Terrorism is still a major threat today, as it was many years ago during the famous 9/11 airplane attack. These acts of mindless violence cause innocent people to lose their lives, and health complications that leave families with a void that cannot be filled. Unfortunately, it is not always clear why these terrorists do these heinous acts, especially because they are so random in nature. On the bright side, the victims of these attacks and the families of the deceased can now receive compensation to cater to medical bills or their basic needs. Let’s expound more about the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). 

The original Victim Compensation Fund

Not long after the airplane crashed on 11th September 2001, the state created the Victim Compensation Fund, otherwise known as the VCF. This fund catered to any victims who sustained injuries after the crash or during efforts to remove debris and save other people trapped beneath the rubble. 

The VCF included victims' families who lost their lives on impact or couldn't escape the building quickly enough. Families and loved ones were supposed to send a personal representative of the deceased to collect compensation. Initially, this fund operated for three years before being closed to the public. 

The Zadoga Act

A certain New Yorker named James Zadoga was highly recognized for this service to victims on the fateful day when terrorists attacked Ground Zero. Unfortunately, he sustained major illnesses after exposure to toxic fumes and debris. On the flip side, his contribution was never forgotten. 

President Obama signed the James Zadoga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act and authorized it to become law on 2nd January 2011, seven years after the closure of the VCF. This Act was also commonly known as the Zadoga Act, promptly named after our fearless hero. As a result, the authorities opened the VCF and stipulated that it should operate till 2016. 

As mentioned earlier, the Zadoga Act was meant to run for five years. President Obama amended this act on 18th December 2015, allowing it to operate for four more years till 18th December 2020. Automatically, the VCF was reauthorized, and more victims were allowed to claim compensation. 

The Never Forget The Heroes Act 

Apart from James Zadoga, Luis Alvarez and Ray Pfeifer made a massive contribution to helping victims of the aircraft-related terror attacks. President Trump signed the Never Forget The Heroes Act on 29th July 2019, extending the deadline for claiming VCF compensation from 18th December 2020 to 1st October 2090. The President also authorized that all necessary funds be availed to pay the victims the compensation they deserved. 

Eligibility for the VCF 

The law stipulates that you should have been close to the Exposure Zone and the Crash Site Area between 11th September and 30th May 2001 to receive compensation from the VCF. Areas included in the Exposure Zone include the World Trade Center, Downtown Manhattan, Pentagon Site, and Shanksville. The Crash Site encompasses the New York City Morgue, the Fresh Kills Landfill on Staten Island, and inside the trucks that removed debris. If you need help proving you were around these areas and are eligible for compensation, you could contact a top 9/11 law firm to assess your case and show you the best way forward. 

Common conditions covered by the VCF

Here is a list of some diseases and conditions that the VCF recognizes and would warrant you receiving compensation.

• Lymphoma

• Lung cancer 

• Prostate cancer 

• Non-melanoma skin cancer 

• Bladder cancer 

• Thyroid cancer 

• Melanoma of the skin

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder 

Benefits of the Victim Compensation Fund 

The VCF will compensate you for past and future wages you may lose due to your current physical state or loss of work. You are also entitled to compensation for other costs incurred after sustaining injuries or losing a family member, such as medical bills and living costs. 

There is also the aspect of non-economic losses, such as the pain and suffering you experience after losing a loved one or knowing you might never walk again. The law will consider the following factors when calculating the payout for non-economic losses during the 9/11 attack. 

• Disfigurement 

• Suffering 

• Loss of enjoyment in life

• Physical impairment 

Final remarks

Even though providing compensation for the victims will never bring their deceased loved ones back or miraculously restore their previous health, it is a noble cause that might ease some of their pain. If you or anyone you know has developed cancer and other complications that might be attributed to the 9/11 terrorist attack, then you should seek compensation. You can speak to a 9/11 lawyer to check if you are eligible for compensation under the victim compensation fund.