The Zadroga Act: September 11th Victim Compensation Fund
On January 2, 2011, the President signed the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 (“Zadroga Act”) into law. The Zadroga Act reopens the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 (“VCF”).
The new VCF is funded with $2.775 billion, and will operate until 2016. The VCF will compensate those who suffered certain physical injuries as a result of the World Trade Center disaster, including exposures to dust, smoke and debris. Eligible claimants are those injured who, between September 11, 2001 and May 30, 2001 either:
A) lived or worked below Canal Street, Manhattan or
B) performed World Trade Center rescue, recovery, demolition, debris cleanup or other related services.
The VCF will compensate asthma, pulmonary fibrosis (scarring), gastro-esophageal reflux disease (“GERD”), and sinusitis, among other physical injuries.
Our Firm collected more than $265 million in awards for clients in the original VCF, which closed in 2003. We are very experienced with the documents and other submissions required to file claims with the reopened VCF.
If you are interested in filing a claim to recover compensation for your illness or injury that resulted from living or working in lower Manhattan or participating in the 9/11 rescue/recovery efforts, please contact our office for a consultation.
