In the aftermath of the attacks, more than 100,000 people were exposed to dust and smoke from the collapse of the World Trade Center. These people included police officers, firemen, rescue and recovery crews, construction and office workers, residents and school children.
Over the last 12 years, thousands of people have complained of various illnesses due to exposure to toxins in the air. In 2011, Congress passed the Zadroga Act to provide compensation to World Trade Center responders and survivors who contracted many forms of respiratory disease. In 2012, the World Trade Center Health Program adopted regulations to provide compensation for people who contracted 23 groups of cancer.
Who is eligible to register for compensation?
Responders and survivors who were present at the Crash Site between September 11, 2001 and May 30, 2002 are eligible to register for compensation.
How do you register for compensation?
You can register with the Victim Compensation Fund at www.vcf.gov and click on "Register Now". You will be required to create a user name and to complete a short application. The questions include the area where you were exposed; whether you received treatment from the World Trade Center Health Program; and whether you previously submitted a claim to the Victim Compensation Fund of 2001. If the claimant is deceased, the decedent's personal representative will need to provide the information. Once your application has been completed, you will be assigned a VCF number.
When do I need to register?
The registration dates will vary depending on the nature of your illness and the date that you knew (or reasonably should have known) of your illness.
1. If you knew that you had a respiratory disease before October 3, 2011, then you must register by October 3, 2013.
2. If you learned that you had a respiratory disease after October 3, 2011, then you must register within 2 years from the date of discovery (but not later than October 3, 2016).
3. If you knew that you had cancer before October 12, 2012, then you must register by October 12, 2014.
4. If you learned that you had cancer after October 12, 2012, then you must register by October 3, 2016.
WARNING: IF YOU KNEW THAT YOU HAD A RESPIRATORY DISEASE BEFORE OCTOBER 3, 2011, THEN YOU MUST REGISTER BY October 3, 2013. DO NOT DELAY. REGISTER TODAY.
Do I need an attorney?
You can fill out the registration forms by yourself but you should consult with an attorney if you have any questions. After you fill out the registration forms, you will need to fill out eligibility and compensation forms. These forms are quite complex and it is recommended that you consult with an attorney. You can obtain more information or consult with an attorney at www.911cancerlawyer.com.
Vital Statistics
As of September 16, 2013, there are 30,309 people who have registered with the Victim Compensation Fund. Of that number, there are 8,853 people who have submitted eligibility forms and there have been 2,086 eligibility decisions rendered. Only 622 people have submitted compensation forms and only 78 decisions have been rendered in the amount of $13,708,926.
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