Author Archives: Michael Barasch
WTC Responder? Get a Thyroid Check
According to information released by the New York Police Department (NYPD) in September, incidence rates of two types of cancer have soared among first responders in recent years. Although increased rates of cancer and other diseases among those exposed to toxic pollutants on and after September 11 is no surprise, Dr. Eli Kleinman, chief surgeon […]
Eleven Years Later: Possible Signs of Kidney Dysfunction Found in First Responders
The events of September 11, 2001, cannot be forgotten, emotionally, mentally or physically. Although many lost their lives, loved ones and health over ten years ago, the toxic exposure on that deadly day refuses to become a memory. In November, Dr. Mary Ann McLaughlin of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine discussed results of a […]
Do Not Miss This: VCF Deadlines
As with any legal claim or lawsuit, you must understand the time frame when you can file a claim. If you wait too long after suffering a personal injury, you can lose your right to recover compensation. For claims made to the World Trade Center Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), you may lose your right to […]
Why the Need for Proof? Preventing Fraud
Although the need to prove any money claim is self-evident, the WTC Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) and other disaster relief funds are particularly susceptible to fraud. As federal, state and nonprofit agencies rush relief to affected cities, areas and people, there are always those ready to take advantage of loosely monitored good will. Preventing fraud […]
New York World Trade Center Registry Reopened
After passage of New York Workers Compensation Law Article 8-A in August 2006, the window of opportunity for September 11 workers and volunteers who were injured or became ill to register a potential claim was extended to September 2010. The World Trade Center Registry closed on September 13, 2010. While open, the World Trade Center […]
Second Annual Victim Compensation Fund Released: Future Focus
When the office of the Special Master of the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) for those injured in the 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States issued its second annual report, it released information on its activities, the state of claims and its aims for the future. If you have a claim in the system, the […]
Second Annual Victim Compensation Fund Released: Statistics
The second annual Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) report discusses outreach efforts made by the office of the Special Master and also provides revealing information on injury and claim statistics. The report on the status and aims of the VCF details information about the structure intended to provide relief for victims of the September 2001 terrorist […]
Second Annual Victim Compensation Fund Released: Key Points
In November, the Special Master for the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) released a second annual report concerning activities undertaken in the last year to pursue the mandate of the VCF. From 2011 through 2012, the actions of the Special Master focused on restarting the VCF after President Obama signed the James Zadroga 9/11 […]
What is the WTC Health Program?
The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 has provided compensation to many 9/11 victims and their families, but the act has broader implications. The World Trade Center Health Program is another important aspect of the law, and it has even wider coverage than the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. In fact, even […]
What Types of Illnesses Does the VCF Cover?
The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund is designed to provide compensation to those who suffered injuries or illnesses as a result of the 9/11 terror attacks. But not all injuries are compensable. In fact, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 provides a detailed list of conditions that qualify for VCF compensation. […]
