While a 911 victims compensation fund lawyer isn’t required, it may improve your chances of receiving the maximum assistance from the fund and the World Trade Center Health Plan.

The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund was established a few weeks after the events of that day in order to provide financial resources to victims and surviving family members.

In exchange for receiving compensation from the fund, recipients are required to sign an agreement that they will not bring legal action against the airlines that were involved.

Mediation and conflict resolution expert Kenneth Feinberg was appointed by the U.S. Attorney General’s Office to act as the fund’s Special Master, overseeing the creation and administration of the Fund. Working for over two and a half years on a pro bono basis on behalf of the federal government, Feinberg was responsible for coming up with regulations that would govern now the funds were administered, ensuring that it was done in a fair and equitable way.

What Does the 911 Victims Compensation Fund Do?

The fund provides money to people who have become ill because they were present during the terrorist attacks that brought down the World Trade Center’s twin towers on Sept. 11, 2001.

If you were in the vicinity of Ground Zero, generally considered as Lower Manhattan, below Canal Street, between Sept. 11, 2001, and May 31, 2002, and were diagnosed with cancer four years or more after exposure (or one year or more for blood and bone cancers), you may qualify to receive money from the 911 victims compensation fund.

I Heard That Fund Had Closed. Can I Still Apply to Receive Money?

The fund closed in 2010 and again in 2015, but the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act extended the fund to accept applications until Dec. 18, 2020, and for the World Trade Center Health Program to last 75 years, according to the Washington Post.

Are There Other Sources of Financial Assistance?

In July 2004, the 9/11 Commission released a report on the result of an extensive investigation of the events leading up to the events of September 11, 2001. Although 15 of the 19 hijackers were from Saudi Arabia, the Commission determined that the Saudi government was not responsible.

However, the report did identify Saudi Arabia as “the primary source of al-Qaeda funding.” Because of this, a number of victims’ families have filed legal action against the Saudi government for wrongful death.

How Can A 911 Victims Compensation Fund Lawyer Help Me?

An attorney familiar with the claim process can help cut through the bureaucracy so that eligible victims can receive the maximum amount they are due.

Since so many people are stricken with cancer, the Victim Compensation Fund reviews every application closely to make sure proper documentation has been provided.

Currently, more than 70 different types of cancer are covered through the fund, but in order to qualify for fund money, you must provide evidence that you were present in the Lower Manhattan area during the designated time period.

Claimants also must submit medical records and evidence showing their injuries or illnesses were a direct result of the events on Sept. 11, 2001. The list of accepted cancers and illnesses changes as federal regulators become more aware of the types of conditions that have developed over the years due to exposure to the toxins and debris from 9/11.

How Many People Have Received Compensation Already?

The fund has paid nearly 21,000 claimants a total of approximately $5 billion.
These figures include claims from family members who lost loved ones to illnesses caused by the aftermath of the terrorist attacks, NPR reports.

Do I Have to be a First Responder to be Eligible for Compensation?

The fund is for all people, not just first responders, who are afflicted with injury or disease that can be traced to the September 11 attacks.

Many people lived in the area, worked near Ground Zero or went to school within close proximity of the smoldering ruins. Anyone who has suffered illness or has lost a loved one due to illness caused by the 9/11 attacks could benefit from speaking with a 911 victims compensation fund lawyer.