Were You in the 9/11 Exposure Zone?

The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) provides financial support and health care to those affected by toxic dust and debris in Lower Manhattan. You may be eligible if you:

• Worked in the exposure zone (pictured below) as a first responder, construction worker, office employee, or in another capacity.
• Lived in the area during the eligible time period.
• Studied at a school near Ground Zero.
• Spent significant time in the exposure zone between September 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002.

With the VCF, financial compensation can be available to individuals who developed physical health conditions due to their presence at the World Trade Center site, the Pentagon crash site, or the Shanksville, Pennsylvania crash site on 9/11, offering monetary awards for both economic losses like lost wages and non-economic losses like pain and suffering, with the amount depending on the severity of the illness and impact on the individual's life.

Collectively, survivors have developed over 68 different cancers—as well as respiratory diseases and other chronic illnesses—linked to 9/11 exposure. 

The VCF offers more than $10 billion in compensation for victims which can help cover lost wages, pain and suffering, and medical expenses. 

The amount of compensation awarded is based on factors like the type and severity of the illness, impact on a victim’s daily life, medical expenses incurred, and lost wages due to missed work during medical treatment or due to an inability to perform the duties of a job. 

• Awards can range from tens of thousands of dollars to millions, depending on the specific circumstances. The VCF also compensates for non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering related to the 9/11-related health condition. 
• To file a claim, you must first register with the VCF and then be certified by the World Trade Center Health Program with a 9/11-related health condition. The deadline to file a VCF claim is October 1, 2090. 

Generally, the VCF provides compensation for the physical injuries and conditions on the list of conditions established by the WTC Health Program. By statute, the VCF may not compensate for psychological conditions, but the WTC Health Program provides mental health treatment as part of their healthcare services.

Listed below are the categories of physical health injuries and conditions that may be certified by the WTC Health Program (“presumptively covered conditions”). This list includes the most recent additions to the list effective as of January 18, 2023. This list includes only major categories of conditions and is not meant to represent every type of eligible injury that falls within each category:

• Interstitial Lung Diseases
• Chronic Respiratory Disorder – Fumes/Vapors
• Asthma
• Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome (“RADS”)
• WTC-exacerbated Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (“COPD”)
• New Onset Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (“COPD”)
• Chronic Cough Syndrome
• Upper Airway Hyperreactivity
• Chronic Rhinosinusitis
• Chronic Nasopharyngitis
• Chronic Laryngitis
• Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disorder (“GERD”)
• Sleep Apnea exacerbated by, associated with, or related to, the above conditions
• Low Back Pain occurring in responders
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (“CTS”) occurring in responders
• Certain Musculoskeletal Disorders (“MSK”) 
• Acute Traumatic Injuries 
• Cancer of the Head and Neck
• Mesothelioma
• Prostate Cancer
• Soft Tissue Cancer
• Skin Cancer (Non Melanoma) 
• Melanoma
• Digestive System Cancer
• Respiratory Cancer
• Rare Cancers
• Female Reproductive Cancers
• Urinary Cancers
• Eye and Orbit Cancers
• Thyroid Cancer
• Blood and Lymphoid Tissue Cancers (Hodgkin’s disease, Leukemia)
• Childhood Cancers
• Breast Cancer

You may still be eligible for compensation. Many children and students who attended school in the exposure zone later developed health conditions tied to 9/11 toxic exposure. Speak with the legal team at Morgan & Morgan to learn more about the specifics of your unique claim.

Yes. While not limited to only first responders, the Victim Compensation Fund applies also to first responders affected by the exposure zone.

At Morgan & Morgan, we proudly fight for those who selflessly laid their lives on the ground. You took care of us—now let us fight for you. Contact us today for more information.

Yes, the VCF has a list of covered conditions. If you have been diagnosed with a 9/11-related illness, you should explore your eligibility. While this process can feel daunting, an experienced attorney can assist you, so that you can focus on what matters most—your health. Contact Morgan & Morgan for a free, no-obligation case evaluation to learn more about your options.

Deadlines vary depending on your diagnosis date. If you’ve been diagnosed with a related condition, it’s important to act quickly. Our attorneys can help determine your eligibility and work with you to ensure you file your claim correctly and on time.

For many, 9/11 was more than a single tragic day, and its impact continues to affect their lives. At Morgan & Morgan, we stand by those affected to fight for the compensation they need and deserve.

If you or a loved one were affected within the exposure zone, contact us today for a free case evaluation, and let us fight to maximize your compensation. 

While no amount of money can undo the tragic damage of 9/11, securing the compensation you deserve can offer closure, support, and a chance to move forward with your life. Don’t wait—contact us today.

As the nation’s largest personal injury law firm, we have over 35 years of experience fighting For the People. We can assist with filing claims, gathering evidence, and ensuring you receive the full compensation and benefits you deserve. There are no upfront fees—we only get paid if you win.

Don’t wait—contact us today for a free case review.