took place in the immediate aftermath of those crashes. The original VCF operated from 2001-2004. On January 2, 2011, the President signed into law the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 (Zadroga Act). This law Zadroga Act reopened the original the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. The reopened Fund began operations… READ ARTICLE

Awards under the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) are determined by the Fund’s Special Master, Rupa Bhattacharyya. In order to receive an award, a VCF claimant must first be found to be “eligible for compensation,” generally by submitting written proof or records showing that the claimant was present in the “crash site” area between September 11, 2001 and May 30, 2002 and has a 9/11-related disease or cancer. After a claimant is found to be eligible, the VCF then calculates the financial award. VCF awards have two components or parts: First, the VCF makes an award for “non-economic loss,” which… READ ARTICLE

No. However, over 80% of 9/11 claimants applying for compensation from the VCF choose to be represented by an attorney. Some of the things an attorney for your 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund claim can help you with include: Take the filing burdens off you and your family so you can concentrate on your health Obtaining the maximum possible compensation award for you and your family Properly and timely registering your claim so that you do not miss the strict VCF claim filing deadlines; Help you get your 9/11 cancer and other conditions certified by the World Trade Center Health Program;… READ ARTICLE

Yes. 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund awards are both federal and state tax free.