More than 50% of VCF Spent, Thousands of 9/11 Survivors Still Need Aid
Parker Waichman, a national law firm that has spent many years fighting to ensure that the heroes and survivors of the 9/11 terrorist attacks are never forgotten, comments on the most recent statistics released by the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), which provides compensation to ailing responders and survivors. Program statistics reveal that compensation decisions total $1.443 billion for 6,285 claimants as of September 6th, 2015, which represents more than 50 percent of the $2.7 billion allotted by federal funding. An additional 2,468 claims are still under review.
The VCF is one of the two programs established through the Zadroga Act. The other program is the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program, which provides medical treatment and monitoring to responders and survivors suffering from 9/11-related conditions. These benefits, which were signed into law in 2010, will begin to expire in phases starting this October should Congress not take action.
Parker Waichman comments that the VCF and the WTC Health Program are vital to many responders and survivors. “Zadroga benefits help save the lives of our 9/11 heroes,” said Matthew J. McCauley, Senior Litigation Counsel at Parker Waichman. “More than half of the Fund has run out, but there are still many individuals who need and deserve aid for their 9/11-related injuries.”
Parker Waichman actively worked toward the 2010 passage of the Zadroga Act, including taking part in lobbying efforts and trips to the nation's capital, often along with the firm's clients—other responders and survivors.
The firm comments that Zadroga benefits help responders and survivors nationwide, with enrollees in all 50 states and in 429 out of the 435 Congressional districts. In fact, WPXI news recently reported that close to $2.5 million was awarded to 10 people at the Pentagon and the Flight 93 crash site. “With the 14th anniversary here, it is crucial that legislators hold true to the promise of never forgetting 9/11,” said Gary Falkowitz, Managing Attorney at Parker Waichman. “The Zadroga Act needs to be permanently extended for the numerous responders and survivors still suffering from the events of that tragic day."
The firm continues to support the Zadroga Act and remains dedicated to fighting for the rights of responders and survivors. In fact, Parker Waichman was recently involved in the “Take Action” tool that allows responders, survivors, and advocates the ability to review their Congresspersons' activities concerning the upcoming expiration of the James Zadroga Act. Parker Waichman assisted with the research on, and creation of, the Tool, which may be accessed at the Renew 911 Health Organization's website.
Parker Waichman continues to fight, alongside Ground Zero first responders, survivors, and advocates, to help ensure passage of Zadroga Act amendments, and vows to continue its efforts to safeguard these heroes and ensure that all of the deserved Zadroga Act compensation is received. To determine eligibility for compensation under the Act, or for assistance with a claim, please visit Parker Waichman's website or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).