In the wake of the tragic events that unfolded on September 11th, 2001, the lives of countless individuals were forever altered. The terror attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the crash sites resulted in thousands of deaths and left a lasting impact on the United States as a whole. For some, however, the tragedy never ended.
Many people who lived in Lower Manhattan during the attacks—including residents, office workers, students, first responders, and many more—have experienced a profound toll on their health due to their exposure to toxic substances in the aftermath of 9/11. If you developed an illness due to the attacks, you may be eligible for support through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) and the James Zadroga Act of 2010.
VCF Resources for Lower Manhattan Residents
To immediately access the resources at any point on this page, click the corresponding links below.
How the Zadroga Act Supports Lower Manhattan Residents
Health Conditions That May Be Eligible for Benefits
Areas of Lower Manhattan Within the 9/11 Exposure Zone
What Is the Deadline to File a VCF Claim?
Our Attorneys Will Fight for Justice in Your Case
Speak to a Lawyer Today
How Does the Zadroga Act Support Lower Manhattan Residents?
The Zadroga Act is named after a member of the New York Police Department (NYPD), James Zadroga, who tragically lost his life to a respiratory illness on January 5, 2006. This illness was a direct result of his work at Ground Zero, marking the first instance where health officials attributed a death to toxic exposure at the 9/11 site. Under this law, Lower Manhattan residents and others who developed cancer, respiratory illnesses, or other serious health problems related to the terrorist attacks may be eligible for compensation and medical care.
Zadroga’s story is not unique, as countless others have faced similar health challenges due to their presence in Lower Manhattan during the aftermath of 9/11. Recognizing the urgent need to support these individuals, Congress passed the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act in 2010, which reopened the VCF that had been established immediately after the attacks and extended funding for the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP).
What Health Conditions May Make Lower Manhattan Residents Eligible for Benefits?
To seek compensation through the VCF, Manhattan residents first need to have their conditions certified by the WTCHP. The organization maintains a comprehensive list of certified medical conditions, with certain illnesses more prevalent than others. These eligible conditions include, but are not limited to:
- Respiratory conditions, including asthma and sleep apnea
- Mental health disorders linked to the attacks, including post-traumatic stress disorder and depression
- Acute traumatic injuries caused by the attacks, such as brain damage, burns, and eye injuries
- 68 different forms of cancer, including leukemia, breast cancer, and brain cancer
The list of certified conditions is extensive, and even illnesses or injuries not explicitly certified may be eligible if they are associated with one of the certified conditions. In these situations, it is essential to consult with a 9/11 fund lawyer to understand your rights and determine the appropriate course of action.
Areas of Lower Manhattan Fall Within the 9/11 Exposure Zone
Much of Lower Manhattan is located in the 9/11 Exposure Zone, which is a 1.5-mile radius around Ground Zero. People who lived or worked in this area between September 11th, 2001, and May 30th, 2002, and who are suffering from WTCHP-certified medical conditions may be eligible for benefits through the VCF.
Specifically, the 9/11 Exposure Zone encompasses areas of Manhattan that are:
- 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
- East on Clinton Street to the East River
- Any area related to or along the routes of 9/11 debris removal
To access these benefits, you must provide Proof of Presence in the Exposure Zone during the specified eight-month timeframe. This can be achieved through various forms of documentation, such as rental leases, rent or mortgage receipts, utility bills, or statements from witnesses who can attest to your residency during that period.
Because the 9/11 attacks occurred over 20 years ago, obtaining evidence to establish Proof of Presence can be challenging. However, a 9/11 VCF attorney from Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC can provide valuable guidance during this process. Our firm can help you locate and obtain the required documentation to file accurate and timely claims under the Zadroga Act.
What Is the Deadline to File a VCF Claim?
If you believe that you qualify for benefits through the VCF, it’s crucial to be aware of the deadlines. Claims must be submitted no later than October 1, 2090, providing ample time for eligible individuals to seek compensation and medical care.
Additionally, if your medical condition is linked to 9/11 but has not yet been certified by the WTC Health Program, you still have the opportunity to apply for compensation. The deadline to apply to the VCF is two years from the date your condition is certified, not from the date of diagnosis. If you have a family member who died due to a condition linked to 9/11, the two-year registration period begins on the day of the victim’s death.
Our Attorneys Will Help You Fight for the Benefits You Deserve
At Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC, we understand the complexities and challenges faced by Lower Manhattan residents seeking benefits through the WTCHP and VCF. Our 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) attorneys are dedicated to guiding you through each step of the application process, providing the comprehensive legal support that you need to secure full and fair benefits.
We can help demystify the application process and guide you each step of the way. Starting with an eligibility assessment, we will explain the specific criteria of the WTCHP and VCF programs and help you determine whether you qualify. We can help you collect and scrutinize Proof of Presence documents, as well as other critical paperwork, to solidify your claim. With our meticulous approach, we can help reduce the risks of delays, reductions, or denials of benefits.
Speak to an Attorney About Your Case Today
The journey to securing VCF benefits can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. The attorneys at Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC specialize in guiding 9/11 victims through this complex process, handling your application with the utmost care and professionalism so that you can recover the benefits that you deserve.
If you believe that you are eligible for compensation, contact Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC at (800) 220-0984. Our firm will carefully evaluate your case and help you take your first steps toward justice and recovery.