Understanding the 9/11 VCF Claims System

The World Trade Center terrorist attacks on 9/11 lasted only a few minutes, claiming thousands of lives in the process, but their effects live on. As a result of the World Trade Center attacks, responders and survivors continue to suffer from severe and fatal health conditions almost two decades after the incidents.

If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with any disease as a result of the deadly attack, you may be eligible for tax-free compensation from the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund.  The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) was created to ensure that every victim of the 9/11 attack received compensation.

Since the VCF was set up, Gregory & Associates law firm has helped responders and survivors throughout Manhattan, New York City and the greater state of New York recover over $300 million worth of VCF compensation. Our compassionate lawyers are always on standby, ready to help assess and file your claim.

Call 888-982-8428 or complete your claim evaluation online to discuss the VCF claims system and your eligibility with an experienced VCF lawyer today.

Who Can File a Claim With the VCF?

Apart from members of the fire department (NYFD), the police (NYPD, and the first responders, you may be eligible to file a claim with the VCF if you:

• Were a cleanup volunteer or helped with debris removal
• Survived the attack but suffered physical injuries as a result
• Suffer from a certified 9/11-related illness
• Have a family member that was involved in the attack
• You were a visitor to the area where the attack happened
• Are a team member of WTC-area businesses
• Are a team member of the transit, sanitation, and utility department.

To confirm your eligibility, you must provide proof of the presence of either the survivor or the deceased victim in the NYC Exposure Zone between September 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002. You must also prove that you suffered from damage caused by the 9/11 terrorist attack. Your injury or medical condition must be covered under the 2010 Zadroga Act.

Our Skilled 9/11 Attorneys Can Help You Navigate the VCF Claims System

The process of filing a VCF claim can be complicated, frustrating, and long to handle alone. For instance, to apply for a VCF claim, you must register with the WTC Health Program for certification. Then you need to provide copies such as death certificates.

Once you are cleared with the certification process, you need to beat some timelines that you might not be aware of. Fortunately, our skilled 9/11 attorneys can help you navigate the VCF claims system because they are experienced and understand how the law works.

Additionally, an experienced 9/11 attorney knows what to look and where to look — the lawyer gets enough time to prepare to file your claim and knows what to do when things begin to go sideways. As you recover from the effects of 9/11-related injuries and diseases, trust our compassionate lawyers to help you fight for your compensation.

Hiring the Right Attorney Can Help Simplify the VCF Claims Process

Whether you are filing a case for yourself or a loved one that lost a life because of the 9-11 attack, the procedure can be draining, time-consuming, and confusing. Fortunately, our lawyers are here to help you navigate the claims process, claim forms, and secure your rightful compensation.

To achieve this, our 9/11 attorneys can:

Help you get registered with the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP)

The claimant registration process is long, hectic, and has a deadline. Also, the registration deadline is not similar to the deadline of filing a claim. While it is true that the deadline for claimant registration ended on July 29, 2021, however, the VCF is clear that the said deadline was not for everyone.

With the help of our compassionate attorneys, you can still get registered depending on the type of VCF claim you are making.

Ensure your claim forms meet all deadlines and requirements

If you did not register before July 29, 2021, only the claimants registered within two years of the certification of 9/11-related illness or the time of death. However, with an experienced VCF lawyer, you can register immediately and ensure that you receive total compensation for your claim. It is important to note that for these claims, time is of the essence.

Complete proper and full documentation

Proving non-economic loss can be tricky, mainly because it has everything to do with emotion. For instance, if you lost parental guidance when your loved one passed away, it can be difficult to prove that you were deprived of this fundamental right on your own.

Our lawyers have handled plenty of VCF cases, so they know how to prove such things as economic losses. The amount of compensation you get depends on how well you argue your case and present your evidence. A lawyer can help you with documentation of both economic and non-economic losses.

Help claimants obtain crucial documents

For you to file a VCF claim, you must prove your presence in the exposure zone. You will need vital documents such as proof of residence at the time, receipts, and utility bills to verify that.  The 9/11 attack happened over 19 years ago, so finding such documents at the moment is not easy.

With the help of a lawyer, you can acquire these contemporaneous documents that will prove your presence in the exposure zone, thereby making you fit to file for a VCF claim.

How Long Does it Take to Settle a VCF Claim?

If you submit all the needed documents, your VCF claim process can take up to four weeks before compensation is awarded. However, the time taken varies depending on how VCF interprets your claim and if you have any appeals. In some cases, the VCF might contact you asking for additional information after your initial claim filing has been completed.

How Can I Check My VCF Claim Status?

The VCF reviews claims on a "first-in, first-out" basis — meaning it prioritizes claims that came in first and have been waiting for review for extended periods.  With that in mind, after making your claim, you can visit the official VCF website to find out the status of your claim.

When reviewing your claim and VCF requires additional information, they will contact you to provide the same. Our lawyers can walk with you through all these steps; they can help you with any other information that VCF may require as well as help you check the status of your claim.

Speak With a 9/11 Attorney about Your VCF Claim Today

When the 9/11 terrorist attacks happened, many people lost their lives while many more continue to suffer from their effects. The VCF was put in place by Congress to compensate those affected, either directly or indirectly, by the attacks.

However, the process of applying for a VCF claim is not easy, given that you have to provide a lot of documents to prove that you or your loved ones were around the exposure zone when the events occurred. For an ordinary citizen, this whole process can be time-consuming, confusing, and stressful.

Fortunately, the 9/11 lawyers at Gregory Cannata & Associates are compassionate and determined to see every victim secure maximum VCF compensation. By coming to us, our lawyers will analyze your case and eligibility, help you through the documentation and certification process, and help you prove damages for both economic and non-economic losses.

Our lawyers are well experienced — they understand the deadlines involved and what it takes to file a VCF claim successfully.

Contact us today to speak with a 9/11 attorney about your claim and next steps.