The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) was reauthorized with the passage of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act of 2015. Through this legislation, victims who suffered severe illnesses and injuries related to the terrorist attacks have been able to access much needed financial support. According to government data, the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund has paid out approximately $4.5 billion to eligible applicants (through October 31st, 2018).
As with most government programs, navigating the claims process can be complicated. Even if you are clearly entitled to compensation, it can sometimes be challenging to get access to the full and fair financial support that you are owed. With an experienced 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund lawyer by your side, you can be sure that your rights and interests will be fully protected.
Five Ways Our VCF Lawyers Will Protect Your Rights
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Gather and Prepare Relevant Medical Records
To be eligible to recover compensation, you must establish that you (or your family member) has a covered medical condition. The World Trade Center Health Program provides a comprehensive list of conditions that have been determined to be related to the terrorist attacks. Our VCF lawyers have the skills and experience needed to put together your medical records to meet VFC requirements.
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Obtain Proof of Presence
Beyond medical records, you must also prove your presence in the exposure zone in lower Manhattan, at the Pentagon, or in Shanksville, PA. Proof of presence can be achieved in a number of different ways — from providing employment records or billing records to presenting a signed and notarized affidavit from reliable witnesses.
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Organize Your Financial Documents
Through a September 11th Victim Compensation Fund claim, an applicant can receive financial relief for their lost earnings and diminished earning capacity. Our New York City VCF attorneys can help you prepare your financial records so that you can get the maximum available compensation for your loss of income.
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Prepare a Persuasive Impact Statement
The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund also offers financial relief for non-economic damages, also known as “pain and suffering”. Our law firm has extensive experience handling this aspect of VCF claims. We know how to put together a strong case so that you and your family can access the maximum possible compensation for pain and suffering and other non-monetary losses.
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Seek a Formal Hearing on Your Behalf
It is crucial that you and your family get the full and fair VCF award that you deserve. When you receive your official VCF decision, our legal team will review the award notice to ensure that it is accurate and fair. If our NYC 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund attorneys disagree with the amount of the award — or if you were wrongfully denied eligibility — we are prepared to take additional action. Our law firm can file an appeal in order to seek a formal hearing.
Contact a 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Attorney Today
At The Dearie Law Firm, P.C., we represent first responders, workers, volunteers, and residents, in 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund claims. Our VCF clients live in the New York Tri-State Area, as well as around the country and around the world. Since the VCF opened in 2010, we have helped hundreds of 9/11 victims receive financial compensation. To schedule a free, fully confidential consultation, please contact us today.