Hansen & Rosasco, LLP

As the years have passed since that terrible day the Twin Towers were brought down, researchers keep learning more about the long-term health consequences related to the inhalation of toxic dust and other hazardous materials at the World Trade Center site.

Many of the losses suffered by victims of the September 11^th attacks aren’t necessarily reflected in medical bills or in paychecks which never come. The trauma from that terrible day can be felt in pain, psychological or emotional distress, and the inability to enjoy life as it once was. While such losses can’t be seen, they are very real, and awards of Zadroga Act compensation can include damages for what is commonly referred to as “pain and suffering.” However, such claims have certain limitations and there are caps that have been placed on the amount that can be awarded for such “non-economic” losses.

The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 was reauthorized in 2015. This was no small accomplishment. It took the commitment of thousands of individuals who were advocates for victims, first responders, and recovery workers effected by the September 11^th attacks. The 9/11 attorneys at Turley, Hansen & Partner actively and proudly assisted the “Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act” in passing this important piece of legislation that provides benefits, treatment, and compensation to the thousands of individuals and families dealing with 9/11-related illnesses and losses.

After a hard-fought battle, the 9/11 Zadroga Act was reauthorized in 2015. The 9/11 attorneys at Turley, Hansen & Rosasco, LLP actively and proudly assisted the “Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act” in passing this important piece of legislation that provides benefits, treatment, and compensation to the thousands of individuals and families dealing with 9/11-related illnesses and losses.

If you are seeking 9/11 cancer compensation or want to register a claim with the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) for any other 9/11-related condition, getting started on your claim can be confusing. The VCF used to have several different claim forms that varied depending on the nature of the claim or the injury for which compensation was being sought. In an effort to simplify the process, the VCF developed a new claim form that combines all of the previous forms and that all claimants now need to complete.

When the 9/11 Zadroga Act was reauthorized in 2015, several changes were made to the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) program. Many of these changes have a direct impact on how compensation awards are made and how much Zadroga Act compensation an individual claimant may receive for certain types of losses.

The true impact that a 9/11-related illness, injury or death has had on a victim and their family can’t be measured in dollars and cents alone. The trauma, pain and loss felt by those who have suffered because of the terrorist attacks aren’t necessarily reflected in medical bills, paystubs or invoices. These “non-economic” losses are often part of victim compensation awards. But claims for such losses, including pain and suffering, must be supported by documentation and evidence. This can include “victim impact statements” which reflect how the 9/11 attacks and aftermath have affected the claimant and those around them.

Awards under the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) are determined by the Fund’s Special Master, Rupa Bhattacharyya.

When the original 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund was debated in Congress in 2001, the issue of whether or not to cover psychological conditions, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression and similar conditions, was hotly debated.