In June, an auxiliary NYPD officer who previously had difficulty receiving funds from the September 11th victim compensation fund was honored at an NYPD gay pride event for his aid efforts after the terrorist attacks of 2001. He received a medal of valor from the NYPD’s Gay Officers Action League for his acts of assistance and heroism in the immediate aftermath of the attacks.

A story in the New York Daily News says that NYPD auxiliary officer Michael Dorian worked as a veterinary technician in Queens during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. When he heard of the attacks, he rushed to the scene, giving medical help to whomever needed it.

He looked for survivors, and helped first responders by washing out their eyes with saline. He was later inspired to continue helping others by working as an auxiliary officer with the NYPD.

Unfortunately, Dorian was exposed to many toxic chemicals during his work at ground zero, and as a result, developed stage 4 skin cancer. His diagnosis is serious — doctors have given him six months to live. Many people present at Ground Zero have experienced similarly serious health effects from exposure to dangerous toxins during and after the event.

Despite his impressive heroism as a private citizen, and the negative effects that the terrorist attacks have had on his health, Dorian reportedly had difficulty receiving compensation and financial help from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. The fund is set up to ease the burden of physical, emotional, and financial injury experienced by victims and survivors of the terrorist attacks.

Unfortunately, many people who deserve compensation from the fund have difficulty receiving it. In many cases, bureaucratic difficulties can prevent people from getting the funds they deserve. Many victims and their families rely on these funds to pay for medical care, compensate for lost wages, and to help families get by after a death. If victims are unable to receive these funds, they can be put at a serious disadvantage.

In Dorian’s case, he had difficulty making a case to receive funds because he initially was unable to prove that he was south of Canal Street during the attacks, which was a requirement to receive benefits from the fund. Happily, an NYPD officer whom he met during his auxiliary officer training helped him find a TV interview that Dorian gave that proved that he was at Ground Zero. The interview provided strong enough evidence to receive funds.

Many people who should be able to receive funds from the September 11th Victim Compensation Funds are unable to because of bureaucratic difficulties like those faced by Dorian. However, the fund is still accepting claims, and many victims still have a chance to receive funds.

If you or a loved one were present at Ground Zero during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, you may be eligible to receive compensation for injury. Contacting an experienced victim compensation lawyer could help you sort through difficult bureaucratic processes and build a strong claim that can help you receive the compensation you deserve.