Recent Blog Posts

The September 11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) was created to provide compensation to people injured and killed because of the terrorist attacks on the United States in 2001. By law, operation of the VCF requires a Special Master to administer the fund.  In 2011, Sheila Birnbaum was appointed by United States Attorney General Eric Holder […]

The expansion of VCF claim eligibility to victims of various cancers is a victory for first responders, rescue workers, cleanup workers and others who braved the aftermath of 9/11 to help pick up the pieces. However, the increase in size of the pool of potential claimants also raises questions about whether the $2.775 billion allocated […]

One of the primary purposes of the James Zadroga Act and the new Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) was to extend coverage beyond those who suffered immediate injuries in the wake of 9/11—and to account for the increasing number of first responders, rescue workers and others who were still being diagnosed with cancers and other chronic […]

Several organizations were created to assist the victims of the 9/11 attacks with the long-term consequences of debris exposure. These include the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) and the WTC Health Program that provides treatment and testing to first responders and others. In addition to these important programs, however, the WTC Medical Working Group has been […]

Since the new Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) was opened more than two years ago, the special master appointed to oversee its administration, Sheila Birnbaum, has been highly visible and widely lauded for its progress. Recently, she took some time to discuss her experience during a speech before the New York University School of Law Annual […]

The Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) claims process was designed to ensure compensation funds only go to people with legitimate diagnoses of WTC-related illnesses. As such, medical evidence plays a substantial role not only in determining whether a claimant qualifies but also the amount of compensation he or she should receive. Receiving prompt treatment and working […]