Deceased 9/11 First Responder Claims: Where are they?

Some 1,000 deaths have been linked to illnesses caused by toxic dust and smoke issuing from Ground Zero in the aftermath of 9/11. Last year, three 9/11 first responder firefighters died on the same day from cancer.  Our office hears frequent accounts about individuals dying from cancer because they were exposed to these toxins on and after 9/11.

If so many 9/11 first responders, residents and office workers have died as a result of 9/11 related conditions and cancers, then why have only 125 decedent claims been filed with the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund as of March 2015 out of over 11,000 accepted eligibility claims? And why have only nine decedent claims been awarded to the families of those who have died as a result of 9/11 related conditions and cancers?

9/11 First Responder Families Need Assistance

One explanation is that many eligibility forms were filed as personal injury claims and need to be changed to decedent claims because the 9/11 first responder died after their claim was filed.  But as we noted in a recent Facebook post, it could be because deceased 9/11 first responder families have not received the assistance they need in submitting eligibility and compensation applications.

In fact, over 65,000 individuals have registered with the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. It is entirely possible that many of those claims are from 9/11 first responder families and the loved ones of deceased residents, office workers, have registered but are too overwhelmed with the next step in the process: proving that their loved one was down near Ground Zero after 9/11. Or it is possible that they have no idea that they even need to submit any documentation.

Also, many families may not know they are even eligible  to receive compensation from the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. It is important that all potential claimants receive assistance and get their questions answered. It is also important to register with the fund as soon as possible if you have not already done so.

Learn more about registration deadlines here and call us now for a free case consultation at 1-888-444-2336. It is not to late to register and file for many individuals!