Author Archives: Michael Barasch
‘Stair Climbs’ Memorialize Heroics of NYC Firefighters, First Responders
Few people can truly imagine what it must have been like to be trapped in the World Trade Center on the morning of September 11, 2001. What’s even more difficult to believe is that so many firefighters rushed into the two towers to rescue as many people as possible, climbing countless stairs while knowing that […]
Victims, Volunteers Still Waiting on Much-Needed Assistance
It’s tough to believe, but 13 years later there are still people who were significantly impacted by the terrorist attacks of 9/11 who are still waiting to receive the assistance they desperately need. Consider the case of Jaime Hazan, a volunteer and first responder who assisted in the immediate aftermath of the attacks in September […]
Firefighters’ Deaths Lead to Calls for Expanding Zadroga Act
On September 22, 2014, three firefighters who responded to the World Trade Center attacks on 9/11 all died on the same day due to cancer stemming from exposure to hazardous materials and chemicals on that day 13 years ago. Retired FDNY Lt. Howard Bischoff and firefighters Daniel Heglund and Robert Leaver, who were also retired, […]
VCF Claims Management System (CMS) Helps Law Firms More Effectively Represent Their Clients
Substantiating a Victims Compensation Fund Claim, both initial eligibility as well as amount of compensation, is an extremely paper-intensive task. A thorough presentation can require reams of documents ranging from medical records to tax returns, utility bills, deeds, leases, pay stubs, time sheets and much, much more. Keeping track of all this material and keeping […]
What Are My Options If My Injuries Are Not a Presumptively Covered Condition?
Presumptively covered conditions are those that have been definitely linked to 9/11. Generally, the Victims Compensation Fund (VCF) covers only injuries and diseases on this list. However, the VCF amends its list periodically. For example, the VCF amended its list to include several types of cancer in October 2012, added prostate cancer in October 2013 […]
Working with VCF Once Your Claim is Approved
Receiving a favorable compensation decision from the VCF may seem like a hollow victory until you actually have the money in hand, especially if you and your family are struggling to make ends meet. Fortunately, the VCF administrators have taken steps to streamline the payment process and avoid many of the issues and delays that […]
Certification of Cancer for WTC Health Program Treatment
The nature of cancer can make it difficult to link conclusively to an event. However, researchers have determined that exposure to certain known carcinogens can cause cancer. Yet, until June 2012, authorities did not acknowledge the probable link to cancer for hundreds of responders, residents and workers at Ground Zero, the Pentagon and the Shanksville […]
Who is Responsible for Uncovering VCF Fraud?
Whenever there is money involved, fraud is a concern. The Victims Compensation Fund is no exception, especially in light of several high-profile cases of fraud that occurred during the administration of the first VCF. Fortunately, it has been very encouraging that cases of fraud have thus far been few and far between in the new […]
Attorney Fees for VCF Representation
One of the most common reasons that people hesitate to consult an attorney following a personal injury or other loss is the fear that the attorney’s fees could consume a substantial portion of whatever award they receive. However, in nearly all cases the enhanced rewards you receive coupled with the stress and uncertainty you avoid […]
Proving You or Your Loved One Was Present at Ground Zero or the Pentagon on 9/11
To be eligible for 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund benefits, you must prove that you were present during or immediately after the terrorist attack. If you are applying for loss of your loved one, you must prove that she or he was present and died as a result of 9/11-related injuries or disease. Proof of presence […]
