You can appeal if you want to challenge the VCF’s decision on your claim. If you want the VCF to make a new determination because of new information i.e., a new illness, you can amend your claim.
A decision must be made on an appeal before a compensation claim is paid. For eligibility appeals, compensation review is delayed until a decision is reached on your appeal. However, there is an exception. If there is an expedited status, a claim can be paid under appeal.
In most cases, amendments don’t affect payment to be made on an original determination. Decisions to appeal or amend should be well thought out. If you believe the VCF’s determination used a low earning and you fail to appeal, you will have waived your right to a raise.
Appeals must be filed on or before 30 days of receiving a decision letter. The appeal should be filed using the appeal form sent alongside the determination letter. If you fail to meet the appeal deadline, the VCF will start processing applicable payment.
You can pursue appeals on your own. However, it is important to seek legal help. The procedure for both filing and moreover appealing VCF claims can be complex. You must meet stringent deadlines and support your claim with documentation. Given the changes that have taken place with the Zadroga act renewal, additional Zadroga act covered conditions, among other changes, filing claims can be a daunting task.
A Zadroga Act lawyer can help you secure the Zadroga act benefits you deserve, including recovering past out-of-pocket medical expenses related to 9/11 injuries or ailments. Given the finality of accepting an award and the complexity of the Zadroga 9/11 health bill, the importance of having a lawyer throughout the process can’t be overlooked.
The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund has officially been renewed — permanently.
Under the newly signd bill, $10.2 billion will be authorized for the Fund for the next 10 years, then additional billions until 2090, essentially covering the surviving 9/11 responders for the rest of their lives.
Victims of 9/11 attacks can file a claim. Alternatively, a parent, guardian, or representative can file a claim on behalf of a victim, whether the victim is alive or deceased. To enjoy benefits under the Zadroga Act & the VCF, three main requirements must be met based on location, data, and condition.
To be eligible for compensation, 9/11 survivors or deceased victims must have been within (worked, lived or attended school/day-care facilities) within a specific location – NYC Exposure Zone or any of the other sites on one or more dates between 11th September 2001 and 30th May 2002
Here’s a more conclusive list of illnesses covered under the Zadroga act.
If you/a loved one is suffering from a 9/11-related physical injury or illness, there is more time to seek compensation for lost wages in the past and future under the Zadroga Act.
For the convenience of our clients, we have access to office facilities throughout California. We aim to make it easier for our clients to meet with us near their homes for initial case intakes and other matters. If you need transportation, we can arrange it in most matters. If you are calling for representation, we will visit you personally in your home or office, at your convenience. Please call us to find out more information about the location nearest your home.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome
A settlement was reached on behalf of non-exempt security guards in California alleging wage and hour claims, including but not limited to minimum wage, overtime, meal breaks, rest breaks, wage statement and waiting time penalties, and additional violations of the applicable Labor Codes and Wage Order(s).
Employees of a health care company alleging minimum wage, overtime, meal and rest break violations in a class action against their employer. This case is currently awaiting approval by the Court.
Warehouse worker alleged minimum wage, overtime, meal and rest break violations in a class action against her employer, a large agricultural manufacturer, distributor and retailer. Plaintiff and defendant have agreed to a class settlement of $4.1 million.