Do you want to learn more about the Victim Compensation Fund established in the aftermath of 9/11? We’ve put together a list of the most frequently asked questions about the compensation fund.
What is the Victim Compensation Fund?
The 9/11 attack Victim Compensation Fund compensates victims for pain and suffering, missed benefits and wages, replacement services, and prior out-of-pocket medical expenditures resulting from eligible physical problems. The VCF does not cover psychological conditions. The Department of Justice is in charge of the VCF.
When are the Deadlines for the Victim Compensation Fund?
For any claim, there are two essential deadlines:
- The first deadline is the deadline for filing a claim with the VCF. This date varies by the claimant and is determined by personal circumstances, most notably the Registration Date. The Registration Date is the date on which the claimant realized or reasonably should have known: (1) that the claimant had suffered physical harm as a result of September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks or debris extraction in the aftermath, and (2) that the claimant was qualified to submit a claim with the Victim Compensation Fund. Before the recently announced deadlines, the VCF established a two-year deadline to register for 9/11 VCF as the date on which sickness or ailment was first identified.
- The subsequent deadline is the day by which you must complete and file any relevant supporting papers together with your completed forms. The deadline for all claims is October 1, 2090.
Is it Necessary for Me to Employ a Lawyer in Order to Get 9/11 VCF?
No. You are not obligated to be represented by an attorney, as with other benefits plans such as personal injury and workers’ compensation litigation. You have the option of representing yourself. However, lawyers represent the majority of all VCF claims. Hansen & Rosasco, LLP has decades of litigation expertise as well as years of experience assisting VCF claimants. Contact us to manage your VCF claim from beginning to end.
How are VCF Payments Handed Out?
The 9/11 VCF payments are distributed as a tax-free lump sum amount on a first-come, first-served basis. Until the program expires in 2090, the same person may get additional rewards if they struggle with new ailments or losses. If a victim’s death was due to a 9/11-related ailment like cancer, wrongful death compensation could last for the rest of their lives. As a result, a victim may obtain many awards throughout a lifetime for various diseases, and their family may receive extra compensation after they die.
What is the Maximum Amount of Money I May Get From the 9/11 VCF?
Payments from the 9/11 VCF are determined on a case-by-case premise using the following formula: Economic Loss + Non-Economic Loss – Payments from collateral sources.
Economic loss refers to the past and projected lost income and the amount of work benefits caused by a health condition due to 9/11. Economic loss payments can range from thousands to millions of dollars based on a victim’s circumstances, such as starting wage and age incapacitated.
Non-economic loss is compensated for the suffering, pain, and loss of quality of life caused by health ailments due to 9/11.
After evaluating the economic and non-economic losses, the VCF will deduct any collateral offsets obtained or eligible to be obtained.
