What is the Zadroga Act - Benefits | Hansen & Rosasco, LLP

What is the Zadroga Act?

The Zadroga Act, named after late New York City Detective James Zadroga, is a federal law that was created to support 9/11 victims, both financially and medically, by providing lifetime healthcare for any illness (such as cancer or breathing problems) they suffered after having been exposed to the toxic air on September 11, 2001 or at any time in the nine months after the terrorist attacks.

James Zadroga, who courageously served on the day of the attacks and in the months following, was one of the first to be recognized for having suffered illnesses as a result of his exposure to toxic fumes and debris at Ground Zero.

President Obama Signs the Act Into Law in 2011

President Obama signed the “James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act” into law at the beginning of 2011. This established the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) and reopened the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) after it had closed in 2004. These two programs ensure that all individuals who were at the scene of the 9/11 attacks or were exposed to hazardous materials in the months that followed will receive proper compensation and treatment for their 9/11-related illnesses. The Zadroga Act lawyers at Hansen & Rosasco, LLP have dedicated their careers to securing compensation for 9/11 victims since 2001.

President Signs the “Never Forget the Heroes Act” in 2019

The President signed the “Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act” (sometimes referred to simply as the “Zadroga Act”) into law on July 29, 2019. This major legislative victory ensures that all individuals who were at the scene of the 9/11 attacks or were exposed to hazardous materials in the months that followed will receive proper compensation for their 9/11-related cancers and other illnesses. The Zadroga Act lawyers at Hansen & Rosasco, LLP have dedicated their careers to securing compensation for 9/11 victims since 2001.

9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Benefits

The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund was developed specifically to provide Zadroga Act payouts for economic and non-economic losses. Individuals who were injured, either during the events of September 11, 2001 or in the cleanup operations, or family members who lost loved ones during the terrorist attacks may be eligible for Victim Compensation Fund benefits. In addition, anyone who lived, worked, or went to school in Lower Manhattan on or in the nine months after the 9/11 attacks, are classified as “survivors” and are entitled to the same free lifetime health care and compensation (a cash award) that is available to first responders.

Once individuals meet statutory and regulatory requirements for eligibility, Zadroga Act 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund awards are calculated based on “compensation computations.” The Special Master of the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund determines the formula, which takes into consideration both economic and non-economic losses.

9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Benefits Include:

Economic losses: Consider the following factors in calculating your VCF payout:

Past and/or future lost wages due to your condition, injury, or loss of work
Other costs associated with your condition or loss of a family member: medical costs, regular living costs (e.g., childcare, transportation, etc.)

Non-economic (pain and suffering awards) losses: Consider the following factors in calculating your VCF payout:

Pain and suffering
Physical impairment
Disfigurement
Loss of enjoyment of life

Considerations for Your Final VCF Award

Economic awards will also take into consideration other financial assistance you have received, including any help from insurance companies, and even friends and family members. The non-economic awards will not consider this financial help. Our Zadroga Act lawyers can guide you through the process of distinguishing your economic and non-economic losses.

World Trade Center Health Program Benefits

Established by the Zadroga Act, the World Trade Center Health Program provides free lifetime health care benefits to 9/11 victims affected by the attacks in New York, the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, PA. First responders, general responders, New York City residents, students, workers, and anyone present in Downtown NYC between September 11, 2001 and July 31, 2002 are eligible for this program.

Through the Zadroga Act, the WTCHP provides both medical and mental health services at no cost to eligible individuals.

Benefits of the WTCHP include:

Use of health care providers and pharmacies affiliated with the program
Costs covered for seeking care for a condition that is certified through the program as being “9/11-related”
No cost or co-payments, deductibles, or other out-of-pocket expenses

The WTCHP also provides various medical testing and monitoring options, as well as treatments for a number of conditions, including over 70 different types of cancer. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and other anxiety disorders have treatment options as well.

Your Support Team

WHAT IS THE 9/11 VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND (VCF)?

The Zadroga Act lawyers at Hansen & Rosasco, LLP can help you navigate the 9/11 claim process to maximize your compensation and medical benefits from these programs. Call us today at 855-201-3630 or fill out a contact form here if you have any questions about related medical benefits or awards.

“My partner was given the most professional and thorough attention in the process of preparing an application for the Victims Compensation Fund. After having a very serious form of cancer, he welcomed the advice and care you provided which was greatly needed.” -Beverly R.

Zadroga Act Benefits