9/11 Zadroga Act: Why It's Still Relevant in 2022, and Do You Qualify for Compensation?

Two decades after the worst terrorist attack on American soil, Americans still feel its impact and toll on their lives today. The people that suffered the most were the first responders that combed through the debris, exposing themselves to the toxic dust and smoke in search of survivors. 

Due to the costs suffered by victims of 9/11, the American government, through the Senate, has passed several laws aimed at helping victims of the tragedy access compensation. Among the most recent is the 9/11 Zadroga act. 

So, What Is the Zadroga Act?

If you were affected by 9/11, whether directly or indirectly, you may have heard something about the Zadroga Act. This Act refers to a bill signed into law in 2011 by then-president Barack Obama. The Zadroga Act was created to support 9/11 victims still suffering the effects of the terrorist attack.

During its creation, the legislature intended to have a fund created to handle cases of 9/11 victims for five years. However, the program was extended for five more years in 2015 and later to 2090 with the passage of the Never Forget the Victims Act created in honor of James Zadroga, Luis Alvarez, and Ray Pfeifer in 2019.

Who Are James Zadroga, Luis Alvarez, and Ray Pfeifer?

James Zadroga, Luis Alvarez, and Ray Pfeifer are all heroes of 9/11 who offered their lives to save others after the terrorist attack. The three had one thing in common. They were among the first responders at the scene when the last tower came down and worked tirelessly for weeks to save the lives of people trapped in the debris. 

Unfortunately, their exposure to toxic gasses and dust resulted in cancers that led to their deaths. James Zadroga was among the first to get a cancer diagnosis relating to exposure to the toxins of 9/11. He died in 2006.

Before the deaths of Luis Alvarez and Ray Pfeifer in 2017 and 2019, respectively, they both actively championed the rights of victims of 9/11, with Pfeifer dying one month before the last version of the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) was passed.

Who Qualifies for the VCF?

Any person that has suffered illnesses can qualify for the VCF. However, they must fulfill a set of conditions stipulated in the law that created the fund. 

Here are some of the requirements you must meet to qualify:

• You must register with VCF before the 2090 deadline.

• You must have withdrawn or settled any 9/11-related lawsuits by the stipulated deadline.

• You must prove that you suffered an injury or an illness from the tragedy, which must be verifiable by the WTC Health Program.

• You must prove you were present at ground zero or its vicinity at the time of the attack or a time not later than May 30, 2002.

• Victims who received an award from the initial VCF that was in effect from 2001 to 2004 must prove that their condition worsened or that they suffered new illnesses.

• If a person files a claim on behalf of a deceased or an older incapacitated adult, they must prove they are legally allowed to do so.

How to Recover Compensation

If you meet the conditions stipulated above, you may be eligible for compensation under the Zadroga Act. However, the road to recovering compensation may not be as smooth. 

The first step in the claims process will require you to prove your eligibility by providing relevant documentation. If you want to get it right from the word go and make the recovery process seamless, you should consider getting help from an experienced 9/11 lawyer. 

Mistakes such as failing to provide relevant information concerning monetary costs resulting from your injuries can mean losing out on what you rightfully deserve.