The 24th Anniversary of 9/11 - How Victim Compensation Fund Awards Honor the Legacy of Loved Ones Lost

As we approach the 24th anniversary of September 11th this week, 9/11 is still claiming victims on a daily basis. Unfortunately, Hansen & Rosasco help families with 9/11 death claims on a daily basis. Whether caused by 9/11 related cancers or respiratory disorders, many individuals who lived or worked in Lower Manhattan have lost their lives due to exposure to toxic dust and debris in the aftermath of the collapse of the Twin Towers. These include first responders, cleanup workers, downtown Manhattan workers, residents, teachers, students, and volunteers. For those who have lost a loved one to a 9/11-related illness, filing a death claim with the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) can provide more than financial compensation; VCF awards also offer recognition of your loss and a way to honor your loved one’s legacy.

The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, established under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 (Zadroga Act), provides substantial tax-free financial compensation to individuals and families impacted by the terrorist attacks and their aftermath. While these awards cannot replace what was lost, they are an acknowledgment of the suffering and sacrifice endured by individuals and families affected by the attacks and their loved ones. Every day, the team at Hansen & Rosasco helps families navigate the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund bureaucracy and the filing of necessary paperwork with Surrogate Courts around New York and across the nation for 9/11 death claims. Unlike most other 9/11 law firms, Hansen & Rosasco employs a full-time Senior Estates paralegal to help families with Surrogate Court filings to appoint family members as “Personal Representatives” who can file claims and distribution documents to disburse monetary awards to the correct family members. 

Understanding the VCF’s Role in Supporting 9/11 Families

The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund compensates individuals who experienced physical harm or lost loved ones due to the September 11 attacks, including those who were exposed to hazardous conditions in the 9/11 NYC exposure zone in the weeks and months following the attacks.  As the health effects of 9/11 toxic dust became clear over the years, from cancers to respiratory diseases, thousands of families found themselves impacted long after the dust settled.

The fund is administered by 9/11 Special Master  Allison Turkel, appointed by the US Department of Justice. In collaboration with the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), administered by John Howard, MD, and the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which certifies qualifying 9/11-related health conditions and provides health monitoring and treatment to those who were present in the aftermath of 9/11. The VCF supports families by providing compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. 

Who Can File a 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Claim on Behalf of a Deceased Loved One?

When an individual has passed away due to a 9/11-related health condition, a Personal Representative (PR) is legally authorized to file a claim on their behalf. This individual is usually a spouse, child, parent, sibling, or court-appointed executor or administrator of the deceased’s estate. Hansen & Rosasco can help you get the necessary paperwork from your local Surrogate Court to file the claim.

Before filing a claim, the Personal Representative must provide documentation confirming their legal authority, which may include:

• Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary
• Death certificate listing a 9/11-related cause of death
• Certification of the health condition by the World Trade Center Health Program
  
  

The VCF process for deceased individuals is more complex than for living claimants, requiring careful attention to both eligibility and documentation requirements. It often includes working with the deceased's treating physician at the time of death to obtain Private Physician Forms, 9/11 related death certificate, and funeral bills and out-of-pocket medical expenses for reimbursement.

What Compensation Is Available to Families of Deceased 9/11 Victims?

VCF awards for deceased victims typically include awards for both  economic loss and non-economic loss. 

Economic Loss Awards – Lost Wage and Benefits Compensation

The economic portion of a VCF award compensates families for the lost wages and benefits financial losses they’ve suffered due to their loved one’s death. These may include:

• Lost earnings: Based on the deceased’s age, occupation, and expected future earnings
• Lost benefits: Including health insurance, retirement, and pension contributions
• Out-of-pocket medical expenses: Related to the treatment of 9/11 illness before death
• Funeral and burial expenses: Not covered elsewhere
  
  

These calculations can be complex, especially for younger individuals or those whose earnings were expected to increase over time. An experienced 9/11 lawyer can help ensure these values are fully and accurately calculated.

Non-Economic Loss Awards – Honoring Their Life and Legacy

In addition to financial losses, the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund also provides an award for “non-economic loss”, often referred to as compensation for “pain and suffering”. For deceased individuals, this award recognizes the pain they endured as a result of their 9/11-related illness and the impact of their passing on surviving family members.

As of the current 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund guidelines, the standard non-economic award for deceased claimants is $250,000, plus an additional $100,000 for the spouse and each dependent. Awards may vary based on the nature and duration of the illness and the circumstances of death. 

This portion of the claim is not about recovering financial losses– it’s about recognition of your pain and loss. It's about honoring your loved one’s life and legacy.

How These Awards Honor Loved Ones

While no financial compensation can replace a lost life, 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund awards serve more than just financial support. They help families:

• Deal with the practical reality that a loved one’s wages and benefits are no longer available
• Gain closure, knowing their loved one’s experience has been formally acknowledged
• Preserve the memory of a loved one by recognizing the suffering and sacrifice in the wake of their loss
• Access resources they need to move forward, from therapy to financial planning
• Keep legacies alive, using awards to support children’s education, donate to causes the victim cared about, or simply maintain family stability. Here’s an example of a recent case we took on.
  
  

Each award issued by the VCF represents the nation’s ongoing commitment to acknowledging and supporting those affected by the terrorist attacks of 9/11, not just in the immediate aftermath, but for as long as it is needed.

How a 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Attorney Can Help Protect Your Loved One’s Legacy

Filing a claim with the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund after a loved one’s passing can be an emotional and legally complex process. An experienced VCF attorney can provide compassionate, knowledgeable guidance to help protect your family’s interests and honor your loved one’s memory. 

Here’s how a law firm focused on VCF claims can help:

• Verify eligibility, including proving your loved one’s presence in the NYC Exposure Zone through employment, residency, or volunteer records
• Coordinate with the World Trade Center Health Program to ensure your loved one’s qualifying conditions are properly certified
• Calculate accurate lost earnings based on career trajectory, age, and benefits
• Submit thorough and compliant documentation to the VCF
• Represent your interests in any appeals, amendments, or follow-up needed
  
  

The experienced 9/11 lawyers and team at Hansen & Rosasco, LLP have represented 9/11 victims and their families since the beginning. We understand the VCF claims process and are committed to helping families receive the compensation and acknowledgment they are entitled to.

Filing a VCF claim is not just a legal process; it’s a way to ensure that your loved one’s life, work, bravery, and suffering are remembered and honored. Whether they were a first responder, downtown office worker, teacher, student, or volunteer, their legacy lives on through the recognition of their story.

If you’ve lost a loved one to a 9/11-related illness, we encourage you to reach out. Contact the experienced and dedicated 9/11 attorneys at Hansen & Rosasco, LLP today for a free consultation to learn how we can help you file a claim, secure financial compensation, and preserve your loved one’s legacy in a meaningful way.