Unlike many firms that handle VCF claims, we take pride in providing actual consultations with an attorney (at intake and throughout the process) so that our clients understand what is required to proceed, and what benefits they may be eligible for.  Because we handle disability claims (include disability pension and Social Security Disability claims), we can offer a well-rounded understanding of our clients' eligibility for economic loss claims, which can amount to million dollar awards. 

​

Our firm has successfully represented thousands of World Trade Center responders and survivors filing claims against the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. Our clients include New York City Police Officers, Firefighters, EMTs, Correction Officers, School Safety Agents and Traffic Agents;  New York State Troopers, Court Officers and Bridge & Tunnel Officers; New Jersey State Troopers; Federal Law Enforcement; members of volunteer fire and EMS companies; members of local labor unions (Local 3 Electricians, Local 15 Operators, Local 1 Elevator Mechanics, Local 157 Carpenters, etc), New York County Court Staff (Clerks, Reporters, Court Attorneys and Judges, plus attorneys that were present in both State and Federal Court in lower Manhattan); residents of TriBeCa, the Lower East Side, and Chinatown; workers and other volunteers that were exposed.  We also represent members of the armed forces (including the United States Marine Corps, Army/National Guard, Air Force/Air National Guard, Coast Guard, as well as the New York State Guard and Naval Militia) who were ordered to the World Trade Center site.  We have also represented members of the military, the Pentagon Force Protection Agency, Virginia and Maryland State Troopers who to the Pentagon disaster site.  

​

Title II of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 authorizes awards of up to $90,000 for non-cancer conditions and up to $250,000 for eligible cancers, plus economic loss and wrongful death claims for those who become disabled or die as the result of conditions developed as a consequence of their exposure in Lower Manhattan and other affected areas.

​

In order to  be eligible for compensation, you must prove that you were present for at least: 4 hours in the first 4 days (September 11-14, 2001); 24 hours in the month of September 2001; or 80 hours between September 2001 and May 2002.  The exposure zone is defined as the area in Manhattan south of the line that runs along Canal Street from the Hudson River to the intersection of Canal Street and East Broadway, north on East Broadway to Clinton Street, and east on Clinton Street to the East River; and any area related to or along the routes of debris removal, such as barges and Fresh Kills landfill.

​

Covered conditions include Chronic Rhinitis/Sinusitis, Asthma, Esophageal Reflux Disorder, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Sarcoidosis, Interstitial Lung Diseases, Emphysema and most cancers, including basal and squamous cell skin cancer.

​

Attorney fees are set by statute at 10% of any recovery. Attorneys are not allowed to charge expenses unless authorized by the Special Master appointed to administer the Victim Compensation Fund.  

​

If you would would like to be represented in your claim with the Victim Compensation Fund, please contact us at (212) 766-5800 for a consultation or by emailing Dan Jaffe at dan@nycdisabilitylaw.com.

​

While our office is located in New York City, both the VCF and the World Trade Center Health Program are federal benefits and not limited to those residing in New York.  We are available to represent VCF claimants that live outside of the New York area.

​

Please subscribe to our UPDATES for the latest information and trends on pending VCF claims.