Author Archives: Michael Barasch
Are the Allocated VCF Funds Going to be Enough?
The expansion of VCF claim eligibility to victims of various cancers is a victory for first responders, rescue workers, cleanup workers and others who braved the aftermath of 9/11 to help pick up the pieces. However, the increase in size of the pool of potential claimants also raises questions about whether the $2.775 billion allocated […]
Why the VCF Was Expanded to Cover Prostate Cancer
One of the primary purposes of the James Zadroga Act and the new Victims Compensation Fund (VCF) was to extend coverage beyond those who suffered immediate injuries in the wake of 9/11—and to account for the increasing number of first responders, rescue workers and others who were still being diagnosed with cancers and other chronic […]
The WTC Medical Working Group
Several organizations were created to assist the victims of the 9/11 attacks with the long-term consequences of debris exposure. These include the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) and the WTC Health Program that provides treatment and testing to first responders and others. In addition to these important programs, however, the WTC Medical Working Group has been […]
Perspectives from the 9/11 Fund Special Master
Since the new Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) was opened more than two years ago, the special master appointed to oversee its administration, Sheila Birnbaum, has been highly visible and widely lauded for its progress. Recently, she took some time to discuss her experience during a speech before the New York University School of Law Annual […]
How Your Doctor Can Figure into the VCF Claims Process
The Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) claims process was designed to ensure compensation funds only go to people with legitimate diagnoses of WTC-related illnesses. As such, medical evidence plays a substantial role not only in determining whether a claimant qualifies but also the amount of compensation he or she should receive. Receiving prompt treatment and working […]
Who Can Still File VCF Claims?
October 3, 2013, marked the passage of two years since the reopening of the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund and also the registration deadline for the majority of potential claimants. Despite this much-publicized deadline, however, there is still a chance that certain claimants who have not yet registered to participate in the VCF could qualify to […]
Important Financial Facts about VCF Payments
Serious injuries often come along with significant financial difficulties brought on by medical bills and the reduction or total loss of income resulting from disability. Victims of WTC-related injuries are no exception. Many individuals waiting for Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) payments are simultaneously struggling with other financial and legal issues. Therefore, it is important to […]
New Victim Compensation Fund Begins Ramping Up in 2014
Following initial concerns about the level of participation in the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF)—along with questions about the fund’s ability to adjudicate and pay claims in a timely manner—the VCF’s operations have sped up significantly since its annual report issued in November 2013. In January 2014, VCF administrators publicized statistics showing that the number […]
The World Trade Center Health Program: A Resource
Established by the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, the World Trade Center (WTC) Health program is an important resource for general responders to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. Serving people injured or exposed in the attacks, the program offers monitoring and treatment services to eligible claimants. You should […]
What If You Missed the October 3, 2013 VCF Fund Deadline?
An important deadline to register a claim with the World Trade Center (WTC) Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) recently passed. The VCF and state and federal agencies performed significant outreach to ensure news of the deadline was circulated to potential claimants. If you are just receiving word of the deadline and have a claim, knowing your […]
