Breaking News: September 2016
Victim Compensation Fund changes the Eligibility Requirements for WTC-Related Cancers
You may have been told in the past that you could not file a claim because you missed the deadline. Because of recent changes to VCF eligibility requirements, that may no longer be the case.
Until last week there was a strict two year deadline to register a cancer claim with the VCF. The two years began to run from the date of diagnosis, which was a pathology report or other diagnostic test. Hundreds, if not thousands of cancer survivors (as well as family members of people who died from a 9/11 illness or cancer) missed the 2 year deadline because they simply didn’t realize that there was a link between their cancer and the toxic dust in Lower Manhattan. They certainly had no idea that they were entitled to compensation.
The new regulation allows people diagnosed with virtually any cancer to register VCF claims within 2 years of the date of that they were told by the government that their cancer might be related to WTC exposure. This rule applies not only to WTC responders, but also to residents, office workers and students; basically anyone who spent enough time in Manhattan below Canal Street between September 11, 2001 and May 30, 2002.
For more information regarding whether your injury or illness may be deemed eligible for the VCF, please call us.
We would be happy to discuss your individual circumstances with you.