This month marks the 20th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks on the Pentagon, the crash site of Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania and the World Trade Center (“WTC”) Towers in Lower Manhattan, New York. We will be dedicating this entire month to the September 11th Victim’s Compensation Fund (“VCF”), also known as the Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.
The Zadroga Act was named in honor of James Zadroga who passed away on January 5, 2006, as a result of various respiratory and digestive diseases and disorders developed from his exposure to the remains at the World Trade Center. Zadroga was the first member of the NYPD whose post 9/11 death was directly linked by a medical examiner to the rescue, recovery, and clean-up efforts of the terrorist attacks. The official diagnosed paved the way for the establishment of the James Zadroga 911 Health & Compensation Act of 2010 which was signed into law by President Obama on January 2, 2011, it gave 9/11 victims and their representatives the right to file compensatory claims with the VCF. However, the VCF did not start accepting and processing claims until April 15, 2021, when President Obama signed Public Law 112-10. Then later on December 18, 2015, Public Law 114-113 was signed to reauthorize the Zadroga Act and extend the time period where eligible claimants could submit their claims. Hence, victims’ of 9/11 attacks could file a claim as well as a parent, guardian, or representative of the victim, living or deceased.
There are three main requirements that must be met to determine eligibility:
- Location:
- The victim’s eligible for compensation includes anyone who was present on the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001, within the vicinity of the Pentagon, the World Trade Center/ New York Financial District or Flight 93 crash site in Shanksville, Pennsylvania;
- Anyone who worked, lived, attended school, or day-care facilities between September 11, 2001 – May 30, 2002, in the Financial District, Battery Park, Bowling Green, Tribeca, Chinatown, SoHo, Lower East Side, and Greenwich Village. The exposure zone also encompasses areas along the routes used in the removal/transportation of debris from the attack site, which are listed here – NYC Exposure Zone.
- Dates:
- Per the Zadroga Act and 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, victims need to demonstrate they were physically present within the NYC Exposure Zone or any of the other sites listed above between September 11, 2001 and May 30, 2002;
- Examples of proof include but aren’t limited to:
- Employment: work verification letter, pay stubs, W-2/ 1099, tax returns, union records or official roster/site credentials (like Salvation Army or Red Cross rosters)
- Residence: utility bills, leases, mortgage or rent receipts showing a victim’s place of residence within the exposure zone during the applicable time frame;
- Education: daycare or school records for children and adults confirming attendance or enrollment during the applicable time frame;
- Rescue Crew/ Volunteer: instructions, orders, or confirmation of tasks performed at the site of the attack or within the exposure zones.
- Health: medical records showing treatment directly linked to injuries suffered as a result of the terrorist attack sites dated September 11, 2001, or shortly thereafter.
- Statements: notarized affidavits, sworn affidavits, and/or unsworn statements in compliance with federal law from any individual attesting to a victim’s presence in the NYC exposure zone or other sites during the applicable frames
- Conditions:
- The WTC Health Program treats and monitors specific physical and mental conditions resulting from exposure to the 9/11 terror attacks. Here is the conclusive list of illnesses covered under the Zadroga Act. The Zadroga Act enables victims of 9/11 and their representatives the right to file a claim through the VCF online portal or via a hardcopy application. VCF encourages online submissions which can be used to:
- Register an account to preserve your right to file a new claim anytime in the future;
- Complete and submit a claim form;
- File amendments to previously submitted claims as per the guidelines; • Upload supporting claim documents;
- View correspondence with the VCF;
- Update contact information, among other information such as authorized representative or attorney information; and, review the information provided when completing a claim form.
- The WTC Health Program treats and monitors specific physical and mental conditions resulting from exposure to the 9/11 terror attacks. Here is the conclusive list of illnesses covered under the Zadroga Act. The Zadroga Act enables victims of 9/11 and their representatives the right to file a claim through the VCF online portal or via a hardcopy application. VCF encourages online submissions which can be used to:
The VCF has gone as far as creating a navigation tip sheet that offers valuable information on navigating through the online claim system. Since the Zadroga claims can be filed online or offline. if you don’t have reliable internet, you can file a claim offline by using these steps:
- Download the hard copy PDF claim form version, print it, complete it, and mail it.
- The hard copy claim form can be completed by hand. If you don’t have a printer, you can request the VCF to mail you the hard copy form by calling the toll-free VCF helpline: 1-855-885-1555.
The Law Offices of Marjory Cajoux has a strong affinity for the 9/11 victims combatting illnesses and their families. Our firm is a leader in the New York City area and has been helping 9/11 victims successfully secure the compensation they deserve. Please contact us today to schedule a consultation and speak with one of our dedicated, knowledgeable, and experienced personal injury attorney.
