Last month, we discussed how the first responders to the tragic events unfolded on September 11, 2001, are experiencing multiple health problems over a decade after the chaos. With all the toxic fume exposure, many local firefighters and law enforcement workers are discovering they have some sort of cancer that is both physically and financially devastating them.
At the end of the blog, we suggested emergency responders to seek benefits from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund if they require coverage for their condition. While it is still open currently, the fund is expected to end in December 2020. However, recent reports suggest that it may close sooner.
More victims, less money
While the federal government did grant the fund over $7 billion to compensate those receiving illnesses from Ground Zero, the special master of the fund believes it may not be enough to cover everyone before the December 2020 deadline. She also questioned the severity of certain illnesses to see if they can find ways to keep the funding afloat for as much victims as possible.
The news brought about strong reactions from the public. Potential victims hoping to receive coverage from the fund question if they will get less or even nothing for their disease. Many also believe that the fund’s deadline should receive an extension as they expect more sicknesses surface past 2020.
Other options for first responders
While those just now getting sick from their actions at Ground Zero can still register for the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, responders worried about illnesses in the near future should make back-up plans just in case. The World Trade Center Health Program is still active and plans to compensate victims until 2090, and New Yorkers can still try to file a workers’ compensation or personal injury claim to the state.
Regardless of where you try to get coverage from your 9/11 illness or injury, a workers’ compensation attorney can provide extra assistance to ensure that you can get that compensation. If health and compensation programs are going to get more finicky on which victims deserve more financial relief over others, then you might need as much help as you can get.