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9/11 VCF Lawyers

Common Questions About the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund

At Alonso Krangle, LLP, our lawyers know how important the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF, 9/11 VCF, the fund) is to the thousands of people who were directly affected by the attacks on the World Trade Center (WTC), the Pentagon, and the crash of United Airlines flight 93. The 9/11 fund has been in existence for years but has re-entered the limelight recently. Why?

An approaching July deadline has some people scrambling to register for the program to ensure they do not forfeit their eligibility to participate in the fund. The deadline has sparked conversations and questions about the fund, its registration process, and who might be eligible. Our lawyers at Alonso Krangle, LLP think this is a welcome opportunity to clarify some common misconceptions surrounding the 9/11 VCF.

Is The 9/11 VCF Only for First Responders?

No. The fund was created to provide compensation “to individuals (or a personal representative of a deceased individual) who were present at the World Trade Center or the surrounding New York City Exposure Zone; the Pentagon crash site; and the Shanksville, Pennsylvania crash site, at some point between September 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002, and who have since been diagnosed with a 9/11-related illness.”

This is not limited to first responders. It includes anyone who lived, worked, volunteered, or went to school in the affected areas during that time. The fund does not distinguish between first responders and survivors in the way they determine eligibility, process claims, or calculate awards.

Is the VCF Only For People Who Were at The World Trade Center, Pentagon, or the Flight 93 Crash Site on September 11, 2001?

No. As stated above, the 9/11 VCF compensates people killed or injured on 9/11 and those injured or killed because of the events of 9/11, which could have occurred days, weeks, months, or years after.
In New York City, particularly, the cleanup of ground zero and the surrounding areas took months. The planes that crashed into the towers and their subsequent collapse sent toxic fuel, dust, debris, and fumes into the air.

Many people involved in the cleanup efforts suffered immediate injuries and long-term harm from exposure to the fumes. People who returned to the exposure zone for work, school, or to go home inhaled dangerous air, the effects of which were not always immediate. Thousands of people have since 9/11 developed COPD, asthma, skin problems, cancers, and more directly because of the events of that day.

Is the 9/11 VCF the Same as the WTC Health Program?

No. They are not the same. They are two different programs having different eligibility requirements, processes, and purposes. According to the VCF website, “The WTC Health Program provides medical monitoring and treatment for responders to the WTC and related sites in New York City, Pentagon, and Shanksville, PA, and survivors who were in the New York City disaster area. The VCF provides financial compensation for those who were physically injured or died as a result of an eligible 9/11-related illness and who meet the VCF’s eligibility criteria.” The VCF’s criteria include having your illness certified by the WTC Health Program.

What Are the Important 9/11 VCF Deadlines?

The deadline to file a claim to collect compensation from the 9/11 VCF is October 1, 2090. This deadline applies to everyone.

Before you are allowed to file a claim with the 9/11 VCF, you must register. Registering or applying for a claim is not the same as filing a claim.
Registering preserves your right to file a claim in the future. The deadline to register/apply is not the same for everyone. According to the VCF:

  • If you were certified with a 9/11 health condition by the WTC before July 29, 2019, you must register with the VCF before July 29, 2021.
  • If you are registering for someone who you think died of a 9/11 related health condition before July 29, 2019, you must register with the VCF before July 29, 2021.
  • If you have not been certified by the WTC with a 9/11 condition or were certified after July 29, 2019, you may register by July 29, 2021, but don’t have to. You must file your registration within two years of the latest date the WTC certifies your health condition as related to 9/11.
  • If you are registering for someone who you think died of a 9/11 related health condition after July 29, 2029, you must register with the VCF within two years of the date of death.

Do I Have to Re-Register With the VCF?

No. Once you register with the VCF, you do not have to do it again.
You have preserved your right to file a claim when and if you are ready and eligible.

Do I Have to Be Sick to Register with the 9/11 VCF?

No. You don’t have to be sick to register with the VCF. Registering preserves your right to file a claim in the future if you become sick.

Registering does not commit you to file a claim in the future.

Can I get More Money From the 9/11 VCF if I have More Certified Illnesses?

No. The money you might receive from the VCF is not directly related to the number of certified conditions you have. The amount awarded by the fund is determined by the type, severity, and impact of the conditions on your life.

The amounts the VCF can award for noneconomic losses are capped by statute. The most you can get for a non-cancer condition is $90,000.

The most you can get for a cancer is $250,000. In only very rare cases is there a noneconomic loss award for more than $250,000. You can also submit proof of your economic losses and receive compensation for those.

Can the VCF Expedite a Claim?

Yes, but it is likely to do so only when special circumstances exist. For example, when someone is terminally ill or in immediate danger of losing their home, the VCF might consider a formal request to expedite a claim.

Are All Cancers Certified by the WTC as 9/11 Related Conditions?

No. There are currently approximately 70 types of cancer certified by the WTC as 9/11 related that can result in eligibility for participation in the VCF. Many of them fall into one of these categories:

  • Lymphoma
  • Leukemia
  • Myeloma
  • Colorectal
  • Thyroid
  • Prostate cancer
  • Head and neck cancer
  • Rare cancers
  • Lung cancer
  • Mesothelioma
  • Eye cancer
  • Kidney cancer
  • Bladder cancer
  • Skin cancer
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Childhood cancer

What are Some of the Non-Cancer Conditions that Might Meet the Eligibility Requirements for the 9/11 VCF?

Conditions that might qualify for VCF compensation can include asthma, COPD, lung disease, chronic coughing, chronic respiratory disorders, and digestive problems. There are also many mental health conditions that can be classified as related to 9/11.

There is no single exhaustive list of what will and will not certify you with a 9/11 related injury. You might not have symptoms for years, and you might not realize that what you are experiencing now can be related to something that occurred in 2001 or 2002. Speaking to a medical professional about your concerns, including your presence in the exposure zone, is critical to ensuring you preserve any rights you might have to receive VCF compensation.

Call Alonso Krangle, LLP, to Learn More About Registering Your Claim With the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.

September 11, 2001, is a day that continues to harm thousands of Americans, including first responders, residents, and workers in NYC. Our government anticipates nearly 70 more years of health consequences for people exposed to toxic environments in the aftermath of 9/11. The Victim Compensation Fund is available until October 1, 2090, for victims who qualify.

Call our 9/11 VCF lawyers at Alonso Krangle, LLP today at 800-403-6191 to ensure you file your registration on time and preserve your right to collect compensation for your 9/11 related injury.

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I want to thank you for all your hard work and efforts in resolving our case
I want to thank you for all your hard work and efforts in resolving our case. I also want to thank you for personally responding to my calls… I realize that you have people that could have taken care of that for you…. But it meant a lot to me!!
S.L.
We were very fortunate to meet David Krangle
My husband and myself had been involved in a multiple vehicle accident 5 years ago. At that time we were given the name of Mr. David Krangle, attorney. It took close to 5 years of very diligent work for Mr Krangle to complete our case to everyone’s satisfaction. During those years of endless hours and hours of work that he put into our case yet whenever we reached out to Dave (as the years allowed us to call him) he was always available to us. His patience did seem endless. His professionalism in researching everything to make our turnout perfect for us was everything we expected and let us rest knowing things are following the right path. I know we were treated with the utmost respect from various insurance companies and other attorney’s because that was something Mr Krangle made sure of. In difficult times it can be intimidating to work with a professional but we were very fortunate to meet David Krangle who had the ability to share warmth and compassion with us during a trying time. Those are traits that we admired in David Krangle and are delighted to have worked with him.
ER
Thank you for your years of service

I want to take this opportunity to again say thank you for your years of service working on my case, I sincerely appreciate you.

Respectfully,

VL
Express Our Thank You To You For The Wonderful Job You Did With Our Daughter’s Case

Dear Andres,

We wanted to express our thank you to you for the wonderful job you did with our daughter’s case. You are a true professional and we are thankful that you are the one who helped us all through this. We couldn’t have asked for anyone better to have on our daughter’s side.

Respectfully,

Parent A B
Thank you for being there for me
Thank you for being there for me. Thank you for helping me, I so appreciate what you did for me. Please extend my thanks to your staff also
DR
Like To Express My Appreciation To You And Your Firm
I just would like to express my appreciation to you and your firm for assisting me with this matter. I am now a single mother of six children and I have been going through so much financial strife. I did not know how I would get school supplies for my children so I have been working two jobs to try to gain some extra funds. This is a blessing to me and my children. Thank you again for all you guys have done for us.
MC
They do what they say
They do what they say. With me they were very professional in every way possible.
N. J.
Thank You From The Bottom Of My Heart For All Your Help

Andres,

I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your help. Tonight is the first night since January that I can finally breath a sigh of relief. Your determination and dedication to my case was by far beyond what I could ever imagined.

W W
Great job guys, thanks
I have been involved in lengthy litigation against a giant pharmaceutical company over the past several years. Alonso Krangle has been with me every step of the way, and has kept me up with the progress of my case. As their slogan says, they “Fight For Victims”. Great job guys, thanks.
V. L.
My highest recommendation!
David – You are very smart, honest, knowledgeable and efficient! My highest recommendation! Any interested persons may contact me, Best,
Mr. S
I love the whole damn firm!

I really only have just a statement. I LOVE YOU!! I also LOVE Alonso, I LOVE Krangle… I love the whole damn firm!

I definitely know the pain and suffering I went through… but I never thought you guys would be able to pull something off this awesome.

Much much love to my favorite people in New York… and about 47 other states.

R
Mil gracias y que Dios lo bendiga
Buenas tardes Abogado para mi y mi familia fue un placer haber con sus eficientes servicios como nuestro abogado mil gracias y que Dios lo bendiga y lo siga acompañado en todos los casos que se le presenten y salga victorioso gracias 🙏
Gustavo P
Exceptional law firm
Exceptional law firm with wonderful & helpful staff
I. D.
I am very pleased with the handling of my case by the Law Firm of Alonso and Krangle
I am very pleased with the handling of my case by the Law Firm of Alonso and Krangle. They did an excellent Dave Krangle is an extremely professional and knowledgeable attorney, a true gentleman. Leslie Escobar was helpful and caring at all times I would recommend this law firm to anyone who may have a personal injury case.
SM
Exceeded My Expectations
Thank you for your persistence…. Once again, I thank you for your expertise in my case. You’ve exceeded my expectations.
RG
I appreciate both of you lawyers
I appreciate both of you lawyers… You will do good for new clients!
RS
Dave Krangle Worked Restlessly On This Case Until We Won
I consider David Krangle as my attorney for many years now. Going back about 13 years ago my father was involved in a hit and run accident. David had gone the extra mile to win our case….. Mr. David Krangle worked restlessly on this case until we won the case. Since then, if anybody asks for a good attorney I recommend David Krangle with confidence. He has helped a number of my friends and relatives and they all appreciated his professionalism, prompt responses to any inquiry during case development, careful study of all details pertaining to their case. He treats his clients as family. Thank you, Mr. Krangle, wishing you a continued success, good health and prosperity.
K M
You’ll be in good hands!

I was involved in an accident and needed a good Personal Injury Attorney. A friend referred me to David Krangle of Alonso Krangle LLP. After my initial phone conversation with David, I was confident that I found the right Attorney. David was not only extremely thorough, he kept me updated on every stage of my case. Most importantly, he was always available for questions and followed-up promptly. In most cases, the same day. Since there was a 3-hour time zone difference, I was very appreciative from a client stand point.

With his expertise and guidance, I had a successful outcome. I felt very fortunate that David and his wonderful staff represented me.

If you ever find yourself in need of expert legal advice and guidance. I highly recommend you contact David Krangle of Alonso Krangle LLP. You’ll be in good hands!

F. M.
Absolutely Instrumental in Helping Me Expose Medicare Fraud That My Former Employer Was Engaging In
When you have to fight Goliath you better call David. Dave was absolutely instrumental in helping me expose Medicare fraud that my former employer (one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world) was engaging in. Dave took the time to listen to my concerns and my evidence. He worked tirelessly to bring the best resources to table so that our case would be investigated thoroughly and prosecuted. In the end, the Goliath was defeated thanks to Dave!
Mark W
Excellent job
Some People just go the extra mile, Thanks for being one of them. Excellent job David!
VL
Alonso Krangle LLP was absolutely wonderful handling my personal injury case
Alonso Krangle LLP was absolutely wonderful handling my personal injury case. The staff is extremely professional, prompt and helpful at all times. The attorneys truly care about their clients and their clients well being. I couldn’t be happier with their professional help throughout my entire case. I am so extremely thankful I chose to use Alonso Krangle LLP and ABSOLUTELY recommend this law firm if you have a personal injury case.
DM
Thank you very much Mr. Andres for having won my case
I am very grateful for your excellent work, everything was professional. Thank you for giving me tranquility and for having so much patience with me and for the success and for the sweetness of Leslie. Once again, thank you very much Mr. Andres for having won my case.
JD
Thank you for everything you have done for me
David-Thank you for everything you have done for me. I appreciate you guys
JB
Kept Us Informed Every Step Of The Way And Made Sure All Our Questions Were Answered
David came recommended to me from a member of my family and now I know why . He achieved a very good result for my case. He kept us informed every step of the way and made sure all our questions were answered.
D G
Highly recommend
Very professional law firm. Highly recommend.
B. M.
Making Sure I Get All The Therapy I needed Very Concerned About Your Situation On Your Side Taking Care Of All The Legal Issues
Where should I start from day one Mr. Krangle was on the phone for me making sure I get all the therapy I needed , Hes great about getting back to you right away should he happen to miss your call. Although, hes usually available. He is extremely attentive, and informative throughout the whole process. Its already stressful enough situation with all your injuries, doctors appointments, etc., so its good to have someone on your side taking care of all the legal issues. He is also very concerned about your situation .. Always stayed in contact he was just a phone call away literally .. If I can give him 10 stars I will. Hes the guy to see Thanks for everything, David -NF
David – NF
They Treated Me Like I Was Family
I wanted to thank Alonso Krangle for helping me with my case. Not only were they able to get me much needed compensation for my injuries, but they kept in contact with me and explained every step of the process. They treated me like I was family.
F V
Strongly Recommend Alonso Krangle As a Highly Experienced And Respected Firm

I consulted a close friend and well respected lawyer in the mid-Atlantic region regarding my hip revision surgery due to a medical device recall. Without hesitation, he strongly recommended contacting Alonso Krangle LLP to discuss my case. In his view, Alonso Krangle possessed extensive knowledge and experience in the type of litigation my case required, as well the respect of those throughout the judicial field for their professionalism. Equally as important, their personal focus on each individual’s case gives the client a feeling they are their only concern. My friend’s assessment could not have been more accurate.

Although in New York, Alonso Krangle could not have been more responsive or accommodating if they were located here in Virginia. I cannot recall a single time when my wife or I called their office and did not speak to either Andres Alonso or David Krangle. They were always completely available and ready to answer any and all of our questions. Their advice and recommendations were always honest, sincere, and accurate enabling us to plan accordingly. Legal proceedings can be a long process, but we never felt left out or forgotten thanks to timely updates initiated by Alonso Krangle. In the end, everything turned out as Alonso Krangle estimated from the beginning. I could not have expected better personal attention or concern from a family member handling my case. As with my friend, I too, would not hesitate to strongly recommend Alonso Krangle as a highly experienced and respected firm that will treat you like family.

LM and MM
I highly recommend this firm
This firm shows out standing professionalism on all levels. Mr. Krangle is attentive and diligent though the entire process. I highly recommend this firm.
C.H.
Excellent and fast 100% recommended to me

Excellent and fast 100% recommended to me in a matter of 7 months my request came out they are very good they treated me very well everyone thank you very much.

(Original) Excellent y rápido 100% recomendado a my en cuestión de 7 meses me salió mi demanda son muy buenos me trataron muy bien todos muchas gracias.

RMS
The world needs more people like yourself

I want to thank you for your kindness and compassionate communication through this process. I truly want to thank you for your time and for being such an advocate for people! The world needs more people like yourself .

All my best to you,

C
I can’t thank them enough for going above and beyond for me
Great law firm. Highly recommend them and I’m so glad that I found them. Everyone from David Krangle to his staff were very caring and sensitive when it came to my case. Always kept me up to date with every single update and were there for me professionally and emotionally every step of the way. It was a very difficult time in my life but dealing with everyone at Alonso Krangle made it so much easier to get through everything. I can’t thank them enough for going above and beyond for me.
AN

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