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On January 2, 2011, President Obama signed the Zadroga Act that provided health monitoring and financial aid to 9/11 first responders and survivors. Many first responders and survivors of the 9/11 attacks developed illnesses as a result of their exposure to the toxins in the air surrounding the sites of the attacks. Additionally, anyone who worked, lived, or went to school in the area surrounding the World Trade Center could have been affected.

Recently there has been concern surrounding the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund due to the large amount of affected victims applying for compensation. This can be attributed to the latency periods affiliated with illnesses caused by the toxins. Diseases like cancers, mesothelioma, and asbestosis do not arise upon immediate exposure, but rather manifest themselves years later. Although these are the diseases that cause the most damage, there are many other smaller illnesses and afflictions that resulted from exposure. These include: respiratory illness or afflictions such as difficulty breathing and sinus infections; stomach ailments like acid reflux disease; chronic or consistent ear infections; and hearing loss.

If you or someone you know has been affected by toxins released as a result of the toxins released at the World Trade Center a claim should be filed NOW. This is because there are adverse changes being made to the Victim Compensation Fund. The fund is currently experiencing a large amount of claims because of its December 2020 deadline growing closer. On February 15, 2019 the Special Master of the fund, Rupa Bhattacharyya wrote a letter detailing the amount of claims the fund has been receiving and potentially reducing the payouts of current claims by 50% and future claims by 70%. However, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Senator Cory Gardner plan on introducing a bill that will make the VCF permanent.

With the changes coming to the VCF, it is important to file a claim for any injuries sustained as a result of the attacks on 9/11 as soon as possible. If you believe you may have a claim, contact the lawyers at Pryor Law by clicking here. Pryor Law has been practicing in personal injury litigation for over 25 years and can help you receive the compensation you deserve.

 

Links:

https://www.vcf.gov/blogprogstatsfeb2019.html

https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-9/11-vcf

https://www.npr.org/2019/02/16/695481252/9-11-victims-compensation-fund-cuts-payouts-by-as-much-as-70-percent