One of the most memorable dates in the history of the United States is 9/11 or September the 11th. This was when American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 crashed into the twin towers. No-one can deny the victims are entitled to this compensation, this is no simple matter either, it’s certainly not as simple no win no fee flight delay compensation. It requires government intervention.
In September this year, the US will mark 17 years since the falling of the Twin Towers, and still many people feel as if the event happened only a few days ago. According to National Statistics, despite the explosion occurring in a corporate location, thousands of Lower Manhattan residents have developed many medical conditions as a result of exposure to the debris from that fateful day. This is in addition to recovery personnel, office workers, and rescue workers at Ground Zero.
To assist people who suffer from conditions because of the 9/11 attack, the United States Government passed a Health and Compensation Act in 2010 called the Zadroga Bill. It was a testament to NYPD detective, James Zadroga, who developed pulmonary fibrosis because of his exposure to the toxic chemicals at Ground Zero. The Zadroga Bill further helped individuals through the creation of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund or VCF – a federal fund offering financial compensation to individuals who are diagnosed with physical conditions as a result of the chemicals from the 9/11 explosion. This article will provide information on how the compensation 9/11 victims’ funds are calculated.
How Is A Victim Defined?
To be considered a “victim” under the VCF, the individual needs to have been present at the site of attacks to sustain injury or develop a condition as a result of exposure to the toxins emitted at Ground Zero. Victims can live in the Lower Manhattan area, could have worked as a first responder to the 9/11 attacks, could have attended school in the area, or may have visited the located at any period within 9 months from the 9/11 attack.
What Are The Injury Statistics For The Victims?
Reports find that the majority of people experiencing injury and disease as a result of the 9/11 attack are the first responders in the event. According to a published study for the Office of Medical Affairs in 2010 at the New York City Fire Department, 5,000 rescue workers were first responders to the attack and approximately 10 percent of the workers had an impairment in their respiratory functioning. It was also found that these individuals had minor or no improvement within 6 years. The 2010 study also found that approximately 40 percent of rescue workers reported persistent respiratory problems, and 20 percent (as of publishing) was diagnosed with a permanent respiratory disability.
Another published study conducted in 2006 by Mount Sinai Hospital indicated that approximately 70 percent of the relief workers at Ground Zero experience chronic lung conditions. According to predictions, it is stated that workers who inhaled toxic air at Ground Zero lose approximately 12 years of their overall lung functioning.
What Is The VCF And How Can You Make A Claim?
The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund offers victims of the September 11th attack compensation for their injuries. It can also be used to compensate relatives of the victims who have died as a consequence of the 9/11 attack. To make a claim for VCF, it is necessary to submit a claim application form with several supporting documents. If the claim application is completed incorrectly or there are insufficient supporting documents, then the claim will be indicated as “inactive” and a review will only continue once the missing information is provided. This is why it is recommended one use a professional attorney to assist with the claim application procedure.
All claimants need to meet specific eligibility conditions to be considered for victim funds compensation. Firstly, the individual needs to provide evidence that they meet the description of a victim and were living in the designated area during the designated timeframe. For medical conditions to be considered the condition needs to be certified by the WTC Health Program and this requires an official diagnosis from a certified doctor. A copy of the certification letter needs to be submitted along with the VCF claim application.
As can be seen, it is possible to gain compensation for 9/11 victim funds; however, it is important to meet certain criteria before any compensation can be obtained. Using the information above, you can determine if you meet the criteria and if this suits your needs.