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Were You a 9/11 Truck Driver? You're Eligible for the Victim Compensation Fund
In the weeks after the September 11th attacks, thousands of truck drivers played a critical yet often overlooked role in the removal of debris and other cleanup efforts. Many of these drivers spent weeks or even months transporting materials from Ground Zero to the Fresh Kills Landfill, breathing in toxic dust, often without adequate protection.
If you were a 9/11 truck driver, you may be eligible for financial compensation through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) and health monitoring and treatment through the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP).
The Role of Truck Drivers in 9/11 Recovery
After the collapse of the Twin Towers, debris needed to be removed quickly to allow emergency responders to continue their search and rescue efforts. Truck drivers were called in from New York and across the country to assist in transporting the massive amounts of steel, concrete, and dust from Ground Zero to designated sites such as the Fresh Kills Landfill on Staten Island.
These truck drivers operated in dangerous conditions. Many worked long hours with little protection, driving through the heart of the NYC Exposure Zone while inhaling toxic dust, fumes, and airborne chemicals. In many cases, these truckers were not given respirators or protective gear, as there was not yet recognition of the long-term health consequences of this toxic exposure.
Truck Drivers Now Qualify for 9/11 Programs
At first, truck drivers were not included in the official rosters of first responders. However, medical research has since confirmed that truck drivers and other recovery workers who were present at or near 9/11 crash sites or who assisted with the transport of materials from Ground Zero are at an increased risk of developing 9/11-related health conditions. As a result, truck drivers are now eligible for both 9/11 programs, including healthcare and monitoring through the WTCHP and financial compensation through the VCF.
Eligibility for the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF)
To be eligible for the VCF, truck drivers must:
- Have been present for at least one day at a 9/11 crash site or within the NYC Exposure Zone, including along the routes of debris removal and the Fresh Kills Landfill, between September 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002.
- Be diagnosed with a health condition certified by the WTCHP as related to 9/11 exposure.
- Register with the VCF by the deadline, which is generally two years from when the claimant knew or reasonably should have known that the condition or death was related to 9/11 and that they are eligible to file a claim. Please note that the registration deadline differs from the claim filing deadline, and you do not need to be sick to register with the VCF. It is recommended to register with the VCF now, no matter what.
- File a claim by the deadline of October 1, 2090. A claim cannot be filed until after your condition is certified by the WTCHP.
Family members may also be eligible to file on behalf of a deceased truck driver who died as a result of a 9/11 health condition. In these cases, a personal representative of the estate can submit a claim to recover compensation for the deceased truck driver’s suffering and losses.
World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP)
The WTCHP provides free health monitoring and treatment for conditions related to 9/11 exposure. This program includes medical treatment, annual monitoring, and mental health care for first responders, recovery workers, and other individuals who were present in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, including truck drivers. Enrollment in the WTCHP is often the first step in the process of qualifying for compensation through the VCF.
Common Health Conditions Linked to 9/11 Truck Drivers
Truck drivers exposed to dust and debris after 9/11 may develop a wide range of health issues. These include both respiratory illnesses and cancers linked to exposure to toxins at the crash site or while transporting toxic debris, such as:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Asthma
- Sinusitis and chronic rhinitis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Sleep apnea
- Over 68 different types of cancer, including lung cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, bladder cancer, thyroid cancer, and more
- Mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety
What Compensation and Benefits Can 9/11 Truck Drivers Receive?
Truck drivers approved for VCF benefits may be entitled to compensation for economic losses and non-economic losses. Compensation for economic losses covers lost wages and benefits due to disability or illness, loss of pension or retirement benefits, out-of-pocket medical expenses, and funeral and burial expenses (for the families of deceased individuals). Compensation for non-economic losses covers pain and suffering caused by physical health conditions, compensation for loss of quality of life due to long-term illness, and more. In addition, if a truck driver passed away from a 9/11-related illness, their spouse, children, or estate may be entitled to receive death benefits from the VCF.
All health services through the WTCHP are provided at no cost to the enrollee, including medications, doctor visits, health screenings, surgeries, and mental health services.
Applying for 9/11 Victim Compensation and Health Benefits
If you were a truck driver involved in post-9/11 cleanup efforts, applying for compensation and health benefits requires several steps:
- Gather documentation to prove your presence in the exposure zone during the applicable timeframe. This may include pay stubs, truck logs, or manifests showing trips to/from the crash site or Fresh Kills Landfill, union records or employer letters verifying employment, or photographs, security badges, or witness statements placing you in the area.
- Enroll in the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP). You will need to submit your proof of presence and details about your role in the cleanup efforts, as well as complete a health evaluation to certify any 9/11-related conditions.
- Register with the Victim Compensation Fund.
- Submit a claim to the VCF for financial compensation once your condition is certified. This should include all supporting documents such as medical records, proof of presence, and income documentation that details your lost wages and benefits.
Contact an Experienced 9/11 VCF Attorney Today
Filing a claim with the WTCHP and the VCF can be overwhelming, especially if you're dealing with a serious health condition. That’s why over 86% of claimants and their families choose to work with experienced 9/11 attorneys who can handle the paperwork, gather the necessary evidence, and make sure every deadline is met.
An attorney can help you:
- Document your presence and exposure
- Navigate registration and certification with the WTCHP
- Submit all documentation on your behalf
- Maximize your VCF compensation to get the maximum award available for your circumstances
- File a claim on behalf of a deceased family member
If you were a truck driver working in the aftermath of 9/11, you may be eligible for free healthcare and financial compensation. Don’t hesitate to reach out to one of the dedicated 9/11 attorneys at Hansen and Rosasco, LLP today to get started on your claim.
