Former New York firefighter and beloved TV chef Keith Young died of 9/11 related illness. Lawyers are investigating victim compensation fund claims for others affected.

According to a report by the New York Daily News, Keith Young worked as a fire fighter in New York City between 1998 and September 2016. During his 18-year career, he participated in rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

People around the country became familiar with Young for his later work as a celebrity chef, appearing in TV shows and releasing a book. Sadly, Young is not the only person who suffered from 9/11 related illness well after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Over one million people were exposed to airborne toxins released during the destruction of the terrorist attacks, and years later, many have contracted numerous illnesses as a result.

After the terrorist attacks, the federal government established a Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) for those injured in the attacks and for the families of those killed. Claims can be filed to enable affected individuals to receive compensation for physical suffering, past medical expenses. Compensation paid out to valid 9/11 VCF claims is tax-free.

Currently, lawyers are looking for individuals who believe they or a loved one suffered from a 9/11 related illness and wish to file claims to receive compensation from the Victim Compensation Fund. Lawyers can help individuals navigate the complicated claims process. Also, lawyers can help advocate for individuals in light of possible changes to the VCF.

Victim Compensation

The Victim Compensation Fund was first closed in 2004, but when numerous reports came in from individuals who contracted 9/11 related illnesses even many years after the terrorist attack, the fund was reopened in 2011. In 2015, President Obama signed a bill to keep the fund open until 2020. As it stands, the fund will close in roughly two years.

The World Trade Center Health Program is also facing instability, including a possible move of the program to the Centers for Disease Control. This move could impact or reduce the services available to victims. Individuals who wish to file a claim should contact lawyers and act soon to have the best possible chance to receive the compensation they deserve.

Individuals with a range of conditions could be eligible to receive compensation from the 9/11 VCF. Most notably, many individuals have contracted a range of cancers as a result of their exposure to toxins released during the September 11 terrorist attacks, including the following:

• Prostate cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Breast cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Lung cancer
• Melanoma
• Non-melanoma Skin Cancer
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Thyroid Cancer
• Multiple Myeloma
• Mesothelioma
• Leukemia
• Sarcoma
• Head, Neck, Nasal, Mouth Cancer
• Bone Cancer
• Colon Cancer
• Kidney Cancer
• Stomach Cancer
• Esophagus Cancer

In addition to illness and injury, the VCF often provides compensation for cases of wrongful death. This can help families cover expenses related to lost earnings, medical expenses, cash death benefits, and funeral expenses.